Strategic Demand Planner - Forecast & Inventory

BLAIN; Janesville (WI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Life Insurance

401(K) with company match

Paid holidays and birthday off

Associate discount

Job summary

Blain’s Farm & Fleet seeks an experienced inventory and demand planning professional to lead short- and long-term forecasting, ensuring stock availability and optimized store replenishment. You will collaborate with merchants and stores to maintain service levels and drive cost efficiency.

In this role you will analyze sales trends, manage POs, monitor vendor performance, and adjust plans with the manager. Travel up to 10% may be required.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in retail, supply chain, or related fields.
• Proficiency with computers and Microsoft Office software.
• Knowledge of inventory metrics.
• Understanding of ladder planning principles and forecasting.
• Strong math skills with ability to analyze statistics.
• Excellent verbal and written communications and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for short- and long-term demand planning and forecasting.
• Ensure promotional quantities are sufficient to support advertised demand.
• Ensure efficient inventory flow to stores to maximize service levels and corporate performance goals.
• Utilize replenishment system to order products from vendors and warehouse.
• Generate POs for inventory fulfillment to support the in-stock strategy.
• Communicate with stores regarding stock issues and customer requests.
• Review vendor performance to identify opportunities to improve lead times and fill rates.
• Collaborate with Manager to monitor and adjust the demand plan using exception reporting.
• Create demand forecasts based on sales history, market trends, sell-through, and seasonal shifts.
• Set up new items for replenishment and analyze data to identify root causes for stock-outs.
• Support top-ranked SKUs to inventory availability goals.
• Attend product knowledge seminars and Grand Opening events as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Up to 10% travel.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Inventory analytics

Forecasting

Vendor relations

Communication skills

Time management

Organizational skills

Analytical thinking

Job description

Blain’s Farm & Fleet seeks an experienced inventory and demand planning professional to lead short- and long-term forecasting, ensuring stock availability and optimized store replenishment. You will collaborate with merchants and stores to maintain service levels and drive cost efficiency.

In this role you will analyze sales trends, manage POs, monitor vendor performance, and adjust plans with the manager. Travel up to 10% may be required.