Demand Planner | Food & Beverage Manufacturing | CPF – Ayer, MA

CPF, Inc; Ayer (MA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

CPF, Inc. is seeking a Demand Planner to oversee supply and demand planning, production scheduling, and raw materials purchasing. The role focuses on maintaining in-stock levels while minimizing inventory, in a GMP-compliant manufacturing environment.

Candidate will analyze forecasts, collaborate with sales and operations, and optimize the order management process to ensure timely delivery and customer satisfaction. English proficiency is required for effective communication.

Qualifications

• Associate degree required; bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 2–5 years of logistics or planning experience in a fast-paced manufacturing or supply chain environment.
• Knowledge of planning systems and Consumer-Packaged Goods go-to-market strategies preferred.
• Proficiency with MS Office applications and MRP systems.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Review inventory levels and customer orders; recommend adjustments to optimize service while minimizing inventory.
• Develop accurate sales forecasts to support end-to-end supply chain and data updates.
• Analyze sales history, forecast accuracy, inventory levels, and KPIs to identify trends and improvements.
• Communicate effectively with internal and external contacts to support daily business execution.
• Oversee and improve the order management process (order entry, reporting, transportation, follow-up).
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Analytical skills

English fluency

Team collaboration

Communication

Education

Associate degree

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

MRP systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position Summary:

The primary function of the Demand Planner is to plan, deploy, and maintain full visibility of the company’s finished goods requirements. Responsibilities include Supply and Demand Planning, Production Scheduling, and Raw Materials Purchasing. The planner is accountable for maintaining in-stock levels across the company’s distribution system while keeping inventory levels low (measured in days of supply). This individual must follow all company policies and procedures, including but not limited to: Quality and Food Safety Policies, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Safety Policies, and General Work Rules.

Key Responsibilities:

• Review inventory levels and customer orders across the distribution network; recommend adjustments to optimize customer service levels while maintaining minimal inventory.
• Develop accurate sales forecasts to support the end-to-end supply chain by ensuring timely updates to trade, marketing, promotion, and customer-specific data.
• Analyze sales history, forecast accuracy, inventory levels, service performance, and other key KPIs to identify trends, determine root causes, and develop improvement solutions.
• Communicate effectively with internal and external point of contacts to support daily business execution.
• Oversee and improve the order management process (order entry, customer reporting, transportation coordination, and follow-up).
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Training, Skills, Knowledge, and Experience:

• Associate degree required; bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 2–5 years of logistics or planning experience in a fast-paced manufacturing or supply chain environment.
• Knowledge of planning systems and understanding of Consumer-Packaged Goods (CPG) go-to-market strategies (preferred).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and MRP systems.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to build and maintain effective customer relationships.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Must be able to read, write, and speak English fluently.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements:

• Ability to work in manufacturing and production areas with exposure to heat, noise, chemicals, and moving machinery.
• This position requires extended periods of sitting at a computer workstation, light lifting (under 10 lbs), and occasional walking, reaching, and bending. Frequent telephone use is required.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all associated responsibilities, skills efforts, or working conditions. CPF reserves the right to change, amend, add, delete, and otherwise assign all duties, responsibilities and position titles as it deems necessary to meet the needs of the business.