• Demand Planner II

    Vestis Services (Lawrenceville, GA)


    Description

    Overview:

    The Demand Planner II plays a critical role in the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process, leading the Demand Review to align sales and operations on a 12–18-month operational forecast. This role is responsible for maintaining the forecast in Oracle, which informs supply planning, manufacturing, and procurement decisions. Additionally, the planner develops long-range forecasts to support annual inventory target setting and capacity planning.

     

    Demand Planners develop the operational forecast by combining input from sales teams gathered during the S&OP process with the statistical forecast generated in Oracle. This forecast also incorporates installation data provided by sales. Planners are responsible for preparing pre-alignment and demand review meetings and are measured against a set of predefined performance metrics.

    Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

    + Ensures best-in-class forecast performance by managing and improving key metrics such as forecast accuracy and bias.

    + Benchmarks forecast accuracy against industry standards across multiple product categories to support strategic planning and operational excellence.

    + Collaborates with the Sales team to develop a comprehensive 12–18 month demand plan that aligns with business goals and market expectations.

    + Partners closely with the Supply Planning Manager to ensure alignment between demand forecasts and supply strategies, supporting optimal inventory levels and service performance

    + On a weekly basis:

    + Maintain the install forecast in Oracle, ensuring it reflects the most up-to-date and accurate demand signals.

    + Monitor and track actual bookings versus forecast to identify variances and improve forecast accuracy.

    + Review the statistical forecast (bookings forecast) generated in Oracle and evaluates its alignment with market trends and historical performance.

    + Make informed adjustments to the forecast based on data analysis, cross-functional input, and business intelligence.

    + Leverage forecast management experience to drive continuous improvement in demand planning processes and support strategic decision-making.

    + Partner with Supply Chain New Install Manager and Supply Planning Manager where key forecast oversells/undersells are identified to create action plan to resolve.

    + On a monthly basis:

    + Review and incorporate key economic indicators and market trends into the demand plan to enhance forecast accuracy and support long-term business planning.

    + Prepare pre-alignment and Demand Review presentations in weeks one and two of the S&OP cycle.

    + Update Oracle with the consensus forecast.

    + Make necessary adjustments to maintain target performance metrics.

    + On a quarterly/annual basis:

    + Supports annual planning by ensuring the demand forecast accurately reflects growth assumptions and input provided by Sales and Finance.

    Experience/Qualifications:

    + Bachelor’s Degree – BS/BA in business, finance, marketing, industrial engineering or Supply Chain Management

    + 5-8 years of analytical/systems experience

    + Demonstrates strong initiative and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

    + Excellent oral communication and presentation skills

    + Experienced in actively participating in Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) routines

    + Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously while consistently meeting deadlines.

    + Possesses excellent analytical skills with a proven track record of effective problem-solving and data-driven decision making.

    + Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint

    + Preferred, but not required:

    + Experience with Oracle, Power BI and Access

    + Practical experience in Supply chain planning, purchasing or distribution of product

     

    Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

     

    This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

     

    For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.