Demand Planner

Are you looking for a new challenge? Passionate about innovation? Want to work for a global company that values integrity, teamwork, and loyalty?

At LATICRETE International, we aim to be the leading construction brand trusted globally for high-performance tile and stone installation systems and building finishing solutions. We’ve been in business for over 65 years, family-owned for three generations, and can be found in over 100 countries. The Hartford Business Journal even named us one of Connecticut’s top family-owned companies in 2017!

We don't just make innovative, industry-leading products. Our purpose is to improve the built world and the lives of those who build it. We strive to connect with, engage with and improve the lives of our employees, our customers, our partners, and the global communities in which we operate.

We are seeking passionate and ambitious employees who want to make a difference not just within our organization, but within their communities, our industry, and the world. If that sounds like you, then what are you waiting for? Join the family and expand your horizons!

Just some of our benefits:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 401k
• Tuition reimbursement
• 13 paid holidays, that includes 1 week of paid plant shutdown between the Christmas and New Year's Day holidays
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Flexible spending
• Life Insurance, AD&D and Supplemental Insurance

POSITION SUMMARY

This is a key position in our Demand Management function that will be responsible for managing the planning and forecasting of future manufactured and purchased goods based on historical sales, current trends, market conditions and customer input. He/She will be responsible for implementing a collaborative forecasting approach to help ensure product availability while minimizing excess inventory. Provides manufacturing with monthly production targets and monitors execution to plan.

The Demand Planner should be analytically minded and possess excellent communication skills. Knowledge of Supply Chain principles, Manufacturing capabilities, and an understanding of Sales and Marketing is valuable.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES -

Additional duties and responsibilities may be assigned as necessary.

Demand Management (50%):

• Uses current and historical shipment information, market trends, and external information to develop a product level demand plan (by month) for an 18+ month time frame utilizing demand planning software (i.e. managing forecast processes and reporting).
• Work closely with Product Managers and Sales Managers on forecast assumptions and proactively adjust forecasts with the latest developments (i.e. effective collaboration and risk mitigation).
• Generate and continuously review forecasts and understand how sales trends, POS and/or shipment patterns will affect future demand, adjusting as necessary to avoid stock outs.
• Communicate forecast assumptions, risks and opportunities to all stakeholders, meeting with managers and executives to review strategies (i.e. effective communication).
• Analyze market trends and apply this knowledge to make insightful forecasting decisions.
• Responsible for cleansing different internal databases to ensure accurate forecasts.
• Train new demand forecasters and analysts, as necessary.

Collaboration (20%):

• Works with internal & external customers to understand trends, customer promotions and customer needs/requirements.
• Effectively understand and influence forecast related inputs through collaboration with customer business teams and brand teams, ensuring the customer forecast planning tool is accurate.
• Develop relationships with key customer contacts to review demand projections and other opportunities.
• Monitor and advise on any issues which present risk or opportunity to the organization.
• Work closely with others across LATICRETE and review opportunities for continuous improvement and business enhancements.
• Provide information to management as needed regarding past periods, future forecasts and associated key drivers.

Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) (20%):

• Responsible for delivering forecast accuracy and forecasting bias as per defined goals by product family.
• Act as a key participant in the monthly S&OP cycle. Responsible for holding monthly Demand Reviews and will actively participate in the monthly Executive S&OP review meetings.
• Analyzes forecast bias to identify and understand variables and root causes impacting forecasts and adjust accordingly.
• Maintain regular review process with Sales Managers and Product Managers to challenge and improve forecast accuracy.
• Develop and implement action plans for improving forecast performance.

Best Practices (10%):

• Ensures that the consensus forecast is loaded timely into the Demand Planning systems to enable accurate capacity requirement forecasts and forward visibility of material requirements.
• Make recommendations for improvements to work processes.
• Adhere to any health, safety, and environmental policies and procedures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of staff and visitors.

REQUIRED SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain Management, or Finance or the equivalent work experience.
• 6+ years of previous forecasting experience, preferably in a CPG environment
• Certification preferred (CPF, ACPF, CPIM, CSCP, etc.).

Specialized Skills and Experience:

• Strong interpersonal skills as well as excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent computer skills (Excel, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint). PowerBI experience desired.
• Experience with forecasting and demand planning tools (John Galt-ATLAS preferable)
• Experience with SQL and Database administration desired.
• Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) programs, JD Edwards experience desired
• Able to work independently with minimal oversight.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills are required to analyze and interpret large volumes of data for developing fact-based business assumptions.
• Able to manage multiple assignments and projects simultaneously with shifting priorities, deadlines and focus.
• Must be adaptable and flexible

Travel Requirement:

• Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 10%.

Physical Requirements:

• Lift: Must be able to lift and/or carry a minimum of 25 pounds.
• Push/Pull: Must be able to push/pull 25 pounds.
• Stand: Must be able to stand 25% of the day.
• Sitting: Must be able to sit 75% of the day

You should be proficient in:

• Data Analysis and Manipulation
• High-level Operations Analysis
• Budgeting / Forecasting Experience
• Microsoft Excel

Machines & technologies you'll use:

• ERP Software

ID:8SR6Ct