Sr. Demand Planner Alternative Channels

Job Description:

Demand Planner – Alternative Channels

Position Summary

The Demand Planner for Alternative Channels is responsible for developing and maintaining accurate sales forecasts for our emerging retail and digital partners. This role focuses on translating account-level data into actionable demand plans that ensure high product availability while optimizing inventory levels. The Demand Planner will serve as the primary analytical point of contact for the Sales and Supply Chain teams regarding "Alt Channel" performance.

• Execute the end-to-end forecasting process for assigned Alternative Channel accounts, including baseline modeling and adjustments for promotions and seasonality.
• Analyze POS data and portal reports from various third-party retailers to identify trends, shifts in consumer behavior, and inventory risks.
• Maintain SKU-level forecasts on a weekly and monthly basis, ensuring all New Product Introductions (NPI) are integrated into the demand plan.
• Perform root-cause analysis on forecast error, using the findings to refine future models and improve accuracy.

• Utilize forecasting tools and Excel models to generate demand signals for the Supply Planning team.
• Update and maintain dashboards that track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as forecast bias and consumption trends.
• Support the S&OP process by providing data-driven insights during monthly demand review meetings.

• Collaborate with Sales Managers to incorporate account-specific insights, such as upcoming marketing pushes or "flash" promotions.
• Coordinate with Supply Planning to communicate significant changes in demand that may impact production or safety stock requirements.
• Assist Finance by providing volume projections that help inform monthly revenue expectations.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, or a related field.
• Experience: 2–4 years of experience in demand planning, inventory management, or data analytics.
• Technical
  
  Skills:
  
  Proficiency in forecasting software (e.g., SAP IBP, Logility, Anaplan, or similar).
• Advanced Excel skills (VLOOKUPs, Pivot Tables, and complex formulas are a daily requirement).
• Experience with data visualization tools (Power BI or Tableau) is a plus.
• Competencies: Strong attention to detail, analytical mindset, and the ability to manage multiple account priorities simultaneously.
• Channel Knowledge: Familiarity with the mechanics of digital marketplaces and "long-tail" retail accounts.

• Forecast Accuracy: Achieving targets for Mean Absolute Percent Error (MAPE).
• Forecast Bias: Minimizing consistent over- or under-forecasting.
• In-Stock Rates: Ensuring product availability for key "Alt Channel" partners.
• Inventory Health: Assisting in the reduction of slow-moving or obsolete (SLOB) inventory through better demand signaling.