Demand Planner

Ferguson Enterprises - Moody, AL

Full-time - Mid Level

Moody, AL

10,001+ employees

Merchant Wholesalers, Durable Goods

About the position

The Demand Planner at Jones Stephens plays a crucial role in managing a subset of the company's demand forecast. This position requires a data-driven approach, utilizing statistical information combined with insights from various inputs such as financial plans, market plans, sales plans, and industry data to achieve an unbiased consensus among all stakeholders. The Demand Planner must possess a strong understanding of data, including different levels of hierarchy forecasts, forecast error, and the various drivers and statistics that can help minimize bias in forecasting. This role is essential in challenging assumptions made by other functions and ensuring that the demand planning process is robust and reliable. In this hybrid role based out of Newport News, VA, the Demand Planner will work three days in the office and two days remotely, following the Jones Stephens Flex schedule. The responsibilities include using demand planning software and statistical forecasting techniques to develop a rolling 18-month baseline forecast. The Demand Planner will also follow a regimented monthly cadence to collaborate with Category Management, Marketing, Business Leaders, Sales, Supply Chain, and Finance to adjust forecasts and reach consensus. Leading the Demand Review meeting in the monthly S&OP cycle is a key responsibility, where the planner will report on forecast changes and collaborate with participants to address discrepancies in the forecast. Additionally, the Demand Planner will serve as a coach and mentor within the business unit, educating the organization on the benefits of demand planning and S&OP. They will run reports on forecast accuracy, bias, and evolution, and work to improve forecast accuracy by analyzing errors and implementing action plans. Participation in Annual Planning and Strategic Planning activities is also expected, along with maintaining documentation and standard operating procedures for demand planning processes. Collaboration with Supply Planning and the Replenishment team is essential to optimize inventory flow and reduce risks associated with supply chain constraints.

Responsibilities

• Use Demand Planning software and statistical forecasting techniques to develop a rolling, 18 months baseline forecast.
• Follow a regimented monthly cadence to collaborate and collect input from Category Management, Marketing, Business Leaders, Sales, Supply Chain and Finance to adjust the forecast and reach consensus with all parties.
• Lead the assigned Demand Review meeting in the monthly S&OP cycle to report on all forecast changes, collaborate with participants and challenge areas of the forecast that do not align with the trends and analysis presented by the planning team.
• Serve as a coach and mentor to the business unit to educate the organization on the benefits of demand planning and S&OP.
• Run reporting on forecast accuracy, forecast bias and forecast evolution.
• Improve forecast accuracy by analyzing forecast error, recommending and implementing appropriate action plans.
• Participate in Annual Planning and Strategic Planning activities that impact the long-term plan for assigned categories.
• Maintain documentation and standard operating procedures for demand planning processes and systems.
• Collaborate with Supply Planning and the Replenishment team to optimize inventory flow to reduce risk, eliminate constraints and decrease lead times on key items.
• Participate in or lead projects related to data driven supply chain optimization, planning system improvements, master data strategy, etc.

Requirements

• 3+ years of demand planning experience required.
• 2+ years of S&OP, IBP, or related supply chain planning process preferred.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering or related analytical subject area.
• Experience leading collaborative demand meetings, participating in a consensus process or involvement in an S&OP process.
• Excellent leadership, communication and collaboration skills.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to scrutinize and break down facts and concepts in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong presentation skills and ability to build positive relationships across the organization.
• Ability to investigate and see the big picture within the same discussion.
• Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office Excel required. Advanced knowledge preferred.
• Solid understanding of Microsoft Office Access required.
• Logility Planning software experience highly preferred.
• SQL database skills a plus.
• PowerBI proficiency preferred.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with advanced statistical forecasting techniques.
• Familiarity with supply chain optimization tools and methodologies.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Retirement savings with company match
• Paid leave (vacation, sick, personal, holiday, and parental)
• Employee assistance programs
• Associate discounts
• Community involvement opportunities
• Bonus or Incentive Plan eligibility