Supply Demand Planner

Staples; Framingham (MA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

22 days of PTO and Holiday Schedule

Online and Retail Discounts

Company Match 401(k)

Job summary

A leading retail company in Massachusetts seeks a Supply Demand Planner to forecast inventory levels and develop procurement strategies. The ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management and 2+ years of experience. You'll analyze trends and collaborate with teams to optimize inventory investment while exceeding service-level targets. Join us for a dynamic work environment and competitive benefits.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of progressively complex related experience.
• Strong experience in inventory management and forecasting techniques.
• Ability to communicate complex analysis effectively.

Responsibilities

• Forecast inventory levels and develop procurement strategies.
• Analyze trends for sales and margin plans.
• Collaborate with supply chain teams to optimize efficiency.

Skills

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management or related field

Tools

Advanced Excel functions

Microsoft Access

SQL

Job description

Overview

Staples is business to business. You’re what binds us together. When joining our Supply Chain team, you’ll be surrounded by a team who is looking to make an impact on our customers, our community, and each other. By pairing innovative technology with dynamic employees, we create smarter, more efficient ways to deliver for customers. Our network of distribution, fulfillment, fleet, furniture installation and professional teams work together in fun and safe environments to deliver state-of-the-art products, services and expertise to our customers.

The Supply Demand Planner is responsible for accurately forecasting inventory levels and developing procurement strategies to optimize inventory investments, achieve service-level goals, and minimize out-of-stock scenarios. Utilizing analytical methods and planning tools, the planner will support inventory planning, vendor management, and strategic procurement, significantly impacting Staples’ profitability and customer satisfaction.

What you’ll be doing

• Accurately forecast department and/or vendor-level inventory dollars on hand and inventory turnover rates.
• Develop and execute inventory procurement strategies to optimize inventory investment while exceeding service-level targets.
• Analyze trends to create detailed sales and margin plans, including accounting for promotional activities and seasonality.
• Forecast demand and supply needs using key item planning tools.
• Provide procurement guidance to vendors based on forecasted demand.
• Track, expedite, and maintain purchase orders, escalating critical supply chain issues promptly.
• Act on key daily reports, including inactive inventory, daily out-of-stocks, and forecast exceptions.
• Foster effective vendor relationships, serving as the primary contact for inventory management.
• Manage inactive inventory in partnership with merchandising to optimize disposition (returns or markdowns).
• Forecast and evaluate ad performance and seasonal promotions to maximize sales, margin, and inventory efficiency.
• Perform ad hoc analyses, forecasting various scenarios to advise on optimal profitability strategies.
• Collaborate with supply chain teams to optimize efficiency through inventory policy adjustments.
• Support supplier lead time reduction and reliability improvement initiatives.

What you bring to the table

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively and influence stakeholders.
• Adaptability and flexibility in dynamic business environments.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

What’s needed - Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field; or equivalent work experience.
• 2+ years of progressively complex related experience.
• Proven ability to clearly and effectively communicate complex quantitative analysis and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
• Demonstrated analytical thinking, with a strong track record of strategic problem-solving, data-driven decision-making, and the ability to identify actionable insights.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools, specifically advanced Excel functions (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, macros) and Microsoft Access for performing detailed statistical analysis and inventory modeling.
• Strong experience in inventory management, forecasting techniques, and procurement processes within supply chain environments.

What’s needed - Preferred Qualifications

• Experience using SQL, MicroStrategy, or related data mining tools.
• Experience with Supply Chain Planning and Inventory Management systems (E3, JDA, Evant).

We Offer

• Inclusive culture with associate-led Business Resource Groups
• 22 days of PTO and Holiday Schedule (7 observed paid holidays + 1 floating holiday)
• Online and Retail Discounts, Company Match 401(k), Physical and Mental Health Wellness programs, and more!

Seniority level

• Entry level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Management and Manufacturing

Industries

• Retail Office Equipment