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For more than 115 years, Ferrara has created sugar confections that enable moments of sweetness, celebration, and connection for candy lovers of all generations. Today, the company is the #1 sugar confectioner in the United States. Ferrara boasts a passionate team of nearly 9,000 employees creating and delivering hundreds of products sold under 20 popular brands like Brach’s®, NERDS®, SweeTARTS®, Laffy Taffy®, and Trolli® to more than 66 million U.S. households annually and popular Dori snacking products under brands such as Dori, Gomets, Pettiz, and Yogurte 100 in Brazil. Additionally, Jelly Belly, known world-wide for its confections, was acquired in November of 2023.

Demand Planner

Job Location: ​Chicago​

Chicago HQ (hybrid)

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

  • Bachelor's degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Masters or certification preferred
  • Minimum 2 years’ experience Demand Planning experience and or at least 5 years’ supply chain experience
  • Proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite with emphasis on Excel
  • SAP Experience 

 

#LI-AG1

Ferrara’s success in industry-leading innovation has been driven by deep consumer insights, strong retailer co-creation and partnerships, and a dedication to diversity of thought, experience, and people. A privately held company, Ferrara has its global headquarters in Chicago and an operational network of more than 27 locations in North America, Brazil, and China that includes manufacturing, distribution, sales, and R&D facilities. Ferrara is a privately held Ferrero related company. Learn more at www.ferrara.com or www.linkedin.com/company/ferrara-.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, employment decisions and opportunities at Ferrara will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital or civil union status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, military or veteran status, disability, handicap, genetic information, pregnancy (childbirth or related medical condition), or on any other basis prohibited by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.

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