Senior Demand Planner

MGA Entertainment; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company as a Senior Demand Planner, where you'll lead demand planning and forecasting for key accounts. This role is crucial in optimizing supply chain processes and enhancing inventory management. You'll collaborate with sales, marketing, and finance teams to ensure accurate demand forecasts while mentoring junior members. Embrace the opportunity to influence decision-making and drive operational efficiencies in a dynamic environment. If you're passionate about data analysis and process improvement, this is the perfect role for you to make a significant impact.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years in Demand Planning or related fields required.
• Strong understanding of forecasting methodologies is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead demand planning and forecasting for key accounts.
• Drive consensus on forecast assumptions among teams.
• Monitor demand planning KPIs and implement improvements.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Influencing Skills

Problem-Solving

Process Improvement

Education

BS/BA Degree

Tools

Power BI

Demand Planning Tools

Job description

The Senior Demand Planner is responsible for leading demand planning and forecasting processes for key accounts, incorporating business intelligence and cross-functional input. This role ensures that demand plans leverage appropriate statistical models and integrate insights from sales, marketing, finance, and other sources. The Senior Demand Planner plays a key role in supporting financial projections, inventory planning, and supply chain optimization. Additionally, this position contributes to process improvements, cross-functional alignment, and mentoring of junior team members.

Position Requirements

Years and Type of Experience:

•3-5 years of experience in Demand Planning, Supply Chain, Sales, or related roles.

•Strong understanding of forecasting methodologies and supply chain impacts.

•Experience in consumer goods or retail industries is preferred.

Required Skills:

•Strong analytical skills, including data analysis and interpretation.

•Ability to build cross-functional relationships and influence without authority.

•Experience in a fast-paced environment, managing priorities and deadlines.

•Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

•Ability to thrive in ambiguous situations and drive problem-solving.

•Experience leading process improvements and driving operational efficiency.

Preferred Skills:

•Experience with point-of-sale (POS) forecasting.

•Proficiency in statistical modeling and demand planning tools.

•Background in supply planning and inventory optimization.

•Experience mentoring or training team members.

•Power BI or other data visualization software proficiency.

BS/BA Degree or equivalent work experience.

Authority:

•Reports to Director, Demand Planning / Supply Chain.

Key Result Areas and Activities

Demand Planning and Forecasting:

•Develop and maintain SKU-level demand forecasts based on trends, business insights, and statistical models.

•Utilize best-practice forecasting techniques to enhance accuracy and drive business decisions.

•Analyze historical data, POS trends, and promotional impacts to refine forecasts.

•Adjust demand plans for new product launches, transitions, and discontinuations.

•Drive consensus among Sales, Marketing, and Finance on forecast assumptions and updates.

S&OP (Sales and Operations Planning) Process:

•Lead demand alignment meetings, ensuring integration with financial planning and supply chain processes.

•Provide SKU and segment-level demand insights to cross-functional teams.

•Deliver monthly summaries outlining key volume drivers, demand trends, and business risks.

Reporting and Analytics:

•Monitor and publish demand planning KPIs, including forecast accuracy, WMAPE, bias, and inventory targets.

•Identify root causes of forecast variances and implement corrective actions.

•Develop business reports that provide long-term demand insights and market trends.

Process Improvement and Change Management:

•Identify inefficiencies and implement process enhancements to improve demand planning effectiveness.

•Lead cross-functional initiatives to drive continuous improvement in forecasting methodologies.

•Mentor and develop junior team members, providing guidance on best practices and tools.