Demand Planning Specialist

Nestle SA; Solon (OH); On-site; USD 74,000 - 98,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k with company match

Healthcare coverage

Job summary

Nestlé USA in Solon, OH is seeking a Demand Planning Specialist to develop and maintain demand forecasts for assigned product categories. You will use historical data, market trends, and stakeholder insights to drive accurate base forecasts at Item/DC/Week levels.

Collaborate with DP & DSP Managers and cross-functional teams across Supply Chain, Sales, and Marketing to improve forecast accuracy, communicate risks, and support inventory optimization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Business, or related field.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills with the ability to interpret data, market trends, and customer insights.
• Proficiency in statistical forecasting methods, demand planning software, and advanced Microsoft Excel.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, organizational, time-management, and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain demand forecasts for assigned product categories using historical data and drivers.
• Analyze factors impacting demand including category trends, promotions, seasonality, and distribution channels.
• Use statistical models with the forecasting team to enrich forecasts and generate base demand at Item/DC/Week.
• Collaborate with DP & DSP Managers and cross-functional teams to gather data and insights to improve forecast accuracy.
• Communicate forecast changes, risks, opportunities, and insights to guide supply chain decisions.
• Monitor market trends and customer behavior to adjust forecasts accordingly.
• Lead regular forecast reviews and incorporate inputs into forecasts.
• Support Inventory optimization with SC and Production teams.
• Be aware of capacity and distribution constraints and their impact on demand.
• Provide regular reporting on forecast accuracy and KPIs.
• Continuously improve planning processes and methodologies.

Skills

Advanced Microsoft Excel

Advanced Analytics

Demand Planning & Forecasting

Statistical Forecasting

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Stakeholder Communication & Influence

Independent Decision-Making & Escal.

Problem Solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management or related field

Tools

ERP systems

Demand planning software

Job description

Foods you love. Brands you trust. And a career that empowers you to grow.

At Nestlé USA, we’re all working towards the same goal – to delight and deliver for our consumers. With a rich portfolio of beloved brands, including DiGiorno, Toll House, and Coffee mate, in 97% of U.S. households, we have a unique opportunity – and responsibility – to be there for every moment in our consumers’ lives.

Joining Nestlé means becoming part of an inclusive workplace that inspires innovation, encourages strategic thinking and creativity, and celebrates your achievements. No matter where you work within the organization, you are empowered to challenge the status quo, embrace risk-taking, and pioneer new ideas. Our supportive and collaborative environment encourages bold ambitions and continuous learning so that everyone can grow and thrive.

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.

This role will be responsible for ensuring accurate demand forecasting at the category level. The position involves strong collaboration with the statistical modeling team, analyzing market trends, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and utilizing data to develop and maintain demand forecasts for assigned product categories. The Specialist will work closely with DP & DSP Managers to gather insights, understand business drivers, adjust forecasts as needed, and effectively communicate forecast changes and insights to support supply chain and business decisions. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, independent decision-making, and effective communication are essential for success in this role.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain demand forecasts for assigned product categories, utilizing historical data, market trends, and drivers and insights from key stakeholders.
• Analyze factors that impact demand for Nestlé products, including category trends, trade promotions, high-reaching products, seasonality, retail consumption, and distribution channels, to build a demand plan that quantifies the business environment across a rolling longer-term horizon.
• Use appropriate statistical models and parameters in partnership with the statistical modeling team to enrich statistical forecasts and generate accurate base demand forecasts in the forecasting system at the Item/DC/Week level.
• Partner with DP & DSP Managers and cross-functional stakeholders across Supply Chain, Sales, and Marketing to gather relevant data, business drivers, and insights to improve forecast accuracy.
• Effectively communicate forecast changes, risks, opportunities, and key insights with DP & DSP Managers to help drive supply chain and broader business decisions.
• Monitor and analyze market trends, competitor activity, and customer behavior to identify potential demand fluctuations and adjust forecasts accordingly.
• Conduct regular forecast reviews and collaborate with stakeholders to incorporate relevant inputs and business drivers into the demand forecast.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain and Production teams to support optimal inventory levels, minimize stockouts and excess inventory, and improve overall supply chain efficiency.
• Maintain awareness of factory and production capacity, distribution center constraints, and raw material supply, and understand their potential impact on forward-looking demand.
• Identify and communicate potential risks and opportunities based on demand forecasts to relevant stakeholders.
• Provide regular reporting and analysis on forecast accuracy, demand trends, and key performance indicators to support decision-making.
• Continuously improve demand planning processes, methodologies, and systems to enhance forecast accuracy and efficiency.
• Support Supply Chain through the establishment of standard methodologies and foundational processes.

Requirements & Minimum Education Level

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Business, or a related field.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with the ability to interpret complex data, market trends, and customer insights.
• Proficiency in statistical forecasting methods, demand planning software, and advanced Microsoft Excel.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, organizational, time-management, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively across organizational levels.
• Flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong ability to influence with integrity and influence without authority.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic business environment.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and understand which actions can be decided independently versus when escalation or leadership alignment is required.
• Strong creative-thinking and problem-solving skills, particularly when developing solutions to complex problems that may not have one clear answer.

Experience

• Minimum of 2+ years of experience in Supply Planning, Demand Planning, Supply Chain, Analytics, Operations, or a related field.
• Experience with ERP systems and demand planning software.

Skills

• Advanced Microsoft Excel
• Advanced Analytics
• Demand Planning & Forecasting
• Statistical Forecasting
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Stakeholder Communication & Influence
• Independent Decision-Making & Appropriate Escalation
• Problem Solving

Salary: $73,902.60 to $98,165.00 per year

Bonus Eligibility: Yes

The pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Final compensation may vary based on factors including but not limited to knowledge, skills and abilities as well as geographic location. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at top of range.

Nestlé offers performance-based incentives and a competitive total rewards package, which includes a 401k with company match, healthcare coverage and a broad range of other benefits. Incentives and/or benefit packages may vary depending on the position. Learn more at https://www.nestlejobs.com/nestle-in-the-us-benefits

It is our business imperative to remain a very inclusive workplace.

To our veterans and separated service members, you're at the forefront of our minds as we recruit top talent to join Nestlé. The skills you've gained while serving our country, such as flexibility, agility, and leadership, are much like the skills that will make you successful in this role. In addition, with our commitment to an inclusive work environment, we recognize the exceptional engagement and innovation displayed by individuals with disabilities. Nestlé seeks such skilled and qualified individuals to share our mission where you’ll join a cohort of others who have chosen to call Nestlé home.

The Nestlé Companies are equal employment opportunity employers. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you may require any special accommodations in order to participate fully in our recruitment experience. Contact us at [e-mail] or please dial 711 and provide this number to the operator: 1-800-321-6467.

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.

Review our applicant privacy notice before applying at https://www.nestlejobs.com/privacy.

Job Requisition: 424724

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