Demand Planner

Description

We are a global leader in food & beverage ingredients. Pioneers at heart, we operate at the forefront of consumer trends to provide food & beverage manufacturers with products and ingredients that will delight their consumers. Making a positive impact on people and planet is all part of the delight. With a deep-rooted presence in the countries where our ingredients are grown, we are closer to farmers, enabling better quality, and more reliable, traceable and transparent supply. Supplying products and ingredients at scale is just the start. We add value through our unique, complementary portfolio of natural, delicious and nutritious products. With our fresh thinking, we help our customers unleash the sensory and functional attributes of cocoa, coffee, dairy, nuts and spices so they can create naturally good food & beverage products that meet consumer expectations. And whoever we’re with, whatever we’re doing, we always make it real.

Position Summary

The Demand Planner leads the detailed item level demand planning function Responsible for Item/Plant/Key Account forecasts that support strategic targets for Forecast Accuracy, End Customer Service level and inventory turns. The Demand Planner leads the SBU Demand Reviews that support Sales and Operations Planning. This position has strong interfaces between the Sales, PLM and Supply Planning teams.

This role works as a Demand Planner on problems of diverse scope where analysis of planning data requires evaluation of identifiable factors. The development of the solution requires a multi-disciplinary approach and knowledge of planning principles, theories and -concepts. Formulates the solution for (technical) partial problems that cannot be found by combining previous experiences but by composing newly acquired planning knowledge.

The Demand Planner will collaborate with key associates in sales, PLM, and operations throughout the demand and supply planning process to help support revenue growth and profitability through improved line planning, forecast accuracy and reduced supply chain costs.

The Demand Planner will work together with these groups to drive to a consensus demand plan which will be used to drive critical downstream business processes. This position will provide timely information and recommendations to Supply Chain and PLM. You'll lead planning strategies and processes that result in high forecast accuracy and on-time order fulfillment. You'll drive long range, annual and seasonal categorical and product-type opportunity analysis and demand forecast strategies. Support the company’s culture and business mission by promoting communication, teamwork, and the respectful treatment of all individuals.

Position Responsibilities

• Develop forecast model based on sales forecast and demand patterns.
• Adjust the item level forecasts and communicate these adjustments to the planning team in a proactive manner.
• Review item level Forecast accuracy metrics.
• Support the Sales and Operations Planning Process for demand reviews supporting the monthly calendar.
• Develop monthly sales vs forecast reports.
• Assist key stakeholders and management in determining reasons for budget and forecast variations. Develop and implement countermeasures to reduce or eliminate these variations.
• Responsible for reporting and tracking forecasting trends and their impact on marketing and company – wide objectives.
• Develop and manage tactical forecasting strategies as they relate to production and inventory planning.
• Continue to enhance supply chain strategies by evaluating industry “Best Practices” in forecasting as well as understanding technological advances throughout industry and how these advances impact the company.
• Assist the Supply Planning to plan, coordinate, and execute monthly ordering process for all brands to ensure key performance targets are met related to macro inventory plan, sourcing strategies, on-time delivery of goods
• Develop and support continuous improvement strategies by focusing on streamlining forecast and inventory processes while optimizing the supply chain network.
• Lead Sales and Operations Planning process execution by presenting to management for obtaining consensus on sales/purchase/inventory plans to achieve working capital targets
• Develop and support execution of plans to reduce and eliminate excess and slow/non-moving inventory
• Work independently to provide consultative advice within specific functional areas. Introduces planning methods/procedures that are new for the organization. Applies advanced planning process principles to multiple tasks.
• Responsible for developing, monitoring and managing the seasonal and long-range product demand plans.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned.
  
  

Position Requirements

• Bachelors’ Degree is required, business or supply chain major is preferred. Four (4) years of relevant work experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Three (3) years of related experience in food manufacturing is required. For candidates substituting experience in lieu of a degree, seven (7) total years of related experience is required. Current Olam employees with proven success in prior role(s) will be considered after one (1) year of applicable experience.
• Previous experience working in demand planning, production/inventory control-performing production reporting, calculations, physical inventory, reconciliation and database control is strongly preferred.
• Ability to influence and collaborate with other departments is required.
• Experience and ability to drive products through tactical, meaningful demand / supply planning with thoughtful/analytically viewed recommendations is required.
• Experience working with ERP systems is required.
• Ability to solve complex problems and present effective and efficient solutions in a clear and concise manner to management is required.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written is required.
• Must be detail orientated with strong attention to detail and organization.
• Strong computer skills including, Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Access, and Excel) is required.
  
  

Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

ofi provides equality of opportunity for all persons with respect to hiring without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation. All employment will be decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us for support at: [email protected]

At ofi, we celebrate our diversity. Olam Americas Inc. is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.