JOB SCOPE:
The Demand Planner will partner with the buying team to integrate strategic business plans into annual merchandise financial plans by department and class using iPlan, Excel, or other systems.
JOB SUMMARY:
Responsible for facilitating and driving the consensus forecasting process for new and existing items/programs with cross functional teams to determine an accurate forecast based on regular, promotional and clearance unit sales to determine expected shipment needs by item/store. Develop and maintain unit demand forecasts to share with vendors, Supply Chain, Finance and Merchandising teams.
REPORTS TO:
CFO in Apparel & Food/Drug/Sporting Goods/Toys, VP of Inventory in Hardlines, GMM for Home/Footwear
JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Collaborate with buying teams to understand marketing promotional forecasts, new product introductions, pricing changes, promotions, and events to meet member demand
- Leads a monthly S&OP process with key stakeholders (Supply Chain, key vendor partners, finance, merchant, On-Line) where information gained will be used to develop a forecast to meet Supply Chain service, inventory goals, and create the monthly financial receipt forecast
- Minimize weekly and monthly forecast error by identifying contributing factors and making necessary adjustments.
- Determines the forecast model that is most appropriate for each sku based on product and seasonality and sets forecast variance tolerances by sku.
- Become brand volume expert through understanding consumption and market trends in addition to category and industry dynamics
- Partner with supply chain to understand implications of forecast changes and minimize costs
- Thoroughly understands the business to interpret how promotional activity, new product distribution and seasonality impacts volume.
- Responsible for financial planning including Sales, Margin, Inventory, Receipts, GMROI and Turns.
- Interpret and report forecast implications of phasing-in/out of items.
- Mentor and train other Planners as needed
JOB REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelors Degree
- 5-10 years of related experience
- 18 years of age or older
REQUIRED SKILLS:
- Ability to manage large volumes of data and analysis simultaneously
- Proficiency required in the use of Excel
- Ability to develop analytical processes and tracking methods
- Ability to understand and maneuver between customer information sources/systems and corporate systems
- High analytical and problem solving skills
- Strong organization and follow-up skills
- Ability to effectively manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
PREFERRED SKILLS:
- JDA/Manugistics knowledge preferred
- Proven ability to work effectively with people at all levels
- Ability to work in a team environment