Demand Planner chez Volm Companies

Job Title:              Demand Planner              

Reports to:           Corporate Purchasing Director

Location:               In-person at our office in Antigo, WI 

Job Summary

The Demand Planner is responsible for developing accurate demand forecasts and providing insights that guide production, inventory, and distribution planning. This role works cross-functionally with the Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Finance departments to ensure the right products are available at the right time, optimizing customer service levels while minimizing costs.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• N/A

Essential Duties

• Develop and maintain short-, medium-, and long-term demand forecasts using historical sales data, statistical models, and market insights.
• Monitor and analyze demand trends, customer order patterns, and external market factors.
• Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, and Finance departments to incorporate promotional activities, new product launches, and market intelligence into forecasts.
• Partner with Supply Chain team members to align demand forecasts with production capacity and inventory levels.
• Measure forecast accuracy, identify gaps, and implement improvement initiatives.
• Support the Sales Inventory Operations Planning (SIOP) process by providing accurate demand inputs and scenario planning.
• Prepare reports and dashboards to communicate demand outlook, risks, and opportunities to leadership.
• Maintain and improve demand planning systems, tools, and data integrity.

Required Skills and Abilities

• The ability to establish priorities, work independently, and proceed with objectives without direct supervision.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• The ability to effectively work with material and resource planning systems, spreadsheets, word processing documents, and other applicable computer systems and data management software.
• The capacity to think critically, calculate, analyze, and track details/figures/data and make competent decisions based on those details/figures/data.
• The ability to note and address small errors or inconsistencies in products or processes.
• The ability to compose clear, concise, grammatically correct, and professional emails, reports, and other written documents.
• The ability to present information in verbal, written, and presentation form and recommendations in a clear and concise manner.
• The ability to work effectively with colleagues and teams across different teams, departments, and physical locations.

Education and Experience

• Knowledge of data analysis, forecasting, and supply chain management normally acquired by the completion of a bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain management, economics, statistics, and/or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in demand planning, forecasting, and/or supply chain analytics.
• Proficiency using forecasting tools and ERP systems such as D365, Syteline, SAP, Oracle.
• Advanced experience using Microsoft Excel such as V and XLOOKUP, Pivot tables, date and time functions, and IF functions.
• Experience with SQL or Python programming languages preferred.

Physical Requirements

• The ability to use hands, arms, and fingers for tasks such as writing and typing.
• The ability to sit, stand, or walk for extended periods of time.
• Sufficient visual acuity to read documents and recognize details at close range.
• Flexibility to bend, stoop, and reach low or high objects occasionally.
• Work is typically performed in an office environment though certain tasks/projects may occur outside or in a manufacturing environment.

Company Culture & Values

• A Commitment to Our Purpose (COMMITTED PEOPLE) – Our mission is to serve and build up our customers, suppliers, communities, and each other, guided by the principles of our Lord Jesus Christ.  The commitment to serving and building up is easily seen in those employees that exemplify this value.
• Without Our Customers We Are Nothing (CUSTOMER FIRST) – We realize that we are blessed to serve our customers and without them, our company does not exist.  They rely on us for their success and that is a responsibility we cannot take lightly.  Our focus must be on serving them with as seamless communication and access to products as possible.
• Kind, Humble and Positive (HUMBLE) – These positive traits do not mean being a doormat to others.  But when a person is kind, humble and positive it comes through in their genuine caring for those around them.
• A Desire For “Expert” (EXPERTS) – Our people want to be seen as the experts in their specific roles.  From how we convert a bag efficiently and with highest quality, to knowledge of the product portfolio, to desiring to know more about tax or human resource policy – the desire for “expert” drives us in each of our roles.
• Intentional Growth – Developing of Self and Others (PERSONAL GROWTH)– Times, tools, and customer expectations change.  Our team members are interested in developing themselves and those around them.   We know that a stronger team is one that makes our customers and our fellow employees happier.
• Strong Work Ethic (HARD WORKERS) – The commitment to serve those around us is honorable and we respond to this by putting our strongest effort into that purpose.
• High Expectations of Self and Others (HIGH EXPECTATIONS) – We expect ourselves, and those around us, to put in our best effort.  When others struggle, we help them align towards perfection.  When we struggle, we are open and humble to hear it and course-correct accordingly.
• If It Isn’t Safe, We Don’t Do It (SAFETY) – All people deserve to return home to their loved ones safely and work in an environment where they can best execute their tasks safely.  When choosing between safety and profit, safety and efficiency, safety and feelings, safety, and “x” – we choose safety.

Travel Requirements 

This position requires occasional overnight travel and occasional travel within the workday.   

Driver Qualification

The ability to drive a company owned/leased vehicle or personal vehicle on behalf of the company is required. Inclusion in the company’s driver qualification program is required to drive a company owned/leased vehicle or personal vehicle. 

Becoming a qualified driver includes:

• Agree to the company driving policies that apply to company owned/leased vehicle or personal vehicle as applicable.
• Possess and maintain a valid driver license and be a minimum of 21 years of age.
• Maintain an acceptable driving record, as evidenced by completion of a baseline motor vehicle record check and ongoing monitoring.
• When driving a personal vehicle on behalf of the company, must provide a copy of the declaration page from personal auto insurance that shows the policy dates and minimum coverage amounts ($300,000 bodily injury per accident/$100,000 property damage per accident or if driving less than 5 hours/200 miles a year $50,000 bodily injury per accident/$10,000 property damage per accident or the state minimum, whichever is more). This requirement is initially and then annually thereafter.

This job description is intended as a general outline of the primary responsibilities of the position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, or activities that may be required. The employer reserves the right to modify, add, or remove any responsibilities, duties, or activities as deemed necessary with or without notice. 

Volm Companies is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and other protected characteristics. If you require reasonable accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job, please inform us and we will work with you to address your needs.

Benefits

As a family-owned and operated company, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family. We offer a strong foundation of benefits, including access to medical, dental, and vision coverage, an HSA employer contribution, and a 401k with profit sharing to secure your future. To support your overall well-being and family life, we offer additional benefits beyond the core package, such as paid vacation, wellness stipends, childcare reimbursement assistance, and much more. We are committed to continuously enhancing our benefits to meet the evolving needs of our team.