Senior Demand Planner

The Swan Food Company; Hopkins (MN); On-site; USD 75,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

CJ Schwan’s is seeking a Senior Demand Planner in Minnesota to drive accurate demand forecasts for assigned product lines. You will analyze historical data, coordinate with Sales and Marketing, and implement forecasting improvements while coordinating with cross-functional teams.

The role emphasizes leadership, rigorous analysis, and strong communication skills to reduce forecast bias and support business planning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant field.
• 5+ years in demand planning or forecasting experience.
• Understanding of project management processes and supply chain.
• Intellectually curious and proactive.
• Strong written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Experience with forecasting tools, Blue Yonder preferred.
• Analytical with attention to detail; organized and resilient.

Responsibilities

• Examine historical shipments and trends to create accurate forecasts.
• Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, and Trade to inform forecasts.
• Track demand vs. forecast and reduce bias; improve accuracy.
• Participate in new forecasting software implementations.
• Advance technical capability in forecasting tools and methods.
• Act as first contact for variances outside tolerance with Sales Planning.
• Work with Marketing and Sales leadership on forecast drivers.
• Lead and facilitate forecasting-related projects.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Problem solving

Organization

Presentation skills

Forecasting knowledge

Team collaboration

Curiosity

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Blue Yonder

Job description

AtCJ Schwan’s,we don’t just make food — we help create moments that matter. From kids devouring pizza after soccer practice, to students laughing over dumplings in a cafeteria, to families enjoying pie during the holidays, our team members play an important role in bringing those everyday moments to life. Our portfolio includes iconic pizzas, global flavors and timeless desserts from brands likeRed Baron®, bibigo®, Tony’s®, Big Daddy’s®, Freschetta®, Pagoda®, Edwards® and Mrs. Smith’s®.Enjoyed in homes, schools, restaurants and just about everywhere people shop and eat, our products reflect a commitment to quality, innovation and the power of food to bring people together.

As a Senior Demand Planneryou will be responsible for demand management or creation of accurate sales forecastsfor business products assigned.

What You Will Do:

• Examine historical shipments, utilize statistical forecast tools, collect forecast information input from Sales and documents the assumptions used in developing the forecast
• Examine historical shipments, marketing/category trends, including consumption and utilize statistical forecast tools
• Collect forecast information input from Marketing used in developing the forecast by item by week by customer and geography location where applicable.
• Track and report actual demand vs. forecast and assumptions, and is responsible for eliminating forecast bias and for continuously improving forecast accuracy results.
• Complete all required education and training and participates in implementation and development of new forecasting software.
• Continuously improve technical capability in the use of the forecasting tool and in creating accurate forecasts.
• First contact for Sales Planning and Customer Marketing (Trade) regarding variances outside tolerance, and in gathering building blocks/assumptions applied to forecasts
• Work closely with Marketing or Sales leadership in identifying forecast assumptions that are likely to significantly affect forecast accuracy performance and effectiveness

What We Look For:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent
• 5 + years demand planning or forecasting experience. Forecasting related to sales, marketing, financials etc.
• Ability to demonstrate an understanding of project management processes and supply chain principles.
• Must be intellectually curious!
• Demonstrates leadership skills, ability to effectively communicate verbally and written, technical and non- technical information across various levels of the organization.
• Must have experience working with a forecasting tool/system, Blue Yonder is our current system.
• Must possess strong written and oral communication skills as well as strong presentation skills.
• Must be analytical with strong complex problem-solving skills demonstrate attention to detail.
• Must exhibit high levels of organization skills, the ability to work independently and under stressful situations, the ability to adapt to the changing needs of the organization.
• Must be able to lead and facilitate projects and analyze software systems and data as well as business processes.

What We Offer:

The base salary range for this position is $75,000 to $125,000 annually, with eligibility for a 10% annual incentive bonus based on organizational performance. The range reflects factors such as experience, skills, education, certifications, and location, and starting salary may fall anywhere within the stated range.

Beyond base salary, we offer a competitive Total Rewards package designed to support your overall well-being, including comprehensive health benefits, time off programs, and retirement and financial offerings.

CJ Schwan’s and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, veteran status, national origin, or any other protected characteristic. We provide reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs. For accommodation requests or assistance with the application, please email [e-mail].