Demand Planning Analyst

Demand Planning Analyst

Welcome to a better way, an authentic way. Welcome to Nature’s Way.

We believe that nature is the best way to holistic health, and it should be available to everyone.

When we help people live healthy lives, we build a happier, healthier world for everyone.

How we go about our work drives TRUST in who we are, what we do, and the products we produce. 

Our customers trust: 

• Our products to be the gold standard
• Our words to be true
• Our claims to be honest,
• Our actions to have integrity.

And we’ve been leading the way since 1969.

Be a part of helping people live healthy lives as our new Demand Planning Analyst.

SUMMARY
The Demand Planning Analyst is a key member of the Supply Chain team. This Demand Planning position will be responsible for demand planning of a large portfolio of products and delivering the operational forecast while continually striving to increase forecast accuracy. In addition, the role will be responsible for preparing and presenting content to drive the consensus forecast with cross-functional leaders and stakeholders as part of the Demand Review step of the S&OP process. This role works collaboratively with Supply Chain, Sales, Sales Planning, Marketing, and IT to support the S&OP process and organizational goals. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES 

• Develops the demand forecast for the assigned portfolio for the rolling 0-24 month horizon as part of a demand planning process.
• Responsible for developing statistical forecast models, understanding sales and market trends, gathering and integrating insights, while validating and analyzing data to create a forecast on a monthly basis.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain and Finance, to gather relevant data and insights to improve forecast accuracy
• Prepare and present content as part of the Demand Review step of the S&OP process.
• Accountable for problem solving forecast error, monitoring forecast-value add, and implementing strategies for future forecast improvements
• Use and maintain the Demand Planning software as the primary forecasting system tool and document standard processes and procedures.
• Perform ad hoc analysis as needed

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Create statistical forecasts:
  • Gather, analyze and validate data
  • Execute statistical modeling processes
  • Review resulting statistical forecast models
  • Apply error analysis techniques to improve forecast results
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain and Finance, as part of the process steps to integrate insights and assumptions into the demand forecast
  • Gain understanding of consumption, market trends, new product launches, customer activity and adjust forecasts appropriately
  • Ensure forecast input assumptions are documented and reviewed
  • Analyze inputs post-mortem to identify areas for forecast improvement opportunities
• Prepare and present content to cross-functional stakeholders and leaders for the assigned part of the portfolio to achieve a consensus forecast as part of the Demand Review step of the S&OP process
  • Prepare relevant material to facilitate research and discussion
  • Cleary articulate collected demand drivers, recommended adjustments, assumptions, risks, opportunities, as well as gaps to budget
  • Influence and drive resolution to deliver an aligned operational forecast with cross-functional stakeholders and leadership 
• Attend and participate in appropriate S&OP and planning process meetings                           
• Maintain demand planning system and software
  • Create, Modify, and Test alternative statistical forecast algorithms
  • Partner with IT to understand required technical job requirements, responsibilities, and processes 
  • Document standard processes and procedures
• Prepare and maintain relevant data and reporting pertaining to demand planning processes
• Perform ad hoc analysis as needed to support leaders or organizational requests
• Maintain a continuous improvement mindset by identifying, providing recommendations or implementing processes or tools to enhance forecast accuracy results

QUALIFICATIONS 
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to balance multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a diverse team
• Competitive, goal driven attitude
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly advanced functions of Excel, and Power BI (or other reporting software)
• Strong ability to influence with integrity or influence without authority
• Business analysis skills, with the ability to see implications and provide consultative solutions or recommendations

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• A Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Mathematics or Supply Chain is required.
• Two to four years of experience in Demand Planning or Sales Planning is preferred. 
• High level understanding of statistical models and demand planning techniques.
• General understanding of Retailer/Practitioner go-to-market principles and Marketing volume drivers.
• Previous knowledge of SAP IBP or demand planning industry software preferred.
• Certification with IBF or ASCM preferred but not required.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Analytical-must be able to interpret data and communicate conclusions and recommendations to various levels of Management. 
• Technical-Must be proficient in Microsoft Excel. Basic skills in Business objects and Microsoft Access a plus.
• Flexibility-ability to work in a complex and changing organization and adapt to changes in structure and work priorities
• Efficiency-ability to work quickly and to identify and act on issues of materiality
• Independence-ability to make independent decisions and to work with minimal supervision
• Willingness to learn-seeks advice and comments from co-workers, Manager, other staff members
• Self-starter-ability to problem solve, provide creative solutions and prioritize work
• Communication-ability to effectively communicate and establish working relationships with many functional areas and personnel
• Positive attitude, professionalism and integrity.

All benefits are effective on day 1 of employment.

Medical Option to select either a PPO plan or one of 2 high – deductible medical plans that includes a company contribution to your personal health savings bank account.

Dental Delta Dental PPO & an option to select an enhanced dental plan.

Vision Routine preventative coverage under medical plan and an option to elect additional voluntary coverage

Time Off All employees receive 11 holidays off per year, as well as paid time off that starts at a minimum of two weeks per year.

401K Plan Company match of up to 4% as long as employees contribute a minimum of 6% to the account. An additional profit-sharing contribution is also made to employee accounts if the company meets its annual targets.

You’ll also enjoy a variety of other benefits that support your long-term health and wellness:

• Company provided short-term & long-term disability
• Life and AD&D insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• Voluntary critical illness & accident coverage
• New parent phase-in program & paternity leave
• Educational assistance reimbursement
• Product discounts & a wellness program

Start Helping People live Healthy lives today!

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)