Demand Planner

Gordon Food Service; Wyoming (MI); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

Gordon Food Service is seeking a Demand Planner to analyze forecasts, incorporate market trends, and improve in-stock performance across the supply chain.

The role requires collaboration with multiple departments, development of statistical forecasts, and adjustments for seasonality and new items. A hybrid work schedule is offered with in-office and remote days.

Qualifications

• Two+ years experience in the food industry or supply chain management.
• Proficient in statistical concepts and forecasting methods.
• Knowledge of Excel, VBA, SQL, Python, Javascript is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Use and maintain demand planning software as the primary forecasting tool.
• Collaborate with Category Management, Sales and Supply Chain to maintain forecast integrity.
• Develop and maintain accurate statistical forecasts with market intelligence.
• Review historical sales trends and research demand drivers for seasonal forecasts.
• Communicate significant changes in demand to Replenishment Planners.
• Identify and resolve forecast exceptions to improve accuracy and service levels.
• Benchmark forecast accuracy and bias to monitor continuous improvement.
• Make adjustments to demand/forecast for new items, events, and discontinuations.
• Develops forecast attributes for new/seasonal items.
• Identify root cause for forecast misses and communicate improvements.

Skills

Statistical concepts

Forecasting methods

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Google Apps

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management/Statistics

Tools

Excel

VBA

SQL

Python

Javascript

Job description

Welcome to Gordon Food Service! We are excited that you are thinking about opportunities with us, and we have an amazing story to share. See below for a quick glance of who we are and the impact you could have on the food service industry. There's a seat at our table for you...

Position Summary:

The Demand Planner analyzes and adjusts statistical forecasts based on a review of product movement including seasonality, industry and market trends, and probability of anticipated sales. Measured on forecast accuracy and forecast bias through statistical modeling and consensus planning. Focused on driving continuous improvement with customer in-stock performance, days on hand, product loss, and capacity planning.

What you will do:

• Use and maintain demand planning software as the primary forecasting tool.
• Collaborate with appropriate GFS departments including, but not limited to, Category Management, Sales and Supply Chain teams to maintain forecast integrity.
• Develop and maintain accurate statistical forecasts that incorporate market intelligence gathered from collaboration with the various customer segments.
• Review historical sales trends and research demand drivers to ensure the most accurate seasonal forecast.
• Communicate to Replenishment Planners any significant changes in demand that may warrant adjustments to fulfillment parameters
• Identify and resolve forecast exceptions in a highly efficient manner resulting in improved forecast accuracy and service levels, and lower spoilage and liquidation.
• Address demand related inquiries in a timely and professional manner
• Responsible for benchmarking forecast accuracy and bias to monitor continuous improvement.
• Make necessary adjustments to demand/forecast for future events, item transitions, limited time offerings, new business, and product discontinuation.
• Develops and manages forecast and demand attributes for new and seasonal items utilizing various system functionality.
• Identify root cause for forecast misses and communicate concerns/successes to appropriate personnel in a highly professional and efficient manner.Participate in functional teams to propose methods and ideas that drive innovation for improvement in the forecasting system and existing business processes.(ex. Seasonal Planning, Statistical Exceptions Management, etc.)

Perform other duties as assigned

When you will work:

• Monday through Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm.
• Hybrid Work Schedule: 4 days in office, 1 day from home.

What you'll bring to the table:

• Bachelor Degree in Supply Chain Management, Statistics, or related is preferred.
• Two or more years experience within the food industry or supply chain management field. A proven capability to perform the essential functions of the job, including an equivalent, relevant combination of education, training and experience will be considered in lieu of the specified education and experience requirements.
• Ability to work in teams, interact with others across departments/roles, develop relationships, etc.
• Self directed with ability to deal with distraction, repetition, prioritization, fluctuations in workload, ambiguity, etc.
• Proficient in statistical concepts and forecasting methods
• Excellent written, verbal, organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and execute efficient work processes.
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer service. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
• Ability to problem solve and develop solutions to a variety of complex problems by comparing, classifying, innovating, analyzing, coordinating, copying, etc. May refer to established precedents and policies.
• Knowledge of Google Applications, and internet software applications.
• Knowledge of Excel, VBA, SQL, Python, Javascript is a plus.
• Basic office equipment, laptop, PC, copier, videoconferencing.
• Knowledge of supply chain forecasting software is preferred.

BE PART OF AN AMAZING CULTURE WHERE WHAT MATTERS TO YOU, MATTERS TO US!

Gordon Food Service values our customers and understands that their success is largely dependent upon their workforce. To demonstrate our commitment to our partnership, we will require any candidate who works for a Gordon Food Service customer to provide a letter of support from their management if they are selected for the interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity is a matter of policy at Gordon Food Service, Inc. and we are committed to a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with disability. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, please submit your request to [e-mail] and use the words “Accommodation Request” in your subject line.

All Gordon Food Service locations are tobacco‑free.

Gordon Food Service is a drug‑free workplace and conducts pre‑employment drug tests.