Category Planner

This is a strategic role that sits at the intersection of supply chain management, sales, category management, and business analytics. This role is tasked with forecasting customer demand and aligning product availability with customer needs. This role supports Fleetpride’s operational efficiency and financial performance by using a blend of quantitative data analysis and market intelligence to predict sales trends and make informed inventory decisions. Through insight, the Category Planner enables Fleetpride to optimize stock levels, minimize costs, and navigate the complexities of supply and demand dynamics in a constantly evolving marketplace.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Forecast Planning (40%):

• Analyze past sales patterns, market trends, and seasonality to accurately forecast future product demand.
• Collaborate with sales, category management, and marketing teams to understand promotional activities and their impact on demand.
• Regularly review and adjust forecasts based on real-time sales data and market changes.
• Communicate forecast and inventory estimations to management and key stakeholders.
• Conduct root cause analysis for demand planning variances and implement corrective actions.
• Provide input into the financial planning process through accurate demand insights and analysis.
• Participate in cross-functional meetings to align business plans with company objectives.

Assortment Planning (40%):

• Develop and implement product assortment plans that align with overall portfolio strategy, business goals and market trends.
• Provide portfolio insights and recommendations to category management based on category performance and other key performance indicators.
• Develop and implement tactical plans to facilitate product lifecycle changes, such as the introduction of new products and the phasing out of underperforming ones.

Inventory Planning (20%):

• Perform analysis to determine the inventory investment required to ensure a high level of customer service at the lowest cost.
• Develop and maintain inventory targets and monitor performance against these goals.
• Work closely with supply chain, category management, and operations to align demand plans with inventory management and distribution strategies.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

• Bachelors Degree

Skills

• Solid understanding of forecasting, inventory management and supply chain management practices and procedures
• Knowledge of category management and marketing principles
• Ability to think from a consumer perspective and understand buying behavior
• Analysis and problem-solving skills such as the ability to question, accurately identify a need, and present an effective solution
• Working knowledge of ERP systems
• Strong computer skills with proficiency in tools such as Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Power BI, Word)
• Excellent organizational skills
• Attention to detail
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work with others
• Time management skills

Hard Skills:

• Ability to follow and understand big-picture economic trends
• Strong applied math skills
• Understanding of statistical modeling
• Excellent database and Excel skills
• Knowledge of Supply Chain Theory
• Knowledge of inventory metrics

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The performance of this position may require exposure to the warehouse areas where certain areas may require the use of personal protective equipment such as steel toed shoes and safety glasses. The primary environment is characterized by ambient room temperatures, lighting and traditional office equipment found in a typical office environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Reaching above shoulder heights, below the waist or lifting as required to file documents or store materials throughout the workday.
• Occasional lifting of items up to 25 pounds (files, computer printouts on occasion)

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee. He or she will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other duties requested by his or her supervisor.