Demand Planner at United Natural Foods Inc in Eden Prairie, Minnesota

Job Description:

PURPOSE: 

The primary responsibilities of a Demand Planner will be to manage customer and internal promotional projections and/or demand forecasts for turn inventory or new products.   The Demand Planner will work collaboratively with Customer Care, Buyers and Retail Customers to determine the amount of inventory needed for customer promotions and other events above and beyond normal turn inventory.  The Demand Planner will be responsible for assuring proper inventory forecasts for execution of such customer programs, events and turn inventory.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manages and approves planned demands or inventory reservations


• Have thorough knowledge and understanding of IO, DOM, IR, Manhattan systems, host systems (UBS or WBS) and their configuration


• Have a thorough knowledge of procurement and logistics processes


• Ability to distinguish between base customer demand and promotional lifts


• Engages with customers as necessary to ensure communication and problem solving


• Provides liaison services between Customers, Customer Care, Sales, and Buyers for procurement procedures, promotional status, excess inventory and problem resolution


• Reviews and evaluates Planned Demands, Inventory Reservations and new item forecasts to optimize inventory levels


• Responsible for ensuring targeted fill rates/service levels for our customers


• Review and analyze planned demand results and update department knowledge on promotional lifts


• Advocates on behalf of IPAR to ensure that other departments meet needed requirements for proper and accurate buying


• Maintains data information, files and reports


• Maintains records in accordance with established policies and procedures and audit guidelines


• Performs other job duties as required

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/certification:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field preferred or equivalent related experience and training

Experience:

• System Implementation preferred


• 3 years of related experience using highly automated purchasing systems such as IO or E3, Demand Planning systems or host UNFI systems


• Progressively responsible experience in the purchasing or procurement areas of a large public company


• Experience working with multiple departments and customer

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of IO, E3 or similar highly automated purchasing systems or Demand Planning systems


• Knowledge of vendor sources, products and purchasing procedures


• Ability to distinguish between normal demand, promotional lift and standard deviation

Skills/Abilities:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office with advanced Excel skills


• Strong mathematic skill set


• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community


• Ability to investigate and analyze information and to draw conclusions


• Ability to perform complex tasks and to prioritize multiple projects


• Ability to use independent judgement and to manage and impart confidential information


• Ability to document work in progress and deliver presentations


• Ability to resolve internal and external customer complaints and concerns


• Conflict resolution, negotiation and/or mediation skills


• Ability to make administrative and procedural decisions and judgements


• Records maintenance skills

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. UNFI is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all. - M/F/Veteran/Disability. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.