Demand Planner

Lactalis American Group; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Lactalis American Group in Buffalo, NY is seeking a Demand Planner to forecast short-, medium-, and long-range demand for assigned product lines. You will analyze demand, run forecasting software, and align forecast with sales, supply planning, and master production schedules.

The role requires 2+ years in demand planning, preferably in food, with APICS/CPIM certification a plus. Proficiency with Power BI, Excel (Pivot Tables), and the ability to collaborate across teams is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred; majors in Supply Chain, Finance or Statistics preferred.
• 2+ years of Demand Planning experience preferred, particularly in the Food/Relative Supply Chain sector.
• APICS CPIM certification or equivalent is a plus; willingness to pursue certification is valued.
• Proficiency with Power BI, Excel and Pivot Tables; strong analytical and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and improve forecasting for assigned product lines across short-, medium-, and long-range horizons.
• Collaborate with Commercial, Finance, and Central Planning to align forecasts with business plans and inventory goals.
• Analyze data from sales, customers, and industry trends to refine demand signals.
• Prepare and publish CDP reports and forecast accuracy metrics; explain variances clearly.

Skills

Power BI

Microsoft Excel

Pivot Tables

Strong communication

Forecasting software

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Majors in Supply Chain, Finance, or Statistics preferred

Tools

APICS CPIM (plus)

FuturMaster

Kinaxis

Stratum

AS/400

Job description

Description

Ready for more than just a job? Build a career with purpose.

At Lactalis in the USA, we’re committed to providing meaningful opportunities for our people to learn, grow, and thrive—whether you’re just starting your journey with us or looking to take the next step in your career. From day one, we offer the tools and support to help you succeed.

As the world leader in dairy, Lactalis is a family-owned company with over 85,000 pragmatic and ambitious professionals across the globe. Each day, we’re proud to produce award-winning dairy products that bring people together.

In the US, we proudly offer an unrivaled house of beloved brands, including Galbani® Italian cheeses and ricotta, Président® specialty cheeses and butters, Kraft® natural and grated cheeses, Breakstone’s® cottage cheese, Cracker Barrel®, Black Diamond® cheddar, and Parmalat® milk. Our yogurt portfolio includes siggi’s®, Stonyfield Organic®, Brown Cow™, Oui®, Yoplait®, Go-Gurt®, :ratio®, Green Mountain Creamery®, and Mountain High®, along with a growing family of ethnic favorites like Karoun®, Gopi®, and Arz®.

At Lactalis, we live by our core values—Ambition, Engagement, and Simplicity. We foster a workplace where innovation thrives, diverse perspectives are celebrated, and everyone’s unique background and ideas are valued.

Even if you don’t meet every qualification, we encourage you to apply. We want to hear about your PASSION, your STORY, and how your EXPERTISE can help us shape the future of dairy.

From your PASSION to ours

Lactalis American Group, part of the Lactalis family of companies, is currently hiring a Demand Planner based in Buffalo, NY.

As a Demand Planner, the role will be responsible for the short, medium, and long-range demand forecasting of assigned product lines and/or channels of business. Will analyze demand and use forecasting software to generate resource and D.C. level forecasts. Must have a thorough understanding of the linkages between the market, various distribution channels, the sales forecast, the strategic plan, and the master production schedule.

From your EXPERTISE to ours

Key responsibilities for this position include:

• Continuously improve the sales forecasting process within the S&OP process.
• Drive the CDP process with Commercial and Finance teams to align the financial forecast with the Consensus Demand Plan. Any significant variances need to be analyzed for clarity.
• Obtain and analyze data from the industry, the Sales force, Central Planning, and the Customer Service Department for inclusion into the rolling short-term and long-term demand forecast.
• Regularly validate forecast splits down to the Item/D.C./week level. Adjust the short-term D.C. week forecasts as necessary to support effective deployment of inventory.
• Produce and publish CDP reports and forecast accuracy metrics. Explain variances, note uncertainty, and highlight risk areas. Ensure clear presentational skills for audiences not familiar with department tools and verbiage.
• Analyze buying patterns of key customers and predict how they will react to incentives. Analyze market response to new products and use this to develop forecasts for new items not yet introduced.
• Work directly with Demand Planning manager on projects, and drive change with implementing new processes when applicable.
• Regularly communicate with Central Supply Planner(s) to identify any challenges and/or bottlenecks.
• Perform ongoing analysis of factors affecting forecasts and develop forecasts in a timely manner for communication.
• Provide any necessary training to new demand planners or associate demand planners.

WORK CONDITIONS

• Travel may be required occasionally.
• Extended hours may be necessary depending on the project needs.
• To fulfill these responsibilities, tools such as a computer, phone or, and / or allowance(s) may be provided.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential duties and responsibilities.
• This position requires physical presence in the office, in accordance with the guidelines of the Hybrid Work Policy.
• Demonstrate commitment to a safe working environment that promotes the health and well-being of all employees and that will further contribute to the Company’s overall performance and success.

From your STORY to ours

Qualified applicants will contribute the following:

Education

• Bachelor's degree is preferred.
• Majors in Supply Chain, Finance, or Statistics is preferred.

Experience

• 2+ years of Demand Planning experience is preferred.
• Experience in the Food Industry, Relative Supply Chain, or Financial Analysis preferred.

Skills, Specific Knowledge and Certifications

• The following certifications are a plus for this role: APICS or CPIM.
• Ability to learn and use FuturMaster, Kinaxis, Stratum, and AS/400.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, especially Power BI, Microsoft Excel and ability to work with Pivot Tables.
• Strong communication skills to effectively work with cross functional teams in a clear and concise format for all pertinent audiences.

Requirements

At Lactalis, we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards Program with a variety of affordable benefits and coverage options. We support insurance costs significantly, contribute generously to retirement plans, and offer Paid Time Off from day one. We are committed to your professional growth, providing training and development opportunities, including Education Reimbursement. Join us and grow your career.

Lactalis is an equal employment opportunity employer. We will not discriminate against applicants with regard to any legally-recognized basis including, but not limited to: veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, and physical or mental disabilities. Further, any division of the Company that is an Aff…