Demand Planner-Forecaster

United Natural Foods - Providence, RI

Full-time - Mid Level

Providence, RI

Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods

About the position

The Demand Planner Forecaster is responsible for managing customer and internal promotional projections and incremental forecasts for inventory across all UNFI regions and National Procurement categories. This role involves collaborating with various departments to ensure accurate demand forecasting, driving total demand signal accuracy, and maintaining optimal inventory levels to support customer promotions and events.

Responsibilities

• Manage customer and internal promotional projections and incremental forecasts for inventory.
• Drive total demand signal accuracy and customer fill rate while limiting excess product related to incremental sales volume.
• Conduct weekly forecast reviews and engage with key stakeholders to ensure accuracy and timeliness of forecasting.
• Influence key retailers to achieve the most accurate demand signal using data and industry knowledge.
• Make decisions on forecast accuracy touchpoints for UNFI and retail-driven promotions.
• Build and leverage strong relationships with complex customers and suppliers to drive results.
• Work independently to identify opportunities and implement solutions.
• Develop and oversee strategies for seasonal volume builds and maintain accountability throughout the planned activity.
• Utilize systemic and Excel-based reporting to drive daily execution of duties and conduct mid and post-action reviews.
• Engage with customers, manufacturers, and external departments as a subject matter expert on Demand Planning processes.
• Ensure overall promotional maintenance is completed, including ads/deletes and quantity adjustments.
• Oversee the creation and management of non-promotional added demand, including new item launches and customer changes.
• Take a continuous improvement approach to all aspects of the assigned desk and share opportunities for improvement.
• Educate and train internal and external partners on incremental demand accuracy and its impacts.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred or equivalent experience.
• 3-4 years of relevant experience in demand planning or forecasting.
• Thorough knowledge of procurement and logistics processes.
• General understanding of promotional practices.
• Strong analytical and math skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and capable of learning multiple systems.
• Ability to identify and understand trends and analyze information to draw conclusions.
• Excellent problem-solving capabilities and strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize multiple projects.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in a similar role within the retail or logistics industry.
• Familiarity with demand planning software and tools.

Benefits

• Remote work flexibility
• Equal Opportunity Employer commitment to diversity and inclusion