What are the responsibilities and job description for the Demand Planner position at Fast-Rite International?
Full Time
Posted on 21 January 2025
Department: Supply Chain
Reports To: Demand Planning Manager
Job Summary:
The Demand Planner is responsible for supporting the Demand Planning Manager in executing demand forecasting processes and ensuring efficient communication across departments. This role plays a crucial part in gathering and analyzing sales, marketing, and supply chain data to optimize inventory levels, improve forecast accuracy, and enhance customer satisfaction. The Demand Planner will contribute to meeting business objectives through collaboration, forecasting, and documentation efforts that support the monthly Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) process.
Responsibilities:
- Support Forecasting & Planning:
Assist in developing and maintaining demand forecasts for key product lines and customers, ensuring alignment with sales plans, budgets, and prior-year performance. Collaborate with the Demand Planning Manager to implement and refine forecasting methodologies. Maintaining data in Blueridge software. - Inventory Consciousness:
Actively seek opportunities to reduce inventory costs by analyzing current inventory levels and proposing adjustments. Assist in identifying and implementing cost-saving initiatives while maintaining optimal inventory to meet customer needs. - Scheduling Agreement Reviews:
Conduct full reviews of Scheduling Agreements and collaborate with the Supply Chain team to adjust schedules as needed. Ensure that scheduling aligns with cost balance and inventory management goals. - S&OP Meeting Participation:
Support the Demand Planning Manager in leading and improving S&OP meetings. Ensure that tasks resulting from the meetings are followed up on and executed to drive continuous improvement.
- Rite-Stock Program Reconciliation:
Assist in reconciling Rite-Stock programs, including Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI), Consignment, and Vending. Work with the supply chain team and customers to ensure program accuracy and effectiveness. - Monthly S&OP Participation:
Prepare demand forecast reports, variance analysis, and key performance indicators (KPIs) for the monthly S&OP cycle. Support the Demand Planning Manager in driving the demand review process for specific customers or product lines. - Customer Relations:
Assist in evaluating customer inventory requirements and communicating forecast changes to improve service levels. Support customer program reviews, assessing usage trends, inventory levels, and opportunities for improvement. - Continuous Improvement:
Work with the Demand Planning Manager to drive improvements in demand forecasting processes, reporting, and communication across departments. Contribute to the development of tools and templates to enhance forecasting accuracy and efficiency. - Reporting & Documentation:
Maintain and update demand planning templates and reports. Ensure clear documentation of demand forecasts, assumptions, and risks for use in decision-making processes. Take charge of the monthly inventory consumption review and report to top management.
Key Skills & Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, or related field.
- 2-3 years of experience in demand planning, forecasting, or related role.
- Strong adaptability to change with a focus on continuous improvement.
- Experience with inventory management and cost balancing.
- Proficiency in forecasting and planning tools such as Excel, ERP, and specialized software.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage large data sets.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.
- Detail-oriented with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
Performance Metrics:
- Forecast accuracy
- Inventory level optimization and cost savings
- Customer service level improvements
- Timely communication of forecast changes
Business Management:
- Knows own span of control and decisions appropriate to position
- Has full knowledge/understanding of situations, including timing
- Understands and utilizes various decision-making processes
- Obtains necessary input from others
- Communicates rationale for decisions
- May not enter into a service agreement without prior consent of Directors or President of Fast-Rite International, Inc.
Travel:
• Some travel may be required
DISCLAIMER
This job description indicates in general terms, the type and level of work performed as well as the typical responsibilities of employees in this classification. The duties described are not to be interpreted as being all-inclusive to any specific employee. Management reserves the rights to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job. Nothing in this position description changes the at-will employment relationship existing between the Institution and its employees
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The above information has been designed to indicate the general nature and work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this position.
We are proud to provide equal employment opportunity for all persons, in all facets of employment. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks.