Global CPG company seeks Demand Planner for it's Chicago headquarters. This role functions as the Demand Planner for imported finished goods. This role is responsible for designing, rolling out and managing the monthly forecasting process. This role supports the in-house resources in software installation and implementation of a formal Demand Planning Process. Individual is responsible for the development, validation and submission of a demand forecast at the SKU /wholesaler level (sales to retail) and a conversion into a billings forecast (sales to wholesale).

Incumbent will also be responsible for driving a Demand Planning cycle that includes the generation of both a base & event driven statistical forecast, facilitation of cross functional meetings designed to gather market intelligence information to fine-tune the forecast, and gaining consensus on a final forecast. Will also be responsible for calculating and reporting on forecast accuracy and driving continuous improvement activities to improve forecast accuracy and the forecasting process.

Forecaster will participate in monthly Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) process designed to reconcile demand and supply based on constraints due to capacity, scheduling, materials, warehousing, distribution or technical issues.

Responsibilities:

1. Initial development and roll-out of wholesaler-level forecasting process. Includes identifying proper process, timing, formatting, points of contact, and settings within system to be used.

2. Utilizes the system to perform monthly analyses on actual sales vs.
projected demand.

3. Communicates and interacts with sales and supply chain groups to calculate a detailed monthly forecast. Facilitates proactive, cross-functional management of market demand. Makes recommendations on actions needed to meet actual and forecasted demand.

4. Responsible for forecasting & reviewing wholesaler stock to sales ratios, identifying potential future issues, responding to changing sales trends, and coordinating appropriate corrective actions between Field Sales and Supply Chain departments.

5. Identifies trend gaps and opportunities and communicates findings to senior management.

6. Coordinates monthly supplier review meetings with Operations and Sales to review current issues and ensure coordination of efforts. Proactively communicates inventory issues and necessary order changes.

7. Develops and presents new product forecasts as well as run "what if"
scenarios as required.

8. Creates and implements a Wholesaler level demand and inventory forecasting exception reporting tool for dissemination to field sales.

9. Relates and measures the impact of forecast accuracy on key performance metrics and service levels.

10. Maintains tracking system for purchase contract requirements with foreign suppliers.

Qualifications:

Must have a Bachelor's degree, APICS Certification or
equivalent work experience, a minimum of 3 to 5 years experience in an integrated forecast planning system environment and have participated in at least one implementation project. Minimum of 5 to 7 years of overall business experience.

Skills:

Must have excellent quantitative and analytical skills with the
ability to translate analytical skills into high level analysis and demand planning. Purchase order management experience and skills are a plus.

Proficiency in Microsoft Access and Excel is required. OLAP tool experience (Cognos preferred) and ERP experience is also desirable (One World preferred). Must be comfortable working with computers and have the ability to learn new software.

Requires excellent written and oral communication skills with the ability to communicate well across all levels of the organization. Must have excellent customer service skills with the ability to work with both internal and external customers. Must be able to make decisions independently and recommend viable solutions to problems and issues. Must be able to mediate conflict issues and drive planning and data gathering meetings to successful resolutions.

Must have the ability to handle a heavy workload and be able to work under pressure while handling frequent changes in direction, without losing focus.
Must be willing to put in whatever time is necessary to get the job done.

Must be willing and able to travel as needed.

Apply for this job
or by phone: 832.584.8937