Demand Planner

The Kraft Heinz Company is seeking a Demand Planner who will manage demand through a robust planning process and improved visibility to drive better business results, optimize resources, and increase profitability.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a rolling 18–24-month statistical forecast using historical data, market trends, and business intelligence tools.

• Use statistical modeling software to analyze and validate gathered data; these statistics can be used when reporting to sales and marketing departments.

• Analyze sales trends, promotions, seasonality, and new product introductions to refine forecasts.

• Collaborate with supply planning to ensure alignment of demand and supply, highlight potential risks and opportunities, and develop mitigation plans.

• Lead monthly demand planning meetings (S&OP) with cross-functional stakeholders to drive forecast consensus and alignment.

• Monitor forecast accuracy and bias KPIs; identify root causes of variances and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

• Support inventory management strategies and safety stock settings to ensure product availability and optimize working capital.

• Analyze and troubleshoot demand-related issues in a timely and accurate manner.

• Develop routine and ad-hoc demand-related reports for management.

• Follow and enforce company rules and regulations.

• Continuously seek to improve forecasts to better meet customer needs.

• Review statistical forecast models and apply error-analysis techniques to improve forecasting; review customer sales data.

• Educate key stakeholders on appropriate product forecasting methods and on how to track and analyze forecasts for optimal results.

• Foster and maintain strong relationships with buyers, vendors, brokers, purchasing managers, and internal sales personnel.

Experience & Required Skills

• Bachelor's degree.

• At least 5 years of experience in the FMCG/retail industry.

• Strong analytical skills and experience with forecasting tools and software, such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Power BI.

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills with a track record of cross-functional influence.