Sr. Demand Planner

Riverside Natural Foods Ltd. (Home of MadeGood); Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

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.

Summary
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
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.

Manage Portfolio And Life Cycle 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.

Reporting Relationships
The position reports directly to the Demand Planning Manager.

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 preferred.
• Advanced Excel skills are required and Tableau, Access, Power BI, Power query or any other related experience will be 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 with facilitation of 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 with a desire to learn and collaborate.
• TEAM player, collaborative, with a strong customer service mindset.
• Exceptional time management and organizational skills, self-starter with a high level of initiative.
• Demonstrates HUMILITY throughout the company on a daily basis.
• Aptitude to exhibit, RESPECT and protect Riverside’s Values in a changing environment.
• Demonstrate OWNERSHIP of demand planning and management processes that are trusted across the company.
• Keeps the work atmosphere FUN by keeping it light and welcoming.

What We Expect

• Values-led: You’ll be a member of a thoughtful and compassionate team that prioritizes respect, teamwork and resourcefulness along with a good dash of fun.
• Unparalleled experiences and opportunities: We’re still determining who we are and what we can be. Help us shape what this organization will look like and what we’ll offer the world, into the future.
• Access to everyone: We’re a flat organization with few silos which means you’ll have full access to everyone from our founders to our production staff.
• Personal development: We’ll support and empower you to chart your own path and reach any heights you set for yourself.
• Gratitude: As a growing business, we can’t always offer formal recognition like awards programs, but we do show our true gratitude and appreciation.

What We Offer

• Values-led: We don’t cut corners or step on anyone or anything on our way to our summit.
• Courageous determination: As a family-run, rapidly growing business, we are often challenged to find ways to deliver that aren’t obvious or easy.
• Humility: We’re a small (but growing) fish in a sea of whales and sharks.
• Continuous improvement: As a learn-as-we-go organization, we rely on each other to continuously improve everything we touch.

Wait! There’s more!

• Immerse yourself in our comprehensive benefits program, with Riverside taking care of the costs!
• RRSP matching or IRA matching for an empowered financial journey
• Join Employee-Led Resource Groups (ERGs) championing mental health, sustainability, diversity, women, and LGBTQ+ rights
• Develop your career further through our Riverside University program and with our Tuition Reimbursement Program
• An open concept work environment that embodies our Values

How To Apply
If you have the commitment to excellence, the energy, the attitude and experience we need, then please submit your resume to careers(AT)riversidenaturals.com with the job title you are applying for in the subject line or click the apply button!

Riverside Natural Foods Ltd. is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone. If you have a disability and require accommodation in the interview process, please let us know when you apply. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, due to volume, please note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.