Demand Planning Analyst

Blain's Farm & Fleet (Blain Supply, Inc.); Janesville (WI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Prescription, Dental, Vision

Short & Long Term Disability

Life Insurance

401(K) with company match

Associate discount

Paid holidays & birthdays off

Advanced Leadership Training

Job summary

Blain’s Farm & Fleet in Wisconsin is seeking a demand planning specialist to forecast demand, manage inventory flow, and support in-stock goals across stores. You will generate POs, monitor stock levels, and collaborate with vendors and store teams to reduce stock-outs.

The role emphasizes data-driven forecasting, collaboration with merchandising, and occasional travel up to 10% to support promotions and Grand Opening events.

Qualifications

• Proficiency with computers and Microsoft Office software.
• 3-5 years of experience in retail, supply chain, or related experience.
• Knowledge of inventory metrics.
• Understanding of ladder planning principles and the application of it to support accurate forecasting.
• Strong math skills with ability to analyze statistics.
• Effective verbal and written communications skills.
• Strong problem solving and follow up skills.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills for establishing and maintaining strong relationships with vendors, store teams and management.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for short- and long-term demand planning and forecasting.
• Ensure promotional quantities are sufficient to support advertised demand.
• Ensure efficient inventory flow to stores to maximize service levels and corporate performance goals.
• Utilize replenishment system to order products from vendors and warehouse.
• Generate POs for inventory fulfillment that support the in-stock strategy for key merchandise categories, items, and vendors.
• Communicate with stores regarding stock issues and customer requests including rain checks and special orders.
• Review vendor performance to identify opportunities to improve lead times, fill rates, and prevent stock-outs.
• Collaborate with Manager to monitor and adjust the demand plan using exception reporting.
• Create demand forecasts based on sales history, market trends, sell-through, and seasonal shifts.
• Set up new items for the replenishment system by collaborating with the merchant team.
• Analyze data to identify root causes for out of stocks and offer solutions.
• Support “never out” SKUs and top ranked corporate SKUs to inventory availability goals.
• Attend product knowledge seminars as assigned.
• Attend Grand Opening events and assist as appropriate.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Up to 10% of Travel

Skills

Computers & Microsoft Office

Retail experience 3-5 years

Inventory metrics knowledge

Forecasting principles

Math & analytical skills

Verbal & written communications

Problem solving & follow up

Time management & organization

Interpersonal & vendor relations

Job description

Company & Benefits Information

At Blain’s Farm & Fleet we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to have a job they love, work in a great environment, grow their career & enjoy a positive balance.

As a family-owned retailer we take pride in offering a competitive benefit package designed to support you & your life. It is one of the reasons we have been named a Forbes Best Employer for seven consecutive years!

• Associates hired into a full-time role will become eligible for the following benefits effective their 91st day of full-time employment: Medical, Prescription, Dental, Vision, Short & Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, Ancillary Benefits, Identity Theft Protection, Pet Insurance, Etc.
• All major Holidays & Birthday off
• Advanced Leadership Training Programs: build the skills to grow your career
• Associate discount on name brands like Carhartt, Under Armour, STIHL, Milwaukee Tool, DeWalt & much more!
• Internal recognition programs that support an engaged workplace
• 401(K) with company match

Compensation

• Base pay between $60,000 - $70,000/yr

The pay listed for this position may vary based on experience. Please note, compensation decisions are contingent on the facts and conditions for each job opening. We take into consideration the minimum requirements outlined in the job description, such as, training and experience, the position’s work location, required travel (if any), and external market conditions when determining the final salary for potential new hires.

Please note salary estimates published via alternate online job boards may not be a true representation of the actual pay range offered for this position. Please refer to the Blain’s Farm & Fleet position description for accurate pay range information.

Job Duties

Responsible for short- and long-term demand planning and forecasting. Ensure promotional quantities are sufficient to support advertised demand. Ensure efficient inventory flow to stores to maximize service levels and corporate performance goals.

• Utilize replenishment system to order products from vendors and warehouse.
• Generate POs for inventory fulfillment that support the in-stock strategy for key merchandise categories, items, and vendors.
• Communicate with stores regarding stock issues and customer requests including rain checks and special orders.
• Review vendor performance to identify opportunities to improve lead times, fill rates, and prevent stock-outs.
• Collaborate with Manager to monitor and adjust the demand plan using exception reporting.
• Create demand forecasts based on sales history, market trends, sell-through, and seasonal shifts.
• Set up new items for the replenishment system by collaborating with the merchant team.
• Analyze data to identify root causes for out of stocks and offer solutions.
• Support “never out” SKUs and top ranked corporate SKUs to inventory availability goals.
• Attend product knowledge seminars as assigned.
• Attend Grand Opening events and assist as appropriate.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Up to 10% of Travel

Qualifications

• Proficiency with computers and Microsoft Office software.
• 3-5 years of experience in retail, supply chain, or related experience
• Knowledge of inventory metrics
• Understanding of ladder planning principles and the application of it to support accurate forecasting
• Strong math skills with ability to analyze statistics
• Effective verbal and written communications skills
• Strong problem solving and follow up skills
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills for establishing and maintaining strong relationships with vendors, store teams and management

EEO Statement

Blain Supply, Inc and Blain’s Farm and Fleet (collectively “Blain’s”) is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We recognize the importance of diversity and creating an inclusive culture in order to leverage the skills and talents of all people to the mutual advantage of each individual and the organization. Blain’s does not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, disability, military or veteran status, or any applicable legally protected status. Our goal is to continue to be recognized as an employer of choice and we have received Forbes Best Mid-Sized company to work for an unprecedented 7 years in a row.