Demand Planner

Job Description Job Details Job Title: Demand Planner Job Code: DEMPLN Department: Operations Location: Duluth, GA Reports To: Manager of Demand Planning FLSA Classification: Exempt EEOC Classification: Professionals Salary Grade: Supervisory Responsibilities: Yes No Job Summary The primary responsibility of the Demand Planner involves aligning the material forecast with the sales plan, establishing safety stock levels, collaborating with internal cross-functional teams and suppliers to meet on-time delivery goals for customers. Additionally, the Demand Planner manages inventory for designated SKUs. Moreover, the Demand Planner is crucial in coordinating new product launches, integrating supply chains from acquired companies, and handling ERP and financial aspects for supply chain planning. This position manages a diverse portfolio worth millions, ensuring DiversiTech provides top-notch service levels and significant returns to stakeholders. Success in this role is primarily measured by service level percentage and inventory turnover. Essential Duties Leads monthly consensus forecast, collaborating with Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Operations teams as part of SIOP process to validate and adjust current fiscal year forecasts, ensuring alignment with business owners and executive management. Secures agreement from all departments on key assumptions and alterations to segment-level volume. Supports business and sales team plans through the Demand Forecast process. Examines supplier capabilities thoroughly, considering lead-time and monthly production capacity, and develops strategies to meet service levels within supplier capabilities, while working internally to bring on board additional suppliers if needed. Proactively communicates significant changes to downstream supply chain partners and ensures necessary actions are taken. Works across functions to maintain A/B/C SKU rankings and SKU stocking strategy, such as stocking and non-stocking SKUs. Conducts lead-time forecasting to maintain appropriate inventory levels and safety stock levels. Regularly conducts for continuous improvement and process effectiveness and efficiency. Establishes and nurtures relationships with suppliers, actively seeking additional profit opportunities through special purchases. Invests in inventory to optimize service levels, profitability, and cash flow. Delivers monthly summaries to teams, highlighting key drivers and providing clarity at the segment and SKU levels. Regularly communicates the inventory health plan for assigned SKUs. Analyzes market trends and applies this knowledge to make strategic buying decisions. Manages new item launches, reviews product mix, and sets up and maintains replenishment system settings. Notifies the execution team about purchase order creation, cancellations, and modifications. Conducts regular data validation in the replenishment system and ensures any necessary corrections are addressed. Collaborates with Finance, Product Development, Management, and Warehouse staff as needed. Identifies and implements new process improvement opportunities. Performs other duties as assigned. Qualifications, Skills, Abilities and Educational Requirements Required Bachelor’s degree in supply chain operations or related field or equivalent combination of education and industry experience 3 – 5 years of experience in demand planning, inventory management, and/or international procurement Intermediate experience utilizing computer software such as replenishment software and Microsoft Office Suite Demonstrates strong problem-solving and analytical skills Strong critical thinking and negotiation skills Experience working in a fast paced and high-volume work environment Proactive “self-starter” with a strong attention to detail Capable of staying composed in high-pressure situations, being resourceful, and taking proactive measures Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written, enabling effective interaction with employees on all levels, including executive leadership, as well as carriers and customers Preferred ISM CPSM and/or APICS CSCP, and CPIM Key Competencies Inter-Relationships Consistent interaction with operations leadership, Finance, Sourcing leadership, and various levels of employees. May interact with outside vendors and other third parties to align requirements. Working Conditions and Physical Demands Work Environment This position works in an office work setting. Requires regular use of office equipment including computers, phones, and printers. Physical Demands Demand: Frequency Hear Frequent See Frequent Sit Frequent Talk Frequent Type Frequent Stand Occasional Walk Occasional Bend Occasional Stoop Occasional Reach Occasional Drive Occasional Repetitive Motions Occasional Physical Work Percentage Heavy – 25 - 50lb 10 - 25% Travel Required Yes – 0 - 10% Additional Information The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel. Job duties outlined in this job description are considered “Essential Functions” and have been formulated in accordance with the guidelines established by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The provisions of the American with Disabilities Act (1990) stipulate that employees must be capable of performing the “Essential Functions” of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the “Essential Functions”. DiversiTech is an Equal Opportunity Employer.