Senior Demand Planner

Job Description

The Senior Demand Planner is responsible for managing the forecast for a defined set of products and customers and aggregating up through product lines to the Business and Channel level within the Water business unit. This position develops volume and gross sales forecasts using analytical and collaborative techniques within SAP APO, and leverages SAP BW / Analysis for Office (AO) for reporting, root-cause analysis, and performance tracking. The role leads discussions at various points in the Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) process and facilitates forecasting meetings with internal and external stakeholders. May serve as a project member or lead on innovative projects in demand planning or other cross-functional projects. Key performance measures include forecast accuracy, bias, and service. Success in this role requires the ability to work independently with strong analytical and technical aptitude, combined with effective collaboration and partnership across Supply Chain, Business Units, Sales, Finance, and Customers.

Position Location: This role is eligible for a hybrid schedule, reporting into the Deerfield, IL HQ Tues-Thurs, with flexibility to work remotely on Monday & Friday.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for managing high volume, key account forecasts in SAP APO and presenting those forecasts during the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process
• Manage promotion and event forecasts for assigned accounts, as well as timing expectations with customers and internal stakeholders
• Drive forecasting engagement and collaboration with the Business Units through S&OP processes as well as the Annual Operating Plan (AOP) for assigned accounts
• Achieve forecast accuracy and bias targets for assigned categories; conduct root-cause analysis in SAP BW / Analysis for Office (AO) to improve forecast performance
• Develop and maintain new product launch forecasts and collaborate with stakeholders on their performance and lifecycle decisions
• Build and maintain reporting and analysis using SAP BW and Analysis for Office (AO); translate data into actionable insight for the business
• Act as a key team member for innovative demand planning projects, process improvements, or other cross-functional projects
• Identify and recommend improvements to forecast accuracy using statistical models, industry knowledge, and best practices