Demand Planner analyzes and adjusts statistical forecasts based on a review of product movement including seasonality, industry and market trends, and probability of anticipated sales. Measured on forecast accuracy and forecast bias through statistical modeling and consensus planning. Focused on driving continuous improvement with customer in-stock performance, days on hand, product loss, and capacity planning.
Essential Functions:
- Use and maintain demand planning software as the primary forecasting tool.
- Collaborate with appropriate GFS departments including, but not limited to, Category Management, Sales and Supply Chain teams to maintain forecast integrity.
- Develop and maintain accurate statistical forecasts that incorporate market intelligence gathered from collaboration with the various customer segments.
- Review historical sales trends and research demand drivers to ensure the most accurate seasonal forecast.
- Communicate to Replenishment Planners any significant changes in demand that may warrant adjustments to fulfillment parameters
- Identify and resolve forecast exceptions in a highly efficient manner resulting in improved forecast accuracy and service levels, and lower spoilage and liquidation.
- Address demand related inquiries in a timely and professional manner
- Responsible for benchmarking forecast accuracy and bias to monitor continuous improvement.
- Make necessary adjustments to demand/forecast for future events, item transitions, limited time offerings, new business, and product discontinuation.
- Develops and manages forecast and demand attributes for new and seasonal items utilizing various system functionality.
- Identify root cause for forecast misses and communicate concerns/successes to appropriate personnel in a highly professional and efficient manner.Participate in functional teams to propose methods and ideas that drive innovation for improvement in the forecasting system and existing business processes.(ex. Seasonal Planning, Statistical Exceptions Management, etc.)
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Two or more years experience within the food industry or supply chain management field preferred.
Knowledge / Skills / Abilities:
- Human Relations - ability to work in teams, interact with others across departments/roles, develop relationships, etc.
- Self Management - self directed with ability to deal with distraction, repetition, prioritization, fluctuations in workload, ambiguity, etc.
- Mathematical - proficient in statistical concepts and forecasting methods
- Communication - excellent written, verbal, organizational and communication skills.
- Time Management - ability to multitask, prioritize, and execute efficient work processes.
- Customer Service - knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer service. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
- Problem Solver - ability to problem solve and develop solutions to a variety of complex problems by comparing, classifying, innovating, analyzing, coordinating, copying, etc. May refer to established precedents and policies.
Be part of an amazing culture where what matters to you, matters to us!
Gordon Food Service values our customers and understands that their success is largely dependent upon their workforce. To demonstrate our commitment to our partnership, we will require any candidate who works for a Gordon Food Service customer to provide a letter of support from their management if they are selected for the interview process.
Gordon Food Service is an equal opportunity employer.
All qualified applicants and employees will receive consideration for employment, or in terms or conditions of employment, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with disability. The EEO is the Law poster is available here: http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf
If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, please submit your request to talent@gfs.com and use the words “Accommodation Request” in your subject line. Please keep in mind this method is reserved for individuals who require accommodation due to a disability. All Gordon Food Service locations are tobacco-free.
Gordon Food Service is a drug-free workplace and drug tests all employees.