Senior Demand Planner

Soar with us at Wawa.

We believe we can make life a little better every day – one smile, hoagie, or experience at a time. And there’s one secret ingredient that truly sets Wawa apart: Our Associates. At Wawa, you’ll be part of a caring team that’s dedicated to helping all of us fly high – together. We’re team players, day-brighteners, and go-getters: and we know that Wawa is a place where we can build skills to thrive and open doors to new career opportunities. We’re proud to be a part of a winning team of Associate owners who shape our success. We’re committed to helping our communities and one another at every turn, because we know that when we fly together, there’s no limit to how far we can go. Ready to be part of a team that helps you reach new heights? Join our flock and get ready to soar.

Job Description

Job Title: Senior Demand Planner

Location: Corporate

Department: Manufacturing and Engineering

Job Summary: The Senior Demand Planner is responsible for forecasting future needs to meet demand through data analysis and system settings across diverse merchandise categories. They evaluate the impact of strategic initiatives to the supply chain and stores. Partners with all stakeholders to make decisions that maximize profitability while minimizing complexity. Accountable for building cross-functional relationships, drives and recommends forecasting process improvements; resolves global forecasting issues; and works collaboratively with Supply Planners on solutions. Responsible for forecasting to meet demand for corporate-wide events.

Principal Duties

• Provide subject matter expertise around forecasting and provide guidance across assigned merchandise categories to all stakeholders.
• Collaborate with business partners in the achievement of gross profit and assigned spoilage targets where applicable. Share accountability of these targets with business partners.
• Responsible for the forecast quality of assigned categories. Drive and influence the collaboration with business partners to make recommendations and resolve forecasting issues to improve order quality, and minimize out-of-stocks. Utilize problem solving and critical thinking to drive solutions.
• Partner with Marketing, Store Operations, and the Distributions Centers on the seamless execution of new product initiatives, promotions and programs to maximize sales and gross profit while minimizing complexity. Determine appropriate course of action and implement appropriate settings for promotions, new programs, tests and new article introductions. Collaborate with the Supply Planners, FIO Specialist and Inventory Planning Analyst to implement, organize and monitor program tests.
• Analyze article and store level data for new products to determine allocation requirements, and responsible for generating these allocations. Develop and share market level shipping forecasts by article with Distribution Centers, Marketing and key vendor partners. Monitor warehouse out-of-stock situations and update forecasts accordingly. Collaborate with Store Operations, Marketing and Supply Chain on communication to stores regarding supply issues.
• Define and implement replenishment rules using analytics to ensure optimal presentation stock levels and supply chain efficiencies for all respective articles. Collaborate with Marketing, Supply Chain & Space Planning to regularly review these rules and adjust where needed. Lead enhancements to business processes to ensure consistent application of rules, and test new concepts for replenishment parameters. Effectively communicate to business partners.
• Lead, develop and implement forecasting methodology, strategies and optimal use of forecasting models by working cross-functionally with business partners. Identify opportunities and is responsible for influencing changes within the business processes.
• Assist the SCM Systems Administrator to identify, prioritize and test opportunities to change forecasting & replenishment processes and facilitate their implementation into the system. Participate in the implementation of related technology solutions and applications to enhance performance.
• Gather and analyze feedback on the effectiveness of the forecasting process and partner with Supply Planners to gather store feedback.
• Drive areas for process improvement and work cross-functionally within team on solutions. Make recommendations and own resolution. Drive process efficiencies. Identify external factors that have a significant influence on demand and develop and implement initiatives to change forecasting processes in the system.
• Partner with Distribution Centers to resolve warehouse replenishment issues.
• Coach, support and develop corporate and store understanding of the forecasting processes.
• Participate in any ad-hoc requests or special projects as assigned.

Essential Functions

• Detail oriented and excellent organizational skills
• Excellent analytical, project management, critical thinking and problem solving skills
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously and independently
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Proven self-starter with demonstrated ability to make decisions
• Ability to work well individually as well as in a team environment
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent customer service skills
• Ability to work with little or no supervision
• Excellent leadership skills
• Ability to work well under pressure with strict time demands and deadlines
• Availability to work some weekends and some holidays required.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, Supply Chain Management preferred; Master’s degree a plus
• Five to Seven years related work experience
• Strong knowledge of forecasting, and retail inventory management
• Demonstrated business management experience in leading teams and achieving a range of business objectives
• Software implementation and upgrade experience
• ERP experience required; SAP experience a plus

Wawa will provide reasonable accommodation to complete an application upon request, consistent with applicable law. If you require an accommodation, please contact our Associate Service Center at asc@wawa.com or 1-800-444-9292.

Wawa, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Wawa maintains a work environment in which Associates are treated fairly and with respect and in which discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated. In accordance with federal, state and local laws, we recruit, hire, promote and evaluate all applicants and Associates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, familial status, marital status, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity or expression, citizenship status, disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, domestic or sexual violence victim status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Unlawful discrimination will not be a factor in any employment decision.