Inventory Demand Planning & Forecasting Specialist chez Kawasaki Motors Corp

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Forecasting & Demand Planning
  • Develop and maintain demand forecasts for parts and accessories across assigned product lines using historical data, trend analysis, and statistical tools.
  • Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, and Product teams to incorporate market intelligence, promotions, and product lifecycle changes into demand plans.
  • Lead periodic forecast reviews and support the S&OP (Sales & Operations Planning) process to align business stakeholders on a consensus demand plan.
• Inventory Planning & Optimization
  • Create and manage inventory plans that balance service levels, inventory turns, and carrying costs.
  • Monitor stock positions across regional distribution centers and proactively adjust replenishment to mitigate risks of overstock or stockouts.
  • Establish and maintain safety stock policies and inventory control parameters in forecasting and ordering systems.
• Analysis & Reporting
  • Build and deliver actionable reports on forecast accuracy, fill rates, inventory health, and service performance.
  • Conduct root-cause analysis of forecast errors, inventory imbalances, or supplier performance issues, and recommend corrective actions.
  • Support development of the annual parts business plan with data-driven insights.
• Vendor & Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Work closely with suppliers to align lead times, production schedules, and transportation strategies.
  • Partner with distribution and logistics teams to ensure smooth coordination of inbound and outbound flows.
  • Support new SKU launches, ensuring forecasting and master data requirements are established.
• Continuous Improvement
  • Drive process improvements in forecasting, planning, and reporting by leveraging advanced analytics, system capabilities, and best practices.
  • Support adoption of tools such as Power BI, SQL, and Power Query to enhance visibility and decision-making.

Education and Experience:

A high school diploma or GED is required. A bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) in Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related field is strongly preferred; equivalent experience considered. Candidates with relevant training and experience in demand planning, forecasting, or inventory management (preferably in parts, accessories, or consumer goods) will also be considered.

Skills and Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, you must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Strong knowledge of demand forecasting techniques, inventory control practices, and supply chain planning.
• Excellent communication skills with ability to influence across departments and external partners.
• Highly analytical with advanced proficiency in Excel, Power BI, SQL, and other forecasting/analytics tools.
• Ability to prioritize competing tasks and deliver results under deadlines.
• Detail-oriented, proactive, and committed to continuous improvement.
• Knowledge of KMC inventory control and parts systems a plus.
• Travel requirement: approximately 5%.

To perform this job successfully, you should have solid knowledge and experience working with Microsoft's Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Internet software, Inventory software, access software Power BI, SQL, Excel Power Query. 

Salary: $29.00 - $31.00 per hour