Demand Planner - Hybrid (Chicago) - Scale Forecasting

ForceBrands; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

ForceBrands in Chicago seeks an experienced Demand Planner to own and improve the demand-planning process. You will translate forecasts into production and inventory plans, collaborating with sales and operations to align with evolving business needs.

You’ll establish routine planning cadence, support a 3PL transition, and build scalable forecasting tools in a small, fast-growing environment with hybrid work options.

Qualifications

• Direct, hands-on demand-planning experience required.
• Experience in food, beverage or another consumer packaged goods category preferred.
• Background may include demand planning, supply chain, operations, sales planning or finance, with demand planning a meaningful part of responsibilities.
• Experience translating sales forecasts into production and inventory requirements.
• Strong understanding of inventory allocation, replenishment and distribution planning.
• Experience working with third-party logistics providers or supporting a 3PL transition is helpful.
• Comfortable evaluating existing data and building planning processes where limited structure currently exists.
• Able to balance analytical decision-making with practical business judgment.
• Strong cross-functional communication skills and experience partnering with sales and operations teams.
• Willing and able to work hands-on in a small, fast-growing organization.

Responsibilities

• Own and enhance the company’s demand-planning process.
• Develop accurate demand forecasts using available sales data, customer insights and business trends.
• Translate demand forecasts into production requirements and inventory-deployment plans.
• Partner closely with sales and operations to align forecasts with changing business needs.
• Establish daily and weekly planning routines with the sales team.
• Support the company’s transition from direct shipping to a new third-party logistics network.
• Develop initial pipeline-fill and inventory-allocation plans based on launch timing and distribution needs.
• Determine where inventory should be positioned across the company’s expanding distribution network.
• Evaluate and effectively use the company’s existing systems, data and reporting tools.
• Build scalable forecasting processes, planning tools and operating structures.
• Identify inventory risks, supply gaps and potential excess stock before they affect the business.
• Manage evolving planning requirements as the company grows and expands its retail and distribution footprint.

Skills

Demand planning

Forecasting

Inventory allocation

Cross-functional collaboration

3PL transition support

Data-driven decision making

Job description

ForceBrands in Chicago seeks an experienced Demand Planner to own and improve the demand-planning process. You will translate forecasts into production and inventory plans, collaborating with sales and operations to align with evolving business needs.

You’ll establish routine planning cadence, support a 3PL transition, and build scalable forecasting tools in a small, fast-growing environment with hybrid work options.