Strategic Demand Planner

Smithfield Foods, Inc.; Smithfield (VA); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

Smithfield Foods, Inc. is seeking a Demand Planner to drive forecast accuracy and supply chain alignment across SKU levels, collaborating with Sales, Business Management, and Finance to transform insights into action.

This role leverages Anaplan, SAP and Power BI to mature forecasting tools, participates in S&OP, and influences inventory and service levels within a fast-paced, value-driven environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university and 2+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Sales & Planning Knowledge: Solid understanding of sales analysis, demand planning, and forecasting principles within a supply chain context.
• Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: Proven analytical ability, strong mathematical aptitude, and attention to detail, with excellent problem-solving skills to support data-driven decision-making.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams in a complex matrix organization to drive productivity and enhance supply chain performance.
• Time Management & Prioritization: Skilled in multitasking with the ability to plan, prioritize, and set goals to meet deadlines and organizational objectives.
• Organization & Customer Focus: Highly organized and detail-oriented, with a strong commitment to delivering excellent customer service.
• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present ideas clearly and professionally across various levels of the organization.
• Independent Work Ethic: Capable of working independently while managing responsibilities and contributing to team goals.
• Adaptability & Teamwork: Thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment while being respectful, approachable, fostering a positive and collaborative work culture.

Responsibilities

• Forecast Modeling & Data Analysis: Apply advanced statistical modeling techniques to develop accurate demand forecasts using historical and market data.
• Business Planning & Demand Insights: Collaborate with Sales and Business Management to present and assess forecast performance, incorporating feedback and promotional plans to refine operational forecasts.
• Data-Driven Planning & Strategic Analysis: Support the reconciliation of significant variances and refine forecast models based on updated commercial assumptions.
• Demand Analysis & Data Integrity Management: Monitor weekly SKU and location-level performance to meet accuracy targets, analyze forecast error trends, and take corrective action to improve reliability.
• Tools & Systems: Leverage Anaplan, SAP, and BI platforms to ensure high data integrity, incorporate market and competitive intelligence, and deliver timely insights to Supply Chain partners for scenario planning and agile decision-making.
• SKU Rationalization & Category Dynamics: Drive SKU rationalization within assigned categories and analyze shipment trends to validate and enhance total volume forecasts.

Skills

Sales & Planning Knowledge

Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills

Cross-functional Collaboration

Time Management & Prioritization

Organization & Customer Focus

Communication Skills

Independent Work Ethic

Adaptability & Teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university

Tools

Anaplan

SAP

Power BI

Job description

Smithfield Foods, Inc. is seeking a Demand Planner to drive forecast accuracy and supply chain alignment across SKU levels, collaborating with Sales, Business Management, and Finance to transform insights into action.

This role leverages Anaplan, SAP and Power BI to mature forecasting tools, participates in S&OP, and influences inventory and service levels within a fast-paced, value-driven environment.