Demand Planner
Purpose of Position
Our Demand Planner will ensure the demand continues to operate as efficiently and effectively as possible. As a Demand Planner, they will play a key role in driving improvement within the demand planning function for our organization. Responsibilities will include forecasting consumer demand, support management with risk assessments, and mitigation plans, propose and implement solutions to improve forecast accuracy, monitor and report on significant demand changes in sales forecasts and business strategies, and address demand-related issues in a timely and effective manner.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain demand forecasts for assigned product categories, utilizing historical data, market trends, and other relevant factors.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including sales, marketing, and supply chain, to gather insights and inputs for demand forecasting.
- Communicate forecast changes and demand risks to cross-functional teams to ensure operational readiness.
- Monitor and analyze demand patterns, seasonality, sales trends, and promotional activities to identify potential forecast adjustments and mitigate risks.
- Conduct regular demand planning meetings with Sales/MarketingTeams and reviews to assess forecast accuracy and performance.
- Support key customers by providing data-driven recommendations for order planning
- Assist in preparing inventory plans and replenishment strategies to optimize stock levels while minimizing excess and obsolete inventory.
- Utilize demand planning tools and software to generate forecasts, perform data analysis, and generate reports to support decision-making processes.
- Assist in implementing continuous improvement initiatives to enhance forecasting accuracy, streamline processes, and drive efficiency within the demand planning function.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to address supply chain disruptions, forecast changes, and ensure alignment between demand and supply plans.
- Stay updated on industry trends, market dynamics, and emerging technologies relevant to demand planning in the Food and CPG sectors.
- Support ad-hoc projects and initiatives as assigned by the direct supervisor or senior leadership.
- Document process and standard operating procedures.
- Train and educate as needed demand planning best practices.
- Other duties assigned
Key Skills and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, supply chain management or related field is preferred.
- 5+ years of experience in demand planning, supply chain, or related analytical roles, preferably in the Food industry or CPG sector. Considered a plus experience with Fresh Categories
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience with demand planning tools and software (e.g., SAP APO, Oracle Demantra, JDA, etc.).
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, analyze trends, and generate actionable insights.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
- Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy and problem-solving.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities effectively.
- Excellent Written and verbal communication skills.
- Knowledge of forecasting techniques, inventory management principles, and supply chain concepts is a plus
Excited about this role but don’t meet every requirement listed? Studies show that often applicants will self-select out if they don’t check every box. We encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings.
About us: Rana is an international Company present in over 60 countries, with a turnover close to $1.5 billion. Founded by Giovanni Rana in 1962, the Company has been led for over 35 years by Gian Luca Rana, CEO and pioneer of the internationalization project that has led the Group to become a leader worldwide in the production and marketing of fresh food products (filled and unfilled pasta, gnocchi, sauces, and ready meals). Rana focuses its investments in the following areas: job creation (our workforce doubled in the last five years) and research and development, with the aim of offering Consumers delicious products made of the highest-quality ingredients. The Rana Group has always made innovation its strength, both in the technological field (with the registration of dozens of product and process patents) and in communication. As a family-owned Company, we are united by strong Values and the aspiration of building a better future for future generations. Ethics and sustainability are the cornerstones of our sixty-two-year history, which have made our business healthy and constantly growing.
Today, Rana has 8 factories (6 in Europe and 2 in the US) and is a large family of 3,500 People. The engines of our continued success will keep being innovation, internationalization, passion and constant search for excellence in everything we do.
Rana is committed to providing a workplace of diversity and inclusion. There shall be no discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, sexual orientation or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. Decisions related to hiring, compensation, training, evaluating performance, or termination are made fairly. We offer a welcoming and inclusive environment and actively promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills and potential. We welcome all applications from a wide range of candidates and selection for roles will be based on individual merit alone.
NOTICE TO STAFFING FIRMS, AGENCIES AND EMPLOYMENT VENDORS:
- Rana Meal Solutions and its affiliates will not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters without a signed Fee Agreement in place AND before the resume is inputted into our applicant tracking system. Vendor solicitation should be directed to the Human Resource Department directly; as such, firms that circumvent the required compliant process will be barred from submitting candidates. In the absence of a signed fee agreement AND proper resume submission, RMS does not recognize any claim on a candidate by a third party, will consider unsolicited resumes the property of the company and reserves the right to engage and hire those candidates without any financial responsibility to the third-party vendor.