Job Description
Overall ResponsibilitiesCustomer Demand Planner liaises between the customer, the sales team and internal supply planning team to provide analytics and insights to deliver superior service to our customers. Collaborates with the Sales team to fully understand the sales plan, and influence and align the customer. Focus on improvement of customer level forecasts which is the foundation and starting point of the IBP Demand Forecast process. Specific Key Responsibilities & DutiesStrategy and Vision:Demonstrate leadership, influence and expertise:Encourage team-work between all internal departmentsAct as gatekeeper of business knowledge and insights for sales teamCreation of synergies across sales, finding ways to leverage best practicesCreate the engagement plan with BU on IBP process: Ensure Business / Sales Team plans are supported through the Demand Forecast processProactively highlights gaps in plan vs. annual target with facts to drive gap closing actionsIdentify key capabilities required for continuous improvement:Process alignment meetings with cross functional teams on helping them drive IBP improvements and deliver efficiency benefitsEstablish annual forecast accuracy targets. Measure monthly forecast error results versus established targets and identify and report on root cause for forecast errors below targetForecasts:Lead the development of annual statistically trended base forecast for Sales. Integrating forward-looking assumptions, historical trends, price changes, product innovation and discontinuations.Manage orders vs. estimates on a monthly basis, responding to exceptions with collaborative discussions and addressing monthly plan revisions accordinglyMaintain an overview of key trading issues; manage the impact on Sales forecast including the effect of the resultant gap filling activities Be fully versatile on explaining the Sales call, what includes the ability to bridge: LE to LELE to AOPLE to Month end Actuals LE to Quarterly Sales LELE to prior yearBring Customer insight / Intelligence throughLatest field insights from Sales that may impact the forecastOverview / understanding customer plansOverview of the customer activity calendarLong term strategy changesExternal customer forecastsProvide monthly summaries to Sales identifying key drivers, and clarity against segment/SKU level gaps/adjustments.Leadership:Establish and utilize best methods (statistical models and reporting tools) in creating forecasts at the SKU, Customer, month.Lead monthly customer volume reviews with sales teams to validate and adjust current fiscal year forecasts, gaining full alignment with key stakeholders.Create insights for Sales, determining long term business health and trends.Develop concrete recommendations around how to improve forecast reliability and profitability, e.g., through real-time feedback loops (i.e. pre-launch and while campaigns are running, post-mortem evaluations of promotional effectiveness, category/customer trends, alignment of POS/Shipment trends)Manage planning and execution of monthly forecasts to drive Forecast Accuracy.Influence planning of New Product Introduction, Discontinuation, Key Season and media.Provide direction for allocation of supplies with order management and supply planning team. Ensure collaborative planning and proactive communication with key stakeholders and external customersBusiness lead/ subject matter expert for Systems implementationCoach and train peers in planning processes and systemsDevelop scorecard & ensure Customer’s Supply Chain KPI expectations are being met.Improve processes and efficiencies of supply chain impacting KPI’s, including fillrate/OTIF, order management optimization, lead time improvement and other relevant initiatives with customer and supply chain teamConduct in depth analysis of monthly top partners inventory & consumption to understand build/burn impact on ongoing demand.Represent the Supply Chain Department during Customer/Partner meetings. Provide line of sight to Demand Director for any elevated discussions needing attention & attendance, i.e. Quarterly review, Top to Top etc.Evolve to ensure cost effective processes (Fill Rate, On-Time Pick up and Vendor Deliveries)Represent the Customer Supply Chain Department during weekly face to face Customer meetings Knowledge, Skills & Abilities RequirementsAnalytical capabilities, strong business acumen and problem solving skills, excellent communication skills, experience in supply chain managementRequirements:1-2 years of relevant experienceKnowledge of customer systems (Retail Link/LDIA/LVRP/IRI)Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Programs (Excel, Power Point, etc.)Supply Chain experience in a Consumer Packaged Goods environment preferred