Demand Planner

The Demand Planner is responsible for driving demand and supply planning across a complex, fiber-based inventory environment supporting a telecommunications client. This role oversees inventory lifecycle management, forecasting, and material planning across a high-SKU portfolio with a strong emphasis on MRP execution, inventory accuracy, and operational efficiency. This position operates in a highly analytical, Excel-driven environment today, with a forward-looking mandate to improve planning capabilities, processes, and tool adoption.

Demand & Supply Planning

• Develop and maintain demand forecasts and supply plans across a diverse portfolio of network and fiber-related materials
• Manage planning for thousands of SKUs (including ~3,000+ items in MRP environments)
• Align supply plans with business demand for Spectrum Business (commercial segment)
• Monitor material availability and proactively mitigate supply risks

Inventory Lifecycle Management

• Oversee end-to-end inventory lifecycle, including procurement, replenishment, tracking, and disposition of excess or obsolete materials
• Manage complex inventory environments with fiber-based components and device-specific configurations
• Track and manage high-volume, high-variability inventory tied to fiber wavelength-based devices and routing components

MRP & Planning Execution

• Execute and manage Material Requirements Planning (MRP) processes across a large SKU base
• Maintain data integrity and planning accuracy within current systems (primarily Excel-based workflows)
• Support transition toward more advanced planning tools and automation capabilities

Inventory Controls & Reconciliation

• Drive inventory accuracy through cycle counts, reconciliation processes, and root-cause analysis
• Ensure proper tracking of inventory movements across locations and vendors
• Partner with operations, finance, and supply chain teams to resolve discrepancies

Process Optimization

• Identify and implement improvements in inventory management, forecasting accuracy, and planning workflows
• Reduce reliance on manual Excel processes by supporting tool evaluation and implementation efforts
• Standardize planning processes across different product categories and vendor systems

Performance Management

• Define, track, and report key supply chain KPIs, including:
• Inventory accuracy
• Material flow efficiency
• Service levels / fill rates
• Cost management and inventory optimization
• Provide insights and recommendations to drive continuous improvement

Required Qualifications:

• 3–7+ years of experience in demand planning, supply planning, or inventory management
• Strong experience working with MRP systems and large SKU counts
• Advanced Excel skills (modeling, data manipulation, forecasting)
• Deep understanding of inventory movement, controls, and reconciliation processes
• Experience in large, complex commercial or enterprise business environments

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in telecommunications, fiber networks, or similar technical supply chains
• Familiarity with fiber-based inventory (e.g., wavelength-based devices, network equipment)
• Experience working with multiple vendors and vendor-specific SKUs
• Exposure to supply chain planning tools (e.g., SAP APO/IBP, o9, Blue Yonder, Kinaxis, etc.)
• Experience supporting transformation from manual planning to system-driven planning