Strategic Demand Planner for Growth & Forecasting

Rawlings Sporting Goods Company Inc; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Rawlings Sporting Goods Company Inc in St. Louis, MO is seeking a Demand Planner to manage the end-to-end forecasting process, develop SKU-level forecasts, and optimize plans to meet revenue targets while improving forecast accuracy and FVA.

This exempt role reports to the Manager, Demand Planning and partners with Sales, Product, Finance and Supply Chain. You will analyze market and consumer data, coordinate cross-functional meetings, maintain Anaplan models, and drive continuous improvement

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business or related field.
• 3–5 years sales forecasting or inventory management experience at a CPG or retail company.
• Advanced analytical skills — ability to brainstorm, gather data, detect outliers or trends, interpret data, and make decisions using multiple data points.
• Strong forecasting skills — experience using statistical forecasting methods (exponential smoothing, regression, decomposition, ensemble) and metrics such as MAE, bias, FVA, RMSE, CVAR, etc.
• Strong knowledge of retail math and the ability to analyze sales and inventory trends to guide forecasting decisions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office with high-level Excel capabilities.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems; JD Edwards preferred.
• Experience with demand planning systems; Anaplan strongly preferred.
• Positive, solution-focused attitude with a team-oriented growth mindset.
• Commitment to continuous improvement using best-practice frameworks such as SIOP and FVA analysis.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including influencing abilities.
• Passion for sports and drive to succeed (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end demand planning process for assigned customers/channels, including developing and optimizing SKU-level forecasts.
• Optimize demand plans to serve consumers, drive profitable growth, and deliver revenue targets while improving forecast accuracy and Forecast Value Added (FVA).
• Provide decision support across the organization with data-driven insights.
• Collaborate with Sales Leads and Product Managers to develop strategic long-range revenue plans by account and category and align these plans with Supply Chain capacity and sourcing strategies.
• Achieve consensus for demand forecasts by facilitating a collaborative planning process with Sales, Finance, and Supply Chain teams using a structured SIOP cadence.
• Monitor and analyze industry trends and market changes to inform baseline statistical models, adjust forecast drivers, and maintain accurate SKU-level forecasts.
• Prepare for and participate in cross-functional meetings to present sales analysis, forecast changes, recommended actions, and ensure key strategies are executed.
• Analyze customer data, including market-related data, POS data, sell-through targets, margin goals, competitive intelligence, and other key metrics to maximize sales and profitability while limiting RTV and MD exposure.
• Focus on exceeding key KPIs, including forecast accuracy/error (MAE, bias), Forecast Value Added (FVA), customer service levels, and more.
• Coordinate and communicate customer action plans with Supply Planning.
• Facilitate and manage demand planning customer meetings.
• Maintain demand plans and strategy in Anaplan and ensure forecasting modules, input data, hierarchies, and algorithms are kept current and accurate.
• Monitor short-term and long-term trends in forecast performance and adjust future forecasts based on statistical insights and root-cause analysis.
• Analyze and manage risk assessments and mitigation activities using scenario planning, demand shaping, and probability-based forecasting techniques.
• Propose and implement solutions to improve forecast accuracy through model enhancements, improved inputs, and continuous FVA analysis.
• Address demand-related issues in a timely and effective manner using data-driven recommendations.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Forecasting expertise

Excel proficiency

Communication skills

Team mindset

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business or related field

Tools

Anaplan

JD Edwards

Excel (Advanced)

Job description

Rawlings Sporting Goods Company Inc in St. Louis, MO is seeking a Demand Planner to manage the end-to-end forecasting process, develop SKU-level forecasts, and optimize plans to meet revenue targets while improving forecast accuracy and FVA.

This exempt role reports to the Manager, Demand Planning and partners with Sales, Product, Finance and Supply Chain. You will analyze market and consumer data, coordinate cross-functional meetings, maintain Anaplan models, and drive continuous improvement