Demand Planner

Kubota Engine America; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 87,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

PTO

STD/LTD

401(k) Plan

Job summary

Kubota Engine America seeks an experienced Senior Demand Planning Analyst to optimize forecasting and inventory, support supply chain performance, and lead process improvements. This full‑time role is in Lincolnshire, IL, hybrid after 30 days, with a strong emphasis on MRP, EOQ, and safety stock management.

Responsibilities include managing service parts forecasts, developing new item forecasts, and collaborating across teams to improve fill rates and inventory turns.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Industrial Engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years in inventory or demand planning, preferably in agriculture, power equipment, or heavy equipment industries.
• Experience with SAP ERP, DRP/MRP, SQL and Power BI.

Responsibilities

• Manage demand forecasts for service parts and select products to meet fill rate and inventory targets.
• Develop forecasts for new, low‑volume, or irregular‑demand items using historical trends and sales insights.
• Oversee inventory readiness for new product launches, campaigns, and events.
• Maintain and enhance forecasting models, stock levels, replenishment settings, and deployment strategies.
• Analyze part‑level data (lead times, pricing, sourcing) to establish EOQs and min/max levels.
• Lead initiatives for MRP, forecasting tools, and demand planning systems.
• Monitor safety stock, reorder points, and Min/Max settings to optimize inventory.
• Identify slow‑moving or obsolete inventory through root‑cause analysis.
• Produce data‑driven reports and recommendations for leadership.
• Support development and implementation of optimization tools and processes.
• Collaborate with Material Planners to optimize ordering and evaluate MRP/DRP performance.

Skills

SQL proficiency

Power BI

Lean Six Sigma

Advanced Excel

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain/Logistics/Industrial Engineering or related field

Tools

SAP ERP (EWM/APO/WM/BW)

DRP/MRP systems

Job description

Senior Demand Planning Analyst – Hybrid | Lincolnshire, IL | Salary: $86,700–$95,000 (DOE)

Kubota Engine America (KEA) is a global leader in industrial engine distribution, known for innovation, reliability, and exceptional customer support. We are hiring an experienced Senior Demand Planning Analyst to drive high-impact forecasting, inventory optimization, and supply chain improvement.

This full‑time role is based in Lincolnshire, IL (north of Chicago) and transitions to a hybrid schedule after 30 days. KEA offers a comprehensive benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, PTO, STD/LTD, and a 401(k) plan.

About the Role

The Senior Demand Planning Analyst is responsible for optimizing inventory levels, improving forecast accuracy, and supporting overall supply chain performance to achieve targeted fill rates and inventory objectives. This role analyzes demand trends, maintains forecasting and replenishment parameters, and ensures alignment between system recommendations and supplier requirements. The position also leads process improvements and may support cross‑functional project teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage demand forecasts for service parts and select whole goods to meet fill rate and inventory targets.
• Develop forecasts for new, low‑volume, or irregular‑demand items using historical trends, comparable products, and sales insights.
• Oversee inventory readiness for new product launches, campaigns, and special events.
• Maintain and enhance forecasting models, stock levels, replenishment settings, and deployment strategies.
• Analyze part‑level data—including lead times, pricing, and sourcing—to establish EOQs and minimum lot sizes.
• Serve as subject matter expert for MRP, forecasting tools, and demand planning systems.
• Monitor and adjust safety stock, reorder points, and Min/Max settings to optimize inventory.
• Identify and address slow‑moving or obsolete inventory through root‑cause analysis.
• Produce clear, data‑driven reports and recommendations for leadership.
• Support development and implementation of optimization tools and process improvements.
• Collaborate with Material Planners to ensure optimal ordering and evaluate MRP/DRP performance.
• Track and report key metrics, including fill rate, inventory turns, and forecast accuracy.
• Maintain accurate documentation, uphold confidentiality, and support cross‑functional teams as needed.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Industrial Engineering, or related field; or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in inventory or demand planning, ideally within agriculture, power equipment, or heavy equipment industries.

Qualifications

• Expertise in aftermarket service parts and advanced demand/inventory planning systems; programming experience preferred.
• Experience with SAP ERP (EWM, APO, WM, BW) and DRP/MRP systems.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, including SQL proficiency and Power BI dashboard development.
• Lean (TPS/Six Sigma) experience and knowledge of inventory management principles.
• Advanced Excel proficiency and familiarity with optimization techniques.
• Proven ability to lead initiatives, work independently, and collaborate across teams.
• Willingness to travel as needed.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Office‑based role with moderate noise and occasional warehouse exposure.
• Extended periods of sitting with some walking, bending, and light lifting (up to 25 lbs).
• Ability to travel by car or air when required.