Demand Planner

A. Job Summary Statement:

The Demand Planner serves as the key interface between global operations, Sales, Marketing, Finance, and external retail/e-commerce partners (e.g., Amazon, Wayfair) to develop accurate demand forecasts for our diverse product portfolio, including seasonal items. This role drives supply chain efficiency by leveraging statistical models, POS data, and market insights to minimize stockouts and overstock while improving forecast accuracy (MAPE, Bias, WAPE). The Demand Planner will lead critical aspects of the S&OP process to align demand and supply strategies.

B. Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain demand forecasts for all SKUs using statistical models, historical sales trends (POS data), and market intelligence, incorporating demand drivers like promotions and economic conditions.
• Conduct weekly consensus forecast reviews with Sales, Marketing, and Finance, using quantitative (e.g., statistics) and qualitative data to highlight risks, opportunities, and emerging trends.
• Review POS data from retailer websites/vendor portals to generate weekly/monthly reports, providing insights to Sales, Operations, and Marketing teams.
• Develop analytical models to assess pricing elasticity, promotional effectiveness, store placement impact, and product transitions, supporting new product launches and phase-outs.
• Improve forecast accuracy metrics (MAPE, Bias, WAPE) and perform monthly forecast maintenance in SAP IBP, communicating changes to stakeholders to optimize inventory and meet customer requirements.
• Collaborate with customers to align orders and shipments, addressing issues to achieve OTIF (On-Time In-Full) and other key metrics.
• Provide input to the Supply Chain team (Israel, Europe, etc.) on inventory strategies for existing items, new products, phase-outs, and acquisitions to balance supply and demand.
• Lead demand reviews in the monthly S&OP process, facilitating cross-functional meetings to review forecasts, align on supply capabilities, resolve gaps, and escalate issues to leadership for decision-making.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Sales, Operations, Distribution Planning, and external partners to enhance collaboration and forecasting accuracy.
• Identify process improvements in forecasting tools and methodologies, staying updated on consumer goods industry best practices.

C. Job Specifications—Skills and Competencies:

• Supply chain processes and procedures within a manufacturing CPG company.
• Solid understanding of inventory management practices & procedures
• Strong Analytical and Statistical skills.
• Specify expertise in Excel/Access, Power BI, Python, SQL a plus
• Include adaptability, multi-tasking, and data-driven decision-making
• Creative thinking
• Self-starter
• Expert in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Access and Excel.
• Able to work effectively cross-functionally within the organization.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to influence.
• Active listening skills.
• capable to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to be flexible and open to change.
• Experience in a global company preferred

D. Education and Training:

Education: Bachelor of Science in Business, supply chain management, operations, or other related degree.

Experience: Minimum of 3 years of demand and/or supply planning experience specially with e-commerce customers. Solid understanding of internet mechanics including sales trends, promotions and selling environments. Desired systems experience includes SAP (including IBP and Business Warehouse), retailer vendor portals, and Microsoft Office.