Demand Planner

GVW Group; Highland (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

Autocar Parts is seeking a Demand Planner to develop and maintain accurate forecasts for assigned products and customers. You will collaborate with Sales, Marketing, Finance, Product Management, and Supply Planning to deliver a reliable demand signal for business decisions.

The role focuses on improving forecast accuracy, leading S&OP activities, and managing demand during lifecycle events. A Bachelor’s degree and 2+ years in planning are required, with APICS certification preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required; preferred focus in supply chain, logistics or mathematics.
• 2+ years in Demand Planning, forecasting, or distribution planning.
• APICS or similar certification preferred.
• Strong analytical, planning and organizational skills.
• Working knowledge of S&OP, inventory planning, and MRP.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain forecasts for assigned products, customers, and business segments using historical demand and models.
• Monitor forecast accuracy and bias; investigate variances and improve performance.
• Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Product Management on inputs for the consensus forecast.
• Prepare for monthly Demand-EPM and S&OP meetings; communicate risks and opportunities.
• Manage forecasts for new product introductions, promotions, and lifecycle events.
• Monitor significant orders and unusual demand patterns and assess impact on forecast.
• Maintain forecasts and data within Demand-EPM and ERP systems.
• Use exception-based planning to prioritize items needing analysis.
• Support inventory reviews by providing demand outlook and future consumption.

Skills

Demand planning

Analytical skills

Forecasting

Interpersonal communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain/logistics/mathematics

APICS certification preferred

Tools

MRP systems

ERP systems

BI tools

Job description

At Autocar Parts, we fight for the customers’ needs. We invest in and grow businesses that disrupt their industries by putting the customers’ needs first. From big data to industrial manufacturing, we deliver tools that transform the work of the people that use them.
We are privately owned and expect our team members to act with an owner mindset: Relentless about creating value for the customer. Dogged about finding efficiencies and eliminating waste. Standing arm in arm with the rest of the team until the job is done—and ready to do it again the next day, with a smile.
It is not easy to do things differently. But we do it—because we are passionate about improving our business and the lives of the people who use our tools.

Summary

The Demand Planner is responsible for developing and maintaining accurate demand forecasts for assigned products and customers within Autocar Parts. This role combines historical demand, statistical forecasting, customer and market intelligence, and cross-functional input to create an accurate and unbiased consensus demand plan.

The Demand Planner partners with Sales, Marketing, Finance, Product Management, Supply Planning, and Purchasing to identify demand changes, communicate risks and opportunities, and provide a reliable demand signal supporting business and supply chain decisions.

Key Outcomes

Achieving, improving and exceeding targeted forecast accuracy and goals, managing forecasts and new item introductions. Coordinating and leading S&OP process with internal stakeholders.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain forecasts for assigned products, customers, and business segments using historical demand, statistical models, and business intelligence.
• Monitor forecast accuracy and bias, investigate significant variances, and implement actions to improve forecast performance.
• Partner with Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Product Management to evaluate customer, market, and business inputs and incorporate appropriate changes into the consensus forecast.
• Prepare for and participate in monthly Demand-EPM and SIOP meetings, communicating forecast changes, assumptions, risks, and opportunities.
• Manage demand forecasts for new-product introductions, promotions, supersessions, phase-ins/phase-outs, and other lifecycle events.
• Monitor significant customer orders and unusual demand patterns and assess their impact on the forecast.
• Maintain accurate forecasts and planning data within Demand-EPM and applicable planning/ERP systems.
• Use exception-based planning to prioritize items requiring analysis and intervention.
• Support excess and obsolete inventory reviews by providing demand outlook and future consumption assumptions.
• Identify opportunities to improve forecasting methods, systems, reporting, data quality, and Demand Planning processes.

Position Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Demand Planning experience, long lead time procurement and kit planning helpful.
• Strong analytical, planning and organizational skills including statistical analysis
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills (oral & written)
• Working knowledge of S&OP, inventory planning, Supply Planning, and MRP.
• Fully competent MRP skills
• Demand Planning experience as well as understanding of Supply Chain Planning, Inventory Planning and Distribution Requirements Planning
• Self-starter with ability to work independently under pressure and react quickly to changing priorities
• Bachelor’s Degree Required; preferred supply chain, logistics or mathematics focus
• At least 2 years of Demand Planning, forecasting, supply chain planning in a distribution environment
• APICS or similar certification preferred

Key Competencies

Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.

Technical Skills - Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.

Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.

Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.

Quality Management - Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.

Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans

Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.

Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.

We offer:

• Competitive compensation
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and AD&D insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and company holidays
• A high-impact role with significant ownership and growth opportunities
• A collaborative culture built on accountability, teamwork, and customer success

Job Duties Disclaimer:

The duties and responsibilities outlined here are representative but not exhaustive of the tasks that the employee may be required to perform. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other tasks as necessary to meet business needs.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Autocar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Reasonable Accommodations (ADA Compliance):

Autocar complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Employees who require assistance or accommodation should contact Human Resources.