Demand Planner I

SUMMARY

Generate demand accurate baseline forecast for company accounts and Stock Keeping Units (SKU) for multiple brand lines within multiple channels. Examines inventory levels for product to ascertain company’s optimal financial performance and potential future sales. Analyzes and manipulates aggregated forecast, shipments data and time-series into comprehensive documents to be published with senior leadership and suppliers for planning purposes.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Generate demand accurate baseline forecast for company accounts and Stock Keeping Units (SKU) for multiple brand lines within multiple channels to reflect insightful analyses of seasonal patterns, POS trends, planned promotions and impact of competitive activity. Must maintain high level of accuracy and utilize advanced analytical & statistical skills.
• Facilitated collaborative monthly forecast meetings with Sales, Marketing and Operations team to review the baseline demand plan along with market trends and program assumptions to drive to a consensus forecast.
• Analyzes and manipulates aggregated forecast, shipments data and time-series into comprehensive documents to be published with senior leadership and suppliers for planning purposes.
• Participates in yearly financial budgeting.
• Define SKU level Safety stock through mathematical model to achieve in stock and inventory goals.
• Communicate with brand managers to identify discrepancies with life cycle codes and correct them in Renfro’s in-house system & database.
• Creates an interpretation of data through the use of tools, Mathematics, Statistics, industry experience and logic to frame situations and allow meaningful dialogue and decision making.
• Analyzes data by comparing the planned output with actual output and correct imbalances.
• Meaningfully interprets the data and present it through dynamic visualization.
• Creates retail sales and shipment trend reporting for collaboration for maximize sales and supply chain efficiency.
• Collaborates on day-to-day business requirements with sales, production planning and operations to achieve inventory turn goals and sales budget to anticipate unidentified factors affecting the supply chain through intimate knowledge of product development initiatives
• Creates reports, data bases and participates in line planning, merchandising, and post-seasonal reviews by providing product performance and customer behavior analysis.
• Create mathematic and statistic models that best fit each category/brand and test created models to ensure high accuracy.
• Provides ad hoc business analyses as needed.
• Creates effective channels of communication with external and internal account contacts.  Consults with these contacts as needed to verify accuracy of data, future strategies and current state.
• Conducts store visits to better understand competitive products, pricing and changes.
• Utilizes problem solving methods to accurately define problems, generates alternatives and implements counter measures that permanently resolve planning problems by addressing their root cause.
• Conform with and abide by all regulations, policies, work procedures and instructions including but not limited to confidentiality requirements.   

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Excellent attention to detail, time management skills and meeting deadlines
• Positive attitude and ability to handle highly confidential information
• Ability to reflect positive attitude and disciplined work ethic
• Ability to work in a team
• Ability to work independently
• High energy level
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated experience in being a self-starter
• Ability to deal with internal/external customers with enthusiasm and professionalism
• Strong verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills are essential
• Must possess confidence, good judgment, energy and the right personality to work in a challenging environment

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• High School education and degree, either Associates or Bachelor’s, in economics, mathematics, finance, statistics, engineering, supply chain, analytics or related field, or equivalent work experience.

• Prefer at least three years of relevant experience in the apparel industry, specifically in areas such as retail, wholesale sales, buying, planning, or supply chain.

• Computer skills: SQL, Access, Microsoft Office products, with expert level with Excel.

• Desired experience working with web-based portals, business intelligence tools such as Qlik, Tableau, and Microsoft Dynamics.

• Experience using statistical computer languages (R, Python, etc.) to manipulate and analyze data a plus.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

• Must be a team builder and ability to navigate and work effectively in a large corporate matrixed organization.  Ability to collaborate with a team and act in an objective manner to solve problems.  Self-starter with proven experience in delivering results to an organization. 
• Demonstrated excellent interpersonal and communication skills.  Position requires interaction with senior level management, executives and customers.
• Must be able to work unsupervised and thrive in a stressful environment; ability to work effectively under tight deadlines and in high-pressure situations.
• Strong understanding of merchandise planning, allocation strategies, inventory management and operational accuracy.
• Must have exceptional attention to detail with proven analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Strong organizational skills with a proven ability to move multiple projects forward in a constructive and positive manner.
• Familiarity with standard forecasting concepts, practices and procedures.
• Self-starter with proven experience in delivering results to an organization. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Minimal physical demands, such as occasional bending, stooping and walking.  Requires frequent computer work.  Consistent daily attendance required; occasional off-shift support required.  Occasionally required to travel domestically to other office locations. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environmental characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Generally, will work in conditioned office environment.

Occasional:     activity exists less than 1/3 of the time.

Frequent:         activity exists 1/3 and 2/3 of the time.

*The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by associates and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required.  Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer at any time with or without notice.

AA/EOE/Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without race, color, gender (including pregnancy), gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information or other protected characteristics.*