Sr. Demand Planner

ZipRecruiter; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the food industry seeks a Senior Demand Planner to oversee the demand planning process. This role involves collaboration across various departments to ensure accurate forecasts and manage demand volatility. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in supply chain and demand planning, particularly within the US CPG industry. The position offers opportunities for personal development and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits

RRSP matching

Training opportunities

Supportive work environment

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in supply chain, 3+ years in demand planning.
• Strong understanding of demand forecasting methodologies.
• Experience with demand planning software required.

Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end demand planning process.
• Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Supply Chain.
• Adjust forecasts using statistical models and optimize methodologies.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Time Management

Problem Solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain

Bachelor's degree in Business

Bachelor's degree in Analytics

Tools

SAP-IBP

Excel

Tableau

Power BI

Job description

Join Riverside Natural Foods Ltd., a $300 million+ Canadian-based, family-owned, and globally operating business, committed to leaving the world better than we found it. As a B-Corp certified, Triple-Bottom Line company, we proudly manufacture nutritious, 'better-for-you' snacks such as MadeGood and GOOD TO GO. We value teamwork, humility, respect, ownership, adaptability, grit, and fun.

We're on an ambitious mission to double our business by 2027, and we need talented individuals like you to help us reach new heights. At Riverside, you'll have the opportunity to chart your own path to success while contributing to ours. We believe anything worth doing is worth doing right, and our values will guide us through the rugged terrain – and yes, it will get rough. But that's what makes the journey worthwhile.

So, lace up your boots and let's tackle the climb together.

You can learn more about us at www.riversidenaturalfoods.com.

Position Summary/Objective:

The Senior Demand Planner will own the end-to-end demand planning process, collaborating with cross-functional teams—including Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Supply Chain—to create accurate and actionable forecasts.

This role requires a strategic mindset, analytical rigor, and a proactive approach to managing demand volatility in a high-growth environment.

Key Responsibilities

1. Ensure unconstrained demand plan accuracy:
   • Review weekly sales performance, forecast accuracy, variance, and week-over-week (WOW) forecast changes for assigned portfolios.
   • Adjust forecasts using statistical models in SAP-IBP and optimize forecasting methodologies as needed to maintain accurate forecasts and communicate anomalies to Supply Planning and Key Account Managers (KAMs).
   • Conduct deep dives into demand trends, KAM insights, and seasonality following KAM meetings.
   • Lead and participate in S&OE (Sales & Operations Execution) meetings with Supply Planning, CSC, Sales & Strategy, and Procurement teams to address supply risks.
   • Prepare for and lead pre-consensus meetings with Key Account Managers (KAMs), including reviewing baseline, promotional, and KAM intelligence data (full-year volume and dollar forecasts).
   • Provide leadership and direction for business teams on matters regarding supply chain, forecasting, and demand planning, adjusting the communication accordingly.
   • Prepare for monthly consensus meetings and review gaps versus Annual Operating Plans (AOP).
   • Conduct risk and opportunity (R&O) scenario planning in preparation for monthly Demand Review meetings.
   • Work closely with our Customer Supply Chain team to acquire insights into future demand.
   • Perform ad hoc scenario planning for promotions, opportunities, and risks to enhance Supply Planning visibility.
   • Review forecast accuracy and bias reports monthly, addressing root causes of deviations and collaborating with KAMs for resolution.
   • Maintain alignment with S&OP processes, updating forecasts post-S&OP and communicating key takeaways.
   • Support KAMs on annual planning as needed, ensuring consistent communication and alignment.
2. Manage portfolio and lifecycle of their portfolio:
   • Participate in commercialization meetings to discuss innovation and renovation initiatives.
   • Update forecasts for new product introductions (NPI) based on outcomes from commercialization meetings.
   • Manage discontinuations and integrate updates into demand planning systems.
   • Incorporate marketing intelligence and sales strategy insights into demand forecasts.
   • Maintain demand planning data and systems, relevant material, and reports.
   • This position could require 12-25% travel between US and Canada.
3. Reporting Relationships

The position reports directly to the Demand Planning Manager.

4. Education & Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in supply chain with 3+ years' experience in demand planning/forecasting within the US CPG industry.
• Strong understanding of demand forecasting methodologies, statistical modeling, and S&OP best practices.
• Experience with demand planning software, SAP-IBP is required.
• Advanced Excel skills are required; experience with Tableau, Access, Power BI, Power Query, or related tools is an asset.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data sets and translate insights into action.
• Experience in e-commerce and retail channel forecasting is a plus.
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Analytics, or a related field.

Skills & Abilities

• Experience facilitating Forecasting and Consensus meetings/discussions.
• Proven ability to work cross-functionally and influence decision-making in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
• Passionate with a positive attitude, eager to learn and collaborate.
• Team player, collaborative, with a strong customer service mindset.
• Exceptional time management and organizational skills, self-starter with high initiative.
• Demonstrates humility in daily interactions.
• Ability to exhibit and uphold respect and Riverside's values in a changing environment.
• Demonstrate ownership of demand planning processes.
• Keeps the work atmosphere fun by maintaining a light, welcoming environment.

What we expect:

• Values-led: Be part of a respectful, team-oriented environment that values resourcefulness and fun.
• Unparalleled experiences and opportunities: Help shape our organization’s future through proactive involvement and process building.
• Access to everyone: A flat organization where you can speak up and share ideas freely.
• Personal development: We support your growth with training and career opportunities.
• Gratitude: We appreciate and value all team members' contributions.

What We Offer:

• Aligned with our values, emphasizing integrity and sustainability.
• Challenging work that requires resourcefulness and grit.
• Humility and continuous improvement as core principles.
• Comprehensive benefits, including RRSP matching, ERGs, training, and a supportive work environment.

How to Apply:

Submit your resume to [e-mail] with the job title in the subject line or click the apply button!

We are committed to an inclusive environment. If you require accommodations, please let us know. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.