Operations Demand Planner

Food manufacturing experience highly preferred.The Supply Chain Demand Planner will be responsible for developing accurate demand forecasts to support supply chain planning, inventory optimization, and business decision-making. This role analyzes historical data, market trends, promotional activity, and customer insights to create reliable demand plans that help the organization balance supply with demand efficiently. Utilizing innovative demand planning tools and internal processes, this role will develop and maintain demand forecasts that will drive production and purchasing directives to support our high levels of customer service as well as support the expansion and growth of our S&OP processes on both our food service and retail side of the business. This role will be cross functional and proactively collaborate with all plants on schedules, customer service, sales, marketing, and finance to positively influence results. 100% onsite ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:Develop, maintain, and improve short-, mid-, and long-range demand forecastsAnalyze historical sales, seasonality, product life cycles, and market trendsReview and adjust forecasts based on input from sales and marketingProposing and implementing solutions to improve demand forecast accuracyAddressing demand-related issues in a timely and effective mannerWork with the Procurement department on resolving supply issuesHighly analytical with in-depth knowledge of advanced mathematical and forecasting policiesLead or participate in S&OP (Sales & Operations Planning) meetingsCommunicate forecast changes, risks, and opportunities to stakeholdersPartner with supply planning to ensure supply levels meet forecasted demandWork closely with marketing on launches, promotions, and discontinuationsMonitor forecast accuracy and implement improvement initiativesIdentify demand drivers and root causes of forecast variabilityProvide regular reporting on demand trends, inventory risks, and service level performanceHighlight product shortages, excess, or obsolescence risksData management within the Planning SystemBuild inter-transfer truck loads based on demand needsOther duties as assignedEducation and/or ExperienceBachelors (B. A.) or equivalent from four-year College; 5-7 years' minimum of related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.SKILLS AND ABILITIESExperience with ERP or planning systems (Kinaxis, SAP, Oracle, Anaplan, etc.)Kinaxis Maestro preferredKnowledge of statistical forecasting methodsFamiliarity with S&OP processesStrong problem-solving and scenario-planning capabilitiesStrong communication abilityTeamwork and CollaborationSupply Chain management and Demand managementMicrosoft ExcelData AnalysisInventory Management