Demand Planner

Realtruck; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Life insurance

Disability insurance

401(k) match

Wellbeing days

Parental leave

Educational reimbursement

Referral bonuses

Employee discounts

Job summary

RealTruck, based in Ann Arbor, MI, seeks a Demand Planner who translates data into actionable demand forecasts and aligns forecasts with business goals. You will collaborate with Sales, Commercial Planning, Finance, and Marketing to gather insights and drive accurate, timely forecasts that support operational readiness.

The role emphasizes analytics, clear communication, and influencing stakeholders to improve forecast accuracy and supply planning across the organization.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of related experience in demand planning or forecasting.
• Ability to integrate multiple data sources to build accurate forecasts.
• Strong communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficient with Excel and BI tools to support forecasting processes.

Responsibilities

• Develop accurate demand forecasts for all items in the accountable segment.
• Integrate customer insights, baseline trends, promotions, and seasonality into forecasts.
• Lead cross-functional forecasting improvements and reduce forecast error.
• Maintain 52-week operational forecast by item and distribution center.
• Provide timely analysis to Sales and Operations for decision-making.
• Support monthly demand meetings and forecast-driven planning.

Skills

Forecasting

Data analysis

Cross-functional teamwork

Communication

Excel

Attention to detail

Tools

BPCS

PowerBI

Job description

We’re seeking a Demand Planner who excels at building strong cross-functional relationships and transforming data into meaningful insights. In this role, you’ll collaborate closely with key partners across the business to gather, analyze, and integrate critical information that drives accurate, timely demand forecasts. You’ll apply strong analytical thinking to interpret trends, validate assumptions, and ensure forecasts align with business goals and customer needs. Your ability to communicate clearly, influence stakeholders, and translate complex data into actionable plans will be essential in supporting operational readiness and long-term organizational growth.

CORE FUNCTIONS

• Develop accurate demand forecasts of all line items for the accountable segment of the business by using a combination of statistical forecasting integrated with insights gained via partnering with Sales teams, Commercial Planning, Sales Planning, Finance, and Marketing.
• Ensure consistent integration into the forecast of customer insights, base business trends, merchandising promotional plans, new item volumes, plan‑o‑gram changes and seasonal volume with the goal of reducing working capital, minimizing forecast error, and maximizing service levels.
• Work cross functionally toward continuous improvement of forecast accuracy and improve the error rate below targeted levels of Weighted Mean Absolute Percentage Error (WMAPE) and Bias.
• Maintain forecasting system models, history, alerts, and system data integrity to ensure the publication of a 52-week operational forecast by item by distribution center.
• As the Commercial / Supply Interface, provide Sales and Operations teams with timely analysis, guidance, and decision-making to ensure that the supply chain is in the best position to execute the demand plan generated from the total operational forecast. This includes generating and publishing to key stakeholders, monthly and weekly demand forecasts, including clear identification of assumptions highlighting significant changes since release of previous report.
• Provide input to support monthly Demand meetings and incorporate feedback to improve forecasting process.
• Provide documented insights into forecast changes, growth rates, promotions, distribution changes, and customer insights as well as supporting points for the current brand/packtype forecasts.
• Perform ad hoc analyses, as required, in support of contingency planning.
• Provide cross functional leadership across departments to solve for demand related issues caused by forecast error, demand constraints, unplanned promotional opportunities, etc.
• In addition to position-specific work, as outlined above, the Demand Planner will act as a lead on special projects, providing leadership as a functional expert to represent Demand Planning needs. The teams may include (but not be limited to): seasonal teams, new product launch teams, and continuous improvement initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

Education and Experience

• 3+ years of related experience required.

Skills, Abilities, and Knowledge

• Proficient in understanding fundamental business management and supply chain principles and concepts.
• Ability to integrate multiple data sources to develop, implement, and execute timely and accurate demand forecasts.
• Ability to identify and evaluate opportunities (increase service levels, enhance logistic efficiencies, support customer needs, etc.) and recommend solutions internally.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills, relationship management, and personal ownership of assigned portfolio and results. Ability to communicate effectively with internal and external partners at all levels.
• Capacity to work within multiple information systems including, but not limited to Excel, BPCS, and various PowerBI solutions.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, and advanced proficiency with Excel.
• Capacity to analyze customer‑specific data, reporting, and analytical tools.
• Adaptive to fast and continuous change.
• Strong mathematical skills.

Travel

• Travel is not required.

COMPETENCIES

• Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs workflows and procedures.
• Volunteers readily; Undertakes self‑development activities; Seeks increased responsibilities; Takes independent actions and calculated risks; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; Asks for and offers help when needed.
• Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision‑making process; Makes timely decisions.
• Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
• Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.
• Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Individual Contributor: working team member with no oversight of others and no management responsibilities.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This position is subject to sedentary work; exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involved sitting most of the time. Walking and standing are required only occasionally.

Physical Activities

This position is subject to the following physical activities: talking, hearing, and the use of hands, wrists, or fingers in repetitive motions.

This position is subject to close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; expansive reading; visual inspection involving small defects, small parts and/or operation of machines (including inspection); using measurement devices; and/or assembly of fabrication of parts at distances close to the eyes.

Working Conditions

This position operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment.

Perks That Go the Extra Mile :

At RealTruck, we take care of our people—because they drive our success. Enjoy great benefits like medical, dental, and vision coverage, company‑paid life insurance and disability, and a 401(k) with company match (eligible the first of the month after you start). Need balance? We’ve got wellbeing days and parental leave. Want to grow? Take advantage of educational reimbursement. Plus, earn referral bonuses and score exclusive employee discounts on RealTruck products. Great benefits. Great people. Even better careers.

RealTruck is the premier manufacturer and digital destination of accessories for truck, Jeep®, Bronco® and off‑road enthusiasts around the world. Globally headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, RealTruck’s 6,000+ associates operate from 35+ facilities across four continents. RealTruck’s industry leading product portfolio, which includes the Husky Liners total vehicle protection brand, boasts over 1,000 patents and pending applications. The company’s omni‑channel retail approach delivers a seamless consumer experience online at RealTruck.com, as well as through its 12,000+ dealer network and automotive (OEM) partnerships.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.