Senior Demand Planning Analyst

Job Description

We are looking for a highly analytical Senior Demand Planning Analyst specializing in building relationships and driving forecast accuracy by working with sales, marketing, and revenue management to collaboratively create a demand forecast for assigned channels, customers, and products. The individual will gather key input from cross‑functional partners and challenge assumptions to drive improved forecast accuracy. This role leads meetings with BDMs and leads Channel Reviews in preparation for the Demand Commercial Meetings.

• Lead the monthly Demand Planning Process using statistical modeling, shipment history, POS drivers, and competitive information.
• Lead consensus‑driven forecasting process by aligning stakeholders, taking ownership of the demand plan for that channel, and leveraging strong relationships to challenge assumptions.
• Analyze and drive improvements in forecast accuracy and bias; developing corrective action plans and reporting methods for tracking.
• Work independently to create, monitor, and defend a driver‑based forecast using ad‑hoc reporting from multiple data sources, identifying and illustrating pricing/promotion adjustments, distribution changes, inventory adjustments, and multi‑year seasonality indicators.
• Develop forecasting tools and dashboards that provide accurate indicators of demand.
• Knowledge of machine learning techniques and usage of large, complex data sets.
• Experience building flexible scenario‑based planning models for what‑if analysis.
• Champion of driver‑based, analytics‑driven forecasting.

• Monitor and effectively communicate forecast changes to stakeholders on a regular basis, including exception reporting based on tolerance levels.
• Support and provide key input in the monthly S&OP business planning processes, providing an objective, fact‑based assessment of demand and significant variances from previous forecasts.
• Collaborate with assigned sales, production, pricing & promotion, and marketing teams to ensure ongoing tactical plans and strategic initiatives are integrated into the forecast.
• Build consensus utilizing the forecast process while ensuring cross‑functional accountability for the demand plan, challenging assumptions with professionalism and leadership competencies.
• Analyze ongoing demand by channel, customer, and product to identify trends and variances, and share information with sales, S&OP, and marketing teams.

• Understand and utilize internal and external data sources to ensure an accurate forecast, such as production schedule, Nielsen, IRI, and Scintilla/Retail Link.
• Work independently to create, monitor, and defend a driver‑based forecast using ad‑hoc reporting and risk analysis.

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred in business, math/statistics, marketing, or related field.
• 5–7 years experience in a demand planning role, preferably in a CPG environment.
• 1–3 years experience with S&OP; background with Demantra or other demand planning software.
• Preference for experience partnering with large retail accounts in collaborative demand planning or CPFR.
• Solid knowledge of overall business planning processes to ensure decisions are based on a big‑picture view of supporting company goals and objectives.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills; proficient in Excel and data from various sources; strong listening and customer interface skills.
• Patience in high‑tension situations, ability to manage complexity, teamwork, influencing ability, focus on detail, and ability to mentor demand planners.

• Seniority level:
  Mid‑Senior level
• Employment type:
  
  Full‑time
• Job function:
  Management and Manufacturing
• Industry: Food and Beverage Manufacturing

Wells Enterprises is an EEO/AA employer M/F/Vet/Dis.