Demand Planner

Job Overview

The Demand Planner will oversee the development and implementation of statistical demand forecasting specifically for the intimates category within Wholesale and Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) channels, covering Mainline and Mass accounts, with an emphasis on digital platforms. This role requires detailed analysis of customer-level product performance by examining shipment data, point-of-sale metrics, inventory, and promotional activities. Close collaboration with Retail Planning, Inventory Planning, and Sales teams will ensure alignment to fulfill customer demands efficiently and support inventory optimization.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive demand forecasts by account for intimates categories, meeting essential KPIs to align with divisional financial targets.
• Utilize SAP Integrated Business Planning (IBP) tools and related collaboration procedures to generate and evaluate statistical forecasts, validating data down to the SKU level.
• Monitor achievement of forecasting goals; identify risks or opportunities relative to the financial plans and partner with cross-functional teams to mitigate inventory risks.
• Compare predicted sales against actual outcomes and budget figures; suggest forecasting adjustments when necessary.
• Lead coordination meetings with Sales and Retail Planning to synchronize account projections, address forecast deviations, and incorporate promotional or business shifts.
• Support forecasting for new product launches including initial inventory and replenishment scenarios.
• Manage SKU-level inventory procurement for owned DTC channels to ensure appropriate stock levels covering styles, colors, and sizes.
• Collaborate with Inventory Management to anticipate production requirements, and proactively resolve challenges related to minimum order quantities and supply flow.
• Contribute to seasonal SKU rationalization efforts alongside teams from retail planning, sales, design, and production to maintain an optimized SKU portfolio.
• Conduct ad-hoc and long-term planning analyses to support corporate objectives.
• Engage in special projects aimed at enhancing the Demand Planning process continually.

Candidate Qualifications

• A Bachelor of Arts or Sciences degree is required.
• Minimum of three years’ experience in demand planning and forecasting environments.
• Strong proficiency in quantitative analysis with expertise in demand and supply planning and inventory management.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including macros, VLOOKUPs, pivot tables, and complex formulas, with the capability to manage large datasets.
• Experience with Amazon and/or DTC business models is favorable.
• Familiarity with SAP IBP, JDA, or equivalent forecasting software is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, adapt to changing demands, and prioritize urgency.
• Excellent teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills with an aptitude for cross-departmental collaboration.

Compensation and Additional Information

The starting annual salary is $80,000, with potential increases based on experience. This salary represents the base compensation and does not include the complete benefits package, which will be discussed during the interview process by the Human Resources department.