Job Title: Demand Planner - Canada
Location: Paris, Ontario – Full Time In-Office
At Rawlings, our mission is to enhance the performance and enjoyment of athletes of all ages and abilities through innovation and marketing of the finest sports equipment and apparel available.
General Overview:
The Demand Planner is responsible for managing the end-to-end demand planning process for assigned customers/channels, including developing and optimizing SKU-level forecasts. Optimize demand plans to serve consumers, drive profitable growth, and deliver revenue targets while improving forecast accuracy and Forecast Value Added (FVA). Provide decision support across the organization with data-driven insights.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
- Utilizing the company’s high-level strategic direction, collaborate with Sales Leaders, Product Managers, and Supply Chain Managers to develop long-range, strategic goals for the categories and accounts managed.
- Responsible for planning Sales while gaining alignment with cross-functional teams to achieve KPIs.
- Collaborate with Sales Leads and Product Managers to develop strategic revenue plans by account and category and provide support and direction to the Supply Chain team as they develop capacity plans with the suppliers.
- Monitor and analyze industry trends and market changes to build and update item level forecasts.
- Prepare for and participate in cross-functional meetings to present sales analysis, forecast changes and recommended actions, also to ensure key strategies are being executed.
- Analyze Customer data, including Point of Sales data, sell-through targets, margin goals, and other key metrics to maximize sales and profitability while limiting RTV and MD exposure.
- Focus on exceeding key KPIs, including forecast accuracy, customer fill rates, order request dates, inventory plans and more.
- Build Collaborative Partnerships with key Stakeholders to include internal, customers and suppliers.
- Identify the cause of obstacles and implement long-term solutions through standardized processes.
- Assist with coordination of new product projects to completion.
- Provide input to the Supply Planning organization in developing inventory strategies on existing items, new products, and product phase-outs.
- Closely coordinate and communicate customer action plans with supply planning.
- Present, solicit, and assess feedback on the various forecasts from sales and finance.
- Prepare relevant material to facilitate research and discussion.
- Maintain demand planning system and software Anaplan.
- Prepare and maintain relevant reports pertaining to demand planning process.
Qualifications:
- Legally entitled to work in Canada
- Bachelor’s degree in business or related field
- 3-5 years Sales forecasting and inventory management experience at CPG company or Retail Company
- Advanced Analytical skills - ability to brainstorm, gather data, detect outliers or trends, interpret data, and make decisions based on multiple different data points
- Expert Forecasting Skills – utilize multiple different forecasting metrics (% variance, turn, WOS, % to total, trend analysis) to determine a strategic and accurate forecast
- Strong knowledge of retail math and ability to read trends in sales and inventory and utilize to make decisions.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office with high-level capabilities in Excel
- Experience with ERP/MRP software systems, JD Edwards knowledge is desired
- Experience with Demand Planning software systems, Anaplan knowledge is desired
- Positive, solution-focused attitude with a team-oriented growth mindset
- Focus on continuous improvement
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills including influencing skills
- Passion for Sports and Drive to Succeed (Preferred)
Specific Knowledge, Skills or Abilities Required:
- Ability to define the difference between a demand baseline and components of demand
- Understanding of the impact of demand changes on service levels, inventory, and supply chain capacity
- Ability to identify trends and forecast levels using statistical tools and business intelligence.
- Solid understanding of the systems used to complete all demand planning requirements
- Experience with data security processes.
Competencies:
- Customer Mindset: Exceptional customer experience is a primary focus. Quality is a top priority.
- Adaptability & Innovation: Adapts proactively to changing business needs; offers creative, efficient solutions.
- Relationship Building: Builds constructive relationships with inclusion, cooperation, and mutual respect.
- Accountability: Takes personal responsibility for quality and timeliness; strives to exceed expectations.
- Decision Making and Judgment: Makes timely, informed decisions considering goals, constraints, and risks.
- Talent Development (Self and Others): Commits to ongoing learning; supports development of colleagues.
Additional:
- This posting is for an existing vacancy.
- We utilize artificial intelligence tools to assist in screening applications.
- This position requires a successful candidate to work full-time in office Monday to Friday.
What We Offer:
- Competitive salary.
- Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance.
- Group savings plan with company match.
- Professional development opportunities.
- A collaborative and inclusive company culture.
This job description does not list all the duties of the job. Position may be required to perform other duties as needed.
