Demand Planner

Work Location: ​Chicago​

Due to the highly interactive and team-based nature of this role, in-person attendance for most of the workweek (i.e., 3 days or more) is essential for: effective communication including during in-person meetings, strong supervision, real-time problem-solving, and participation in cross-functional initiatives.

Want to make an impact?

The Demand Planning position is responsible for all forecasting activities associated with customers and products.  The Demand Planner creates and maintains forecast models for their customers, incorporating business intelligence and forecast information gathered from sales, marketing, finance, retailer replenishment analysts, and other sources (i.e.: IRI or other syndicated consumer data). 

Ways you will make a difference

• Develop demand forecasts (operational forecasts which are used as basis for financial forecast) at multiple levels of aggregation for multiple time horizons as part of demand planning function. The planner is responsible for reviewing the statistical forecast output and incorporated sales/market intelligence.  
• Review historical sales trends, research demand drivers, prepare forecast data, develop statistical forecast models.
• Track Forecast KPI’s including bias, accuracy and forecast value add. Use these KPI’s to drive improvements.
• Cleanse historical sales data for promotional impacts and anomalies (e.g. competitor activity) and/or supply issues (e.g. out of stock)
• Organizing and chairing monthly Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) data
• Coordinate cross-functional research activities to reconcile significant variances and refine the forecast model to reflect updated sales and marketing assumptions.
• Interact with sales, marketing, and sales finance to understand demand forecast drivers.
• Utilize a collaborative and consensus approach by working with Sales, Marketing and sales Finance to obtain and ensure that current and accurate information is used for demand forecasts.
• Use and maintain the Demand Planning software as the primary forecasting system tool.
• 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.
• Review sales plans, customer finance Budget Updates or Latest Estimates and demand drivers.
• Achieve consensus for operational demand forecasts by facilitating a collaborative planning process with sales, marketing and finance personnel.
• Ensures adherence to all company policies and procedures. 
• Understands and demonstrates the Company’s core values.

Skills that will make you successful

• Result oriented with strong ability and desire to effectively lead and manage a project from start to finish both in time and with the desired outcomes.
• Knowledge of VMI best practices and Wholesale Distributors
• Strong mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Strong verbal, written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills
• Detail oriented self-starter and comfortable taking initiative, as well as capable of producing high quality results on a sustainable basis
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office products; primarily Excel
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment and able to shift priorities quickly
• High tolerance for ambiguity

Experiences that will support your success

• BA/BS; in quantitative majors preferred (i.e. Supply Chain, Procurement, Engineering, Statistics, Operations Management, Economics, Business, Logistics)
• Masters or certification preferred
• 2+ years of experience in Demand Planning, Supply Planning, Operations Management, or related position
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite with emphasis on Excel
• SAP Experience

What We Offer

At Ferrara, we’re proud to support our employees by providing comprehensive benefits such as health insurance, dental insurance, a 401(k), and paid time off (PTO).  Eligible employees may also receive an annual bonus based on company performance. Learn more about our benefits at https://flimp.live/Ferrara-Candy-2025-OE-QR

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $71,100 - $99,540 annually.