Sr. Sales Forecast Planner

Drive Sales Success through Data-Driven ForecastingAs the liaison between customers/sales and internal forecasting team, this individual is charged to deliver a solid forecast that enables inventory planning to support industry leading fill-rates. As a part of the Commercial Sales organization, the role is responsible for providing data insights and analytical support for the collaborative development, monitoring, and communication of the demand forecast. Utilize strong analytical ability, business partner relationships, and data storytelling skills to drive value in a role that is essential to Highline Warren’s success.This is a hybrid role. The ideal candidate is located in or near Naperville, IL.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSTo perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function.Strengthened Customer Relationships:Act as a liaison between customers/sales and internal forecasting teamProactive support and assistance across the entire customer value chain (replenishment to buyer)Ensure timely communication and problem-solving to address customer needsUse data-driven insights to optimize inventory levels and promotional planningInventory Management Excellence:Accurate inventory tracking and replenishment to prevent stockouts and dips in in-stock ratesAnticipate inventory needs based on sales trends and weather forecastsMonitor customer inventory levels aiming for a 98.5% fill rateData-Driven Forecasting and Planning:Create forecasts based on historical data and customer conversationsIdentify and correct forecast inaccuracies to improve fill-ratePlan, monitor, and review for seasonal fluctuations, promotions, and modular/POG updatesPartner with internal IT team to find ways to integrate customer data into the forecasting modelCustomer Interface:Participate in all key customer Collaborative Planning, Forecasting, and Replenishment (CPFR) calls for forecast alignmentUnderstand customers’ forecasting capabilities and identify partnership opportunitiesProvide timely assistance for feature store lists, special requests, and order fill informationMonitor customer inventory levels and communicate replenishment needsIdentify opportunities where more inventories could maximize feature/promo salesSales / Demand Forecasting and Planning (Integrated Business Planning process focus):Conduct regular reviews and updates to forecasts based on historical data, customer supply plans, and external factorsUse Planalytics to proactively plan/push inventory to address changes in demandProactively identify and address potential forecast inaccuracies based on trendsBreakdown forecast / performance by customer location and roll up to supporting plantREQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIESAn individual qualified for this job must be able to:Strong analytical and conceptual skills with a focus on business resultsProficiency in quantitative and qualitative data analysis linked to KPI’sMotivated to drive business results versus personal preferences, and in group achievement rather than individual achievementMeets deadlines and work under pressure, with limited supervisionWell-organized and high level of attention to detailKnowledge of forecasting processes across various business functionsProven ability to manage multiple projects at onceEvaluate scenarios in with end-to-end supply chain impact in mindExcellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication, including great presentationsMINIMUM EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, AND CERTIFICATIONSAn individual qualified for this job must have and maintain the following qualifications:Bachelor’s degree (BS/MS in supply chain, engineering, operations management, or math/economics desired)At least 7-10 years of prior experience in forecasting, supply chain planning, inventory management, manufacturing operations, or a field that demands complex quantitative analysisExperience working with distribution and wholesale distributor models is a plusHands-on experience with modeling, forecasting, analysis and simulation toolsExcel Mastery: Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables, VLOOKUP, and complex formulas for data manipulation and analysis.Database Management: Understanding of database systems to retrieve and manage large datasets efficiently.PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the Essential Functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.This is a desk-based job and will require the individual to remain seated for long periods of time and have the manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment such as computer keyboard, mouse, calculator, phone, copier/scanner, and similar machines.

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