Demand Analytics Planner

Overview

Join Unilever's pioneering Supply Chain transformation that blends advanced analytics, artificial intelligence forecasting, and human expertise to innovate the planning, production, and delivery processes. As a Demand Analytics Planner, you will contribute to enhancing forecast quality and drive significant value across diverse markets through data-driven solutions and digital innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish the baseline forecast supporting the monthly Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) cycle, ensuring accurate and data-backed inputs.
• Evaluate and refine forecasting models through stress testing, diagnostic analysis, and thorough root cause investigation.
• Improve forecast accuracy at both item and site levels with frequent demand analytics reviews.
• Collaborate with Planning Excellence, One Forecast, and Analytics & Insights teams to guide model enhancements and act as a champion for continuous improvements.
• Monitor forecast results in real time to detect quality issues early, implementing proactive corrective measures.
• Lead initiatives focused on reducing forecast errors by addressing patterns across product categories.
• Apply an innovative mindset to advance forecasting performance by mastering current tools and exploring emerging technologies.
• Utilize exception-based planning techniques with digital dashboards and platforms like Power BI and Kinaxis Rapid Response to identify anomalies and optimize focus areas.
• Work alongside Data Science teams to pilot and implement next-generation forecasting methods such as TimeGPT, hierarchical models, and other cutting-edge technologies.
• Integrate AI into daily planning via trialing agentic tools and copilots that automate routine analyses, expedite root cause assessments, and enable focus on strategic priorities.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Operations, Supply Chain, or similar fields, or equivalent professional experience.
• A minimum of 1 to 3 years of relevant experience in supply chain, planning, manufacturing, or related areas.
• A proactive growth mindset centered on empowerment, experimentation, and collaboration.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and leadership abilities across various functions and hierarchical levels.
• Demonstrated accountability, coaching capabilities, advanced problem-solving skills, and comprehensive supply chain understanding.
• Capability to influence and lead strategic discussions that impact organizational performance.
• Strong digital proficiency and comfort working with platforms like Power BI to analyze extensive datasets and extract insights.
• Data-informed decision-making prowess combining root cause analysis, statistical reasoning, and effective storytelling to convert data into actionable recommendations.

Technical Tools and Platforms

• Forecast Engine Utility (FEU) and Lego ML pipeline for modular machine learning forecasting models.
• Kinaxis Rapid Response and Anaplan for exception-based planning, forecast management, and S&OP cycle support.
• Power BI and Databricks with SQL and Python skills for dashboard creation, analytics, and root cause investigations.
• SKY customer machine learning forecasting tailored for retail partners including Walmart, Target, and Amazon.
• Emerging technologies such as Copilot, agentic AI, TimeGPT, and Nixtla to enhance autonomous operations.

Compensation and Benefits

• Annual salary range between $71,400 and $107,200, determined by factors such as skills, experience, qualifications, and organizational needs.
• Eligibility for performance bonuses.
• Access to a comprehensive benefits package covering health insurance (including dental, vision, and prescription), retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance, parental leave, sick leave, paid vacation, holidays, and voluntary benefits.

Additional Information

• Emphasizes an inclusive workplace valuing diversity and equitable treatment for all applicants and employees.
• Equal opportunity employer committed to supporting protected veterans and persons with disabilities.
• Employment contingent upon satisfactory pre-screening including drug screening, background, credit, and motor vehicle checks.
• Special accommodations available for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process upon request.