Job description
Position Summary:
This role is focused on the global business for our client. The Demand Planner is responsible for forecasting the future demand of the business for a given product category. The Demand Planner creates and maintains forecast models for their product category incorporating business intelligence and forecast information gathered from Sales, Product Marketing, and other sources. This position leads the dialogue with Sales and Product Marketing in analyzing the business to understand our customers, manage inventory levels, and strategize ways to create new demand. The Demand Planner also works closely with Production Planning and the rest of the Supply Chain functions, as well as Product Development and FP&A. This position is the talent pool for the Senior Demand Planner and Demand Planning Manager positions within the organization.
Essential Functions of this Role:
The essential duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:
Seasonal Forecast Collection
Work with regions to compile future global demand using historical trends and regional input.
The forecast will continue to evolve as a season moves closer to market and more inputs are available in the demand process. The Demand Planner owns all stages of this forecast for a given season, and works with Sales, Product Marketing, and regional representatives to keep the most accurate forecast.
Salesman Sample Buys
Own all aspects of SMS buys
Build buy templates
Collect needs from all regions
Submit results to the production planning team
Production Buys
Split seasonal demand into production buys based on timing needs from sales, and production schedule previously determined with the Production Planning team.
Prepare buy approval templates at each production buy for sign-off from the Executive team prior to purchase.
Rolling Forecast Maintenance
Update the rolling forecast for the assigned product category monthly
Validate information and help call out any trends to Demand Planning Manager.
Other Items as Needed to Support Planners and Department
Update detailed forecasting tools weekly
Build and update discontinued inventory reports and distribute them to regions
Look for opportunities to share inventory across global warehouses to support needs, and recommend inventory transfers amongst regions as necessary.
Identify sales and inventory level trends that are concerning, and work with relevant parties to resolve them.
Build slow-moving inventory reports and work with sales to address them.
Conduct SKU analysis to create line architecture targets for the Product Marketing team each season.
Competencies:
Competent at managing inputs from cross-functional teams.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Strong communication skills
Ability to work in a fast pace environment
Detail oriented with attention to accuracy
Supervisory Responsibilities:
None
Work Environment:
This job operates within the corporate offices
Physical Demands:
May be required to work more than 8 hours during a workday
Sitting for long periods of time
Significant manual dexterity for keying in data for long periods of time
Expected Hours of Work:
Must be available during standard business hours
Travel:
None
Required Education, Experience, and Skills:
Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience required
2-4 years Demand Planning experience required, apparel industry experience a plus
Thorough knowledge of Excel, database, and SAP experience a plus
Proven ability to build cross-functional relationships and collaborations
