Sr. Analyst, Demand Planning

Chicago (hybrid)

The Senior Analyst Demand Planning is responsible for the brand-view 36-month demand forecast, which complements the Sales Pillar-view 18-month demand forecast maintained by Demand Planners.  The Senior Analyst Demand Planning works with Marketing, Sales Strategy, and other cross-functional teams to develop and track inputs to the forecast and participates in the Integrated Business Planning (IBP) cycle at a Brand level, in the monthly Portfolio Review meetings. 

• Maintain inputs to the 36-month brand-view demand forecast, working with Marketing and other cross-functional teams. Includes collaborating on initial forecasts for new items, sizing LTO programs and Display programs, and other major events.  Maintain the 36-month brand-view demand forecast volume in SAP APO, and communicate with Capacity Planning team on significant changes and callouts.
• Own brand-view forecast KPIs, including Lag 6 (six months out) forecast bias & forecast accuracy.
• Participate in monthly Portfolio Review meetings, preparing and presenting Demand Planning updates to the cross-functional team, and gathering latest forecast inputs.
• Participate in Annual Operation Plan Demand Planning activities, including gathering marketing inputs, maintaining list of assumptions, and bridging vs prior year at a brand level. 
• Collaborate with Marketing, Sales Strategy, Project Management and other cross-functional teams to incorporate forecast changes necessary for upcoming new item launches, LTO programs, or Display programs.
• Query Circana/IRI data, analyzing trends, collaborating with Marketing team, and making recommendations to Demand Planning team.
• Analyze order & shipment data trends to inform forecast action needed.
• Perform ad-hoc consumption and shipment data analysis as needed by Demand Planning team.

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office products; primarily Excel (vlookup, pivot tables) and PowerPoint
• Proficiency using BOBJ (Business Objects) or other reporting tools to view & analyze data
• Knowledge of Circana/IRI or other syndicated data
• Strong mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Strong verbal, written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment and able to shift priorities quickly
• High tolerance for ambiguity

• Bachelor's degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum 3 years Demand Planning or data analytics experience 
• Knowledge of IBP (Integrated Business Planning) / S&OP (Sales & Operations Planning) Process
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Excel (vlookup, pivot tables) and PowerPoint
• Proficient using BOBJ (Business Objects) or other reporting tools to view & analyze data
• Experience in food & beverage or fast-moving consumer goods industries preferred

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