Demand Planner

Univar Solutions - Powell, OH

Full-time - Mid Level

Powell, OH

Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods

About the position

The Demand Planner position at Univar Solutions is a critical role within the supply chain that focuses on managing the forecasting and inventory requirements process. This hands-on position is responsible for developing and executing demand and inventory plans that align with the company's sales and service objectives. The Demand Planner will work closely with various departments, including supply chain, sales, marketing, and customer support, to ensure that accurate forecasts are communicated and that all key deadlines are met. This role serves as the primary liaison with the supply group regarding any changes to forecasts, making it essential for the Demand Planner to maintain clear and effective communication across teams. In this position, the Demand Planner will lead forecast and inventory planning meetings, reviewing recommended sales forecasts and inventory goals. They will design and generate weekly and monthly statistical forecast reports, conduct analyses of current and future forecasting, and ensure that established forecasting processes and methods are adhered to. Continuous improvement of forecasting techniques and methods is a key responsibility, as is maintaining and updating documentation and standard operating procedures related to demand planning processes and systems. The Demand Planner will gather data from various systems to analyze all pertinent information for creating sales forecasts. They will establish best practice methods for creating forecasts and inventory targets, making recommendations for adjustments based on changes in demand and market trends. Additionally, the role involves managing inventory targets, analyzing performance data to identify variances, and collaborating with sales and marketing teams to enhance forecast accuracy. The Demand Planner will also provide input for software implementations, ensuring that existing software meets performance requirements and assists in resolving product quality issues efficiently.

Responsibilities

• Lead forecast and inventory planning meetings and review recommended sales forecasts and inventory goals.
• Design and generate weekly and monthly statistical forecast reports.
• Conduct current and future forecasting analysis, ensuring forecasting processes and methods are followed.
• Review and measure the impact of forecast accuracy.
• Continuously improve forecasting techniques, methods, and approaches.
• Maintain and update documentation and standard operating procedures for demand planning processes and systems.
• Gather data from various systems and analyze all data pertinent to creating the sales forecast.
• Establish and utilize best practice methods in creating forecasts and respective inventory targets.
• Make recommendation adjustments to forecast and inventory targets based on changes in demand and market trends.
• Manage inventory targets (i.e., safety stock levels and min/max levels).
• Analyze, develop, execute, and communicate forecast and inventory metrics reports to management around forecast accuracy, inventory plan vs. targets, etc.
• Monitor SKU levels and recommend SKU rationalization initiatives.
• Analyze performance data to identify business plan variances using established systems and ad-hoc problem solving.
• Collaborate with Sales and Marketing, Supply Planners, and others to increase forecast accuracy.
• Establish performance criteria by analyzing trends and benchmarking to identify areas for improved customer service.
• Provide input to software implementations by using subject matter expertise to improve capabilities of existing software and ensure that software meets performance requirements.
• Assist in resolving product quality issues in an efficient and timely manner, as applicable.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Statistics, Mathematics, Supply Chain/Operations, Finance or minimum 5 years of Demand Planning and/or Forecasting experience.
• Six Sigma / APICS certification preferred.
• Strong analytical abilities with knowledge of statistical and mathematical computer programs and modeling techniques.
• Strong knowledge of SAP/Planning & Forecasting Systems.
• Knowledge of demand forecasting techniques and inputs (e.g., business trends, seasonality, consumption patterns).
• Strong knowledge of demand planning process within the Chemical Industry.
• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally and coordinate efforts around process improvement.
• Ability to analyze business processes and develop systems-based solutions that will improve current state.
• Background in forecasting, procurement and/or planning.
• Detail-oriented, excellent communication and team building skills.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in the chemical industry is a plus.
• Familiarity with advanced statistical forecasting methods.
• Experience with inventory management systems.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage.
• 401k retirement savings plan.
• Paid holidays and vacation time.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Flexible scheduling options.