Demand & Inventory Planner

Backyard Products; Plano (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Backyard Products is seeking a Demand & Inventory Planner to develop accurate forecasts, manage procurement, and optimize inventory levels. This role collaborates across sales, marketing, and operations to meet demand and improve customer satisfaction.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management or related fields, along with 3-5 years of experience in this domain. Strong analytical skills and proficiency in tools like D365 and Excel are key for this position.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Economics, or related field.
• 3–5 years of experience in demand planning, procurement, and/or inventory management.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Excel and planning/procurement tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain rolling demand forecasts based on historical data.
• Execute procurement activities to ensure timely availability of materials.
• Plan and maintain optimal inventory levels to balance cost and risk.
• Partner with multiple teams to align forecasts with supply and financial plans.

Skills

Strong analytical and quantitative skills

Proficiency in Excel

Planning/procurement tools expertise

Solid knowledge of procurement best practices

Strong understanding of inventory management principles

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Collaboration skills

Ability to manage multiple priorities

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Economics

3–5 years of experience in demand planning, procurement, and/or inventory management

Tools

D365

NetSuite

Sage

Great Plains

Tableau

Job description

Position Title: Demand & Inventory Planner

Functional Area: Supply Chain and Operations

Reports To: Corporate Director of S&OP

Position Summary: The Demand & Inventory Planner is responsible for developing accurate demand forecasts, managing procurement activities, and optimizing inventory levels to support business goals and service levels. This role works cross-functionally with sales, marketing, NPD, and operations teams to ensure supply meets demand, minimize costs, and improve customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

Demand Planning & Forecasting

• Develop and maintain rolling demand forecasts based on historical data, input from the sales/marketing/NP teams, and other intel.
• Monitor forecast accuracy and conduct corrective actions to improve performance.
• Support product launches, promotions, and lifecycle planning with accurate demand projections.

Procurement

• Execute procurement activities to ensure timely availability of raw materials, components, and finished goods.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships to improve lead times, cost savings, and supply reliability.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, and terms with suppliers in alignment with company policies.
• Monitor supplier performance and escalate risks that may affect supply continuity.

Inventory Management

• Plan and maintain optimal inventory levels to balance cost, risk, and service levels.
• Track inventory performance (doh, turns, aging, excess, obsolescence) and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Collaborate with warehousing and logistics teams to ensure accurate stock levels and timely replenishments.
• Implement inventory optimization strategies such as safety stock calculations and reorder point management.

Collaboration & Cross-Functional Alignment

• Partner with Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Operations to align demand forecasts with supply and financial plans.
• Lead/participate in the monthly S&OP process to drive consensus on demand and supply alignment.
• Communicate risks, opportunities, and recommendations to senior leadership.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Provide regular reporting on demand forecasts, procurement status, and inventory performance.
• Use analytics to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Maintain accurate and timely data in planning, ERP, and procurement systems.

Qualifications

• Education & Experience:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Economics, or related field
  • 3–5 years of experience in demand planning, procurement, and/or inventory management.
• Skills & Competencies:
  • Strong analytical and quantitative skills; proficiency in Excel and planning/procurement tools (e.g., D365, NetSuite, Sage, Great Plains, Tableau).
  • Solid knowledge of procurement best practices and supplier management.
  • Strong understanding of inventory management principles (safety stock, EOQ, reorder points).
  • Excellent negotiation, communication, and collaboration skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Preferred:
  • APICS/IBF/ISM certifications (CPIM, CSCP, CPF, CPSM) are a plus.
  • Experience in Asia supply planning, manufacturing, outdoor playsets and structures

Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Forecast accuracy (MAPE, BIAS, etc.)
• Inventory days on hand, turns and stockout rates
• Supplier performance (OTD, cost savings, quality metrics)
• Procurement cost control
• Contribution to S&OP effectiveness

Compensation will be dependent on level of experience!