Our client is looking to expand their talent base across various functions, levels, and departments with the addition of several new and exciting positions. They are an industry leader with an excellent reputation and solid brand recognition. The Demand Planner is a brand new role within the newly re-organized Supply Chain department so this is a unique opportunity for an individual to step in and shine.

*NOTE*

Currently, we are only seeking local candidates or candidates willing to relocate themselves. A relocation allowance for this position has not been budgeted at this point.

Job Title: DEMAND PLANNER

Department: Supply Chain

SUMMARY:

Owner of the demand plan for product classes/customers assigned to them to assure optimal inventory and service levels.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs data driven analysis of historical data combined with key inputs on future demand to derive Demand Plans that are updated each month
• Works with the existing Demand Planning tools to perform function and helps evaluate and implement any additional system tools brought into process
• Serves as the lead point of contact with the Supply Chain Planner for the assigned product  families
• Builds a consensus demand plan by working with Sales, Marketing,  Engineering, New Product Development, Customer Forecast Analysts and Customer Service functions as appropriate
• Leads a portion of the Monthly Demand Meeting (Demand Pre-S&OP) meeting for the product lines for which he/she is responsible, and is perceived to be a credible leader of the process by Sales, Marketing, Finance, Sr. Mgmt, and the Supply Chain Planning team (understands the math and the music of the demand planning function)
• Works closely with the Sales Administration team to ensure that they receive the latest demand plan information and other appropriate information from the DP area
• Works closely with the Customer Forecast Analysts to ensure that account specific inputs are appropriately factored into the monthly demand plan
• Stays current on industry trends in the Demand Planning area, consumer products industry, and technology trends (ex: practices associated with incorporation of POS data, etc.)
• Demonstrates commitment to staying current on new terms and demand planning leading practices and trends such as demand sensing, demand shaping, etc.
• Drives adherence to the established processes in the demand planning area and areas where the demand planning team interacts with others
• Constructively interacts with different functional areas and is able to handle the vast majority of situations that develop with Sr. Mgmt Members as well as other functional areas without the Manager of Demand Planning and Director of Supply Chain Planning being involved
• When necessary, directs the flow of work for forecast analyst to meet process and reporting deadlines
• Contributes heavily to the professional development of themselves and others within the  Demand Planning team and as a professional within the Supply Chain organization, contributes where applicable to the professional development of others by informal coaching and example setting
• Effective at introducing, “selling”, and implementing new/pilot programs and initiatives
• Position is based at the Memphis HQ office.  Anticipated travel less than 20% of time

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• BA required. MBA preferred.
• Four years in forecasting or equivalent supply chain methodologies.
• Business forecasting or APICS certification is a plus.

SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS OR SKILLS:

• Must be highly proficient in Microsoft Business; including Word & Excel.
• Strong familiarity with at least one significant Demand Planning tool (ex: Demand Solutions,  Manugistics,  Demantra, etc)  and ERP systems functionality
• Ability to work in a very detailed, disciplined environment
• Strong communication skills, including ability to present facts/data/information in an independent way to high level individuals and with appropriate customers and suppliers (if Supply Chain Planner requests assistance)
• Strong user of Excel, Access, and other Microsoft desktop tools
• Demonstrated ability to remain data-driven and fact-driven in pressure filled situations
• Cross functional, peer, customer, and management communication skills
• Analytical- Synthesizes complex or diverse information: collects and researches data: uses intuition and experience to complement data and makes critical decisions regarding customer needs.
• Judgment- Translates data from various sources and information into an up to date demand forecast.
• Problem Solving- Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information; works well in group problem solving situations or in individual decisions regarding customer requirements.
• Project Management- Communicates changes and progress; completes projects on time and within budget.
• Oral Communications- Listens and communicates for clarification. Responds well to questions. Participates in meetings. Must maintain on-going verbal communications with internal and external groups to assure best practices and results.
• Written Communication- Presents numerical data effectively; able to read and interpret written information and communicate effectively to all levels of staffing.
• Planning/Organizing- Sets goals and targets; develops realistic action plans.
• Professionalism- Reacts well under pressure, accepts responsibility for own actions; follows through on commitments.
• Quality- Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Ability to interpret a variety of data furnished in written, oral, or other scheduled forms.