Sr. Demand Planner chez Hickory Farms LLC

Description

Company Overview: 

Since 1951, Hickory Farms has connected people with savory flavors to share and send. Our specialty cured meats and cheeses are available for purchase online, in catalogs, in leading mass merchants and supermarkets, and in seasonal retail locations in the US and Canada. 

Hickory Farms is a privately held company with nearly 75 years of delivering quality, well-loved food gifts and charcuterie essentials. Every member of our nimble, dynamic team makes an impact every day in a high-energy, results-driven culture. 

Our Values lead the way. They are: The customer is our focus. Integrity and respect. We own it. Everyone has a place at the table. We embrace change. We savor the journey together.

Requirements

The Senior Demand Planner reports to the Manager, Demand Planning, and is responsible for developing the SKU level forecast for all channels of business. This position will work closely with Sales, Marketing, Product Development, and Supply Chain to ensure accurate forecasts and strategies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:   include but are not limited to the following:

• Develop item-level demand forecast for all channels of business based on industry trends and demand patterns, including
  building incremental forecasts (event-based, promotional lifts, etc.). 
• Review historical sales trends, research demand drivers, prepare forecast data, support development of statistical forecast models, evaluate forecast results, and propose and implement solutions to improve forecast accuracy.
• Set accuracy targets on a category level. 
• Report on sales and finance of items/customers not meeting expected sales targets. 
• Collaborate with the inventory manager and sales on excess inventory reduction. 
• Responsible for building a demand forecast that ensures gross margin targets are met.  Highlight issues and make pricing and/or volume recommendations to solve gross margin discrepancies. 
• Collaborate with the Finance team to ensure the forecast ties back to a financial plan and discounting strategy. 
• Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, Product, and Operations to assess the potential impact of market trends and demand drivers, including new product launch or extension forecasts, to support the company's growth and submit accurate demand projections to the supply chain.
• Provide input in developing inventory & product life cycle strategies on existing items, new products, and product phase-outs.
• Communicate with purchasing and production scheduling to provide information on changes to demand. 
• Coordinate cross-functional activities to reconcile variances and refine the forecast model to reflect updated sales and marketing assumptions. 
• Mentor Junior Demand Planner.
• Additional responsibilities as identified. 
• Cultural fit that embodies the company’s core values

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements: 

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, supply chain management, or a related field. A master's degree is a plus.
• 4 to 6 years of experience in demand planning, sales forecasting, or a related role.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to gather, analyze, and interpret complex data to drive informed decisions.
• Proficiency in demand planning software and advanced Excel functions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and present findings to stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work in a dynamic environment with changing priorities.
• Familiarity with sales and operations planning (S&OP) processes and methodologies.
• Experience with Microsoft Dynamics or similar systems preferred.
• Attention to detail and the ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to effectively communicate with internal customers and external customers, along with great phone and email etiquette.

Physical Requirements: 

• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards. 
• Must be able to complete the “essential job functions” with “reasonable accommodations” and meet all the mandatory qualifications under the ADA guidelines. 
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 lbs.
• Must be able to perform essential physical activities such as lifting, climbing, standing, stooping, or typing.
• Must be able to talk, listen, and speak clearly on the telephone.

Salary:  $80k -$85K

Benefits:

•  401(k)
• Health insurance
•  Retirement plan
• 401(k) matching
• Paid time off
• Employee discount
• Health savings account
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule