Demand Planning Specialist

Fortified OPCO; Garland (TX); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Fortified OPCO in Garland, TX is seeking a Demand Planning Specialist to support demand forecasting and SIOP processes. This role involves forecast maintenance, statistical analysis, performance tracking, and cross-functional coordination.

Strong analytical skills and proficiency in Excel, Power Query, and data analysis tools are required to support forecasting, reporting, and decision-making. This position offers exposure to cross-functional planning activities and broader supply chain

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Operations, Analytics or related field.
• 1-3 years related experience in demand planning, forecasting, or supply chain analytics.
• Advanced Excel skills including Power Query, Pivot Tables, data modeling, and complex formulas.
• Experience with Power BI and ERP systems preferred (NetSuite or similar is a plus).

Responsibilities

• Maintain rolling demand forecast files and update statistical baseline projections.
• Generate and maintain statistical forecast models.
• Analyze historical sales trends, seasonality, demand variability, customer trends, promotions, product introductions, and market activity to understand demand drivers and improve forecast quality.
• Collect, reconcile, and validate forecast inputs from Sales, Product Management, and cross-functional stakeholders to support the monthly demand planning process.
• Own the maintenance and execution of the monthly demand planning cycle, ensuring forecasts are updated, reviewed, and submitted on time.
• Track and report forecast accuracy metrics (MAPE, bias, variance).
• Identify forecast variances and perform root cause analysis.
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve forecast accuracy and planning visibility through continuous improvement.
• Maintain forecast parameters, planning attributes, and master data within ERP and demand planning systems.
• Update ABC/XYZ classifications and relevant planning attributes.
• Prepare demand review analytics and support monthly SIOP reviews and decision-making.
• Support development of forecast performance metrics and dashboards.
• Support inventory and supply planning decisions through forecast analysis and demand insights.

Skills

Forecasting methods

Data analysis

Communication skills

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Operations, Analytics

Tools

Power Query

Power BI

Excel

Pivot Tables

Data modeling

Job description

Department:Supply Chain

Reports To: Associate Director, Supply Chain

FLSA Status: Exempt

Location: Garland, TX | Hybrid

OVERVIEW

The Demand Planning Specialist supports the demand forecasting and SIOP processes through forecast maintenance, statistical analysis, performance tracking, and cross-functional coordination. This role is responsible for maintaining baseline forecasts, monitoring forecast accuracy, supporting the monthly demand planning process, and providing analytics that support SIOP and business planning decisions. Strong analytical skills are required, including proficiency in Excel, Power Query, and data analysis tools to support forecasting, reporting, and decision-making. This position provides exposure to cross-functional planning activities and broader supply chain business processes, offering opportunities for growth within Supply Chain Planning.

OUR PURPOSE STATEMENT

Build and invest in businesses that positively impact the world.

OUR NICHE

Fostering and developing products, solutions, and systems.

OUR CORE VALUES

Lead with Positivity and Respect – We foster trust, optimism, and respect in every interaction.

Compete as a Team – We foster collaboration and teamwork, knowing we win together.

Innovate with Purpose – We create bold, lasting solutions that make a real impact.

Inspire Growth – We fuel the growth of people, businesses, and brands through bold ideas and relentless execution.

Own It and Deliver Value – We take responsibility, act with clarity, and ensure our work creates real impact.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Maintain rolling demand forecast files and update statistical baseline projections
• Generate and maintain statistical forecast models
• Analyze historical sales trends, seasonality, demand variability, customer trends, promotions, product introductions, and market activity to understand demand drivers and improve forecast quality.
• Collect, reconcile, and validate forecast inputs from Sales, Product Management, and cross-functional stakeholders to support the monthly demand planning process.
• Own the maintenance and execution of the monthly demand planning cycle, ensuring forecasts are updated, reviewed, and submitted according to established timelines.
• Track and report forecast accuracy metrics (MAPE, bias, variance)
• Identify forecast variances and perform structured root cause analysis
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve forecast accuracy, forecast processes, and planning visibility through analysis and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain forecast parameters, planning attributes, and master data within ERP and demand planning systems to support forecast accuracy and reporting integrity.
• Update ABC/XYZ classifications and relevant planning attributes
• Prepare demand review analytics, present forecast performance metrics, and support monthly SIOP reviews and decision-making.
• Support development of forecast performance metrics and dashboards
• Support inventory planning and supply planning decisions through forecast analysis and demand insights.

KEY PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS:

Success in this role is demonstrated through:

• Timely completion of monthly demand forecast updates and demand planning cycle deliverables
• Continuous improvement in forecast accuracy and reduction of forecast bias
• High-quality analytics supporting demand reviews and SIOP decision-making
• Accurate maintenance of planning master data, forecasting parameters, and system attributes
• Effective collaboration with Sales, Product Management, Operations, and Supply Chain stakeholders
• Identification and implementation of forecasting process improvements

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• None

COMPETENCIES:

Adaptability – Adapts to changes in the work environment; manages competing demands; changes approach or method to best fit the situation; able to deal with frequent change, delay, or unexpected events.

Attention to Detail – Demonstrates thoroughness in accomplishing a task through concern for all the areas involved; carefully monitors the details of own and others’ work to ensure accuracy and quality; plans and organizes time and resources efficiently; completes all work according to procedures and standards.

Analytical Thinking – Collects, organizes, and analyzes complex data to identify trends, patterns, and opportunities. Uses data-driven insights to support forecasting, reporting, decision-making, and continuous improvement initiatives. Demonstrates the ability to evaluate information, identify root causes, and develop practical recommendations.

Business Ethics – Treats people with respect; keep commitments; inspires the trust of others; works with integrity and principles; upholds organizational values.

Communications – Expresses ideas and thoughts verbally; expresses ideas and thoughts in written form; exhibits good listening and comprehension; keeps others adequately informed; selects and uses appropriate communication methods.

Cooperation – Establishes and maintains effective relationships; exhibits tact and consideration; offers assistance and support to co-workers; works cooperatively in group situations; works actively to resolve conflicts.

Customer Focus – Identifies and prioritizes customer needs and recognizes constraints; responds promptly to customer needs; seeks to find out more about customers and provide a better product or service; adopts professional approach to customers; is reliable and delivers on promises.

Dependability – Follows instructions; responds to management direction; takes responsibility to own actions; keeps commitments; commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternative plan.

Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works well in group problem solving situations; uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.

Professionalism – Practices good hygiene and presents an appropriate professional appearance; understands how one is perceived by others; takes actions intended to have a position effect on others; makes a friendly impression on others by using good eye contact and using names whenever possible; develops and maintains positive working relationships and maintains a pleasant work attitude.

Quality – Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; looks for ways to improve and promote quality; applies feedback to improve performance; monitors own work to ensure quality.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education/Experience/Additional Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Operations, Analytics, or related field required. Supply Chain Management strongly preferred.
• 1-3 years related experience in demand planning, forecasting, or supply chain analytics is required.
• Demonstrated experience with statistical forecasting methods and forecast accuracy improvement
• Candidates should possess excellent problem solving and data analytical skills
• Candidates should have strong communication skills and promote and embrace a team atmosphere
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills including Power Query, Pivot Tables, data modeling, and complex formulas are required.
• Knowledge of demand planning, inventory planning, forecasting methodologies, forecast accuracy metrics, product lifecycle management, and SIOP processes strongly preferred.
• Experience developing dashboards and visual analytics using Power BI preferred.
• Experience working within ERP and demand planning systems preferred. Experience with NetSuite or similar ERP platforms is a plus.

Certificates/Licenses/Registrations

• None

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision requirements. Light to moderate lifting is required.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:

The above job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities, and working conditions associated with it. Responsibilities may change based on organizational needs and other factors.