Demand Planner

Lindt & Spruengli (USA) Inc.; Stratham (NH); Hybrid; USD 81,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Lindt & Spruengli (USA) Inc. in Stratham, NH is seeking a forecast analytics professional to develop and maintain item level forecasts using historical sales data, seasonality and market trends. You will collaborate with sales, brand and finance to maximize product availability and drive growth.

The role focuses on forecast accuracy, bias reduction, and integration into demand planning. Hybrid role with three days per week in our Stratham, NH office.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; APICS/IBF certification preferred.
• Experience with time series forecasting and market trend analysis.
• Strong Excel and data interpretation skills.
• Proven ability to present findings to cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain and improve item level forecasts using historical data and seasonality.
• Partner with sales, brand and finance to align forecasts and business plans.
• Lead new item introduction forecasting and planogram impact.
• Run S&OE meetings and communicate risks/opportunities to leaders.

Skills

Statistical forecasting

Excel

Cognos/BI

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

BI tools

Time series models

Job description

Who We AreAt Lindt, we are a global fast-growing consumer goods company, enchanting the world with premium chocolate. We are driven by our passion for excellence and go the extra mile ensuring that every Lindt experience is nothing short of exceptional. Our collective efforts are geared towards making a positive impact, not only in the world of premium chocolate but also in the lives of our employees, customers, and communities. Our company embraces a culture defined by the core values of Excellence, Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Responsibility, and Collaboration, fostering a dynamic and collaborative environment where these principles drive our success.Position Purpose:The individual in this position is responsible for creating and maintaining a item level forecast utilizing sales assumptions, historical analysis, statistical modeling, market trends, and thorough collaboration & consensus across sales, brand and finance teams. The focus will be on maximizing product availability, supporting Lindt & Sprungli’s growth initiatives, and help to achieve financial goals while minimizing destruction & discounts. This role has a focus on leveraging advanced analytics, historical data and forecasting models to improve forecast accuracy, reduce bias and support business planning processes. To be effective in this cross functional role, the individual must be comfortable working cross functionally with sales, operations, production planning, marketing and customer service as well as presenting and communicating across various levels of the organization.This is a hybrid role that requires three days per week in our Stratham, NH corporate office.Essential Job Functions & Responsibilities:Everyday Item ForecastingDevelop, maintain, and continuously improve statistical forecasting models using historical sales data, seasonality and market trends.Generate baseline forecasts using tools such as time series models.Partner with the sales team to build item level forecasts, providing recommendations & supporting analysis based on statistics, history, turns, cannibalization, etc.Maintain source of growth assumptions and document monthly changes to the forecast to communicate as needed and present at a demand review meeting.Monitor forecast accuracy, bias, and forecast value add; translate results into improvement actions.Continuous improvement within process to help reduce forecast error and bias (data integrity, reporting capabilities, ad hoc analysis, cross functional communication).New Item IntroductionLiaise with sales and marketing on new item introductions & planogram updates, recommend volume & Gross Sales (GTS) for pipeline assumptions, turns & phasing, aligning with sales manager to drive appropriate supply signalsWork cross functionally with internal departments to incorporate cuts, POS, market data, IRI & other factors for forecast & future projections of new itemsProvide item level forecasting support to the Brand planning team as neededS&OERun S&OE meetings for assigned brands to ensure smooth execution of demand plan and variances to plan across supply chain.Manage and communicate the risks and opportunities for assigned product lines, ensure the organization is aware of potential volume impacts to the operational plan and decision timing.Qualifications & Requirements:Skills & Knowledge:Strong knowledge of statistical forecasting techniques (time series analysis, regression, machine learning models).Strong Excel skillsRobust communication and demonstrated system skills required.Cognos or BI skillsDemonstrated commitment to teamwork and internal client service orientationSound analytical skills and ability to mine & interpret data, resolve abnormalities and make decisions & drive for actionAbility to present information to facilitate consensus & motivate othersEducation:Bachelor’s degree requiredAPICS, IBF or similar certification preferredTotal Rewards:Compensation Range: $81k - $105kApplicants for this position must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. The company will not sponsor applicants for this position for work visas.Lindt USA’s salary range reflects market rates based on our size, revenue, and location. Starting pay is determined using a wide range of factors including, but not limited to, job-related skills, knowledge, and experience as well as market conditions. A bonus and/or long-term incentive may be included as part of this compensation package.Lindt and Sprüngli is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, veteran status, or any other classification protected by state, local or federal law. Applicants for this position must successfully pass a background screening and may be required to pass drug screenings as well.If you are looking to join a winning team and fast-track your career, contact us!Join us on our journey of excellence, impact, and growth #LifeAtLindt