Demand Planner

Demand Planner Join the Flexcon Team! Flexcon Company, Inc. is a purpose-driven innovative company. A global, family-owned manufacturer of coated and laminated films and adhesives, products are used as functional components in manufactured goods and in graphics applications. Since 1956, Flexcon has supplied products for a wide range of industries including packaging, medical devices, automotive, durable labeling and more. We are currently seeking candidates to fill a Demand Planner role. The Demand Planner plays a crucial role in optimizing inventory levels and ensuring product availability by forecasting customer demand accurately. This position is vital in maintaining a balance between supply and demand to meet organizational goals efficiently. Working closely with cross-functional teams, the Demand Planner utilizes data analysis and forecasting techniques to develop demand plans that drive production and inventory strategies. What will you do in this role? Develop and maintain accurate demand forecasts using historical data, market trends, customer activity, extensive data analysis, and input from Sales and Product Management. Perform extensive data mining and analysis across large and complex datasets to identify demand patterns, customer and product trends, forecast exceptions, data-quality issues, and emerging business risks and opportunities. Analyze forecast performance and changing business conditions to identify required forecast adjustments and provide data-supported recommendations. Prepare, lead, and facilitate monthly Pre-Demand Review meetings and the Demand Review segment of the S&OP process. Consolidate, evaluate, and challenge cross-functional input and provide a clear Demand Planning recommendation for review and approval. Ensure that key business assumptions, forecast changes, risks, opportunities, and decisions are reviewed, agreed upon, and documented. Maintain the approved demand forecast in Oracle and communicate material changes to affected stakeholders. Monitor forecast accuracy and bias, identify the primary causes of forecast error, and coordinate appropriate corrective actions. Monitor near term demand changes, customer activity, and consumption trends, and communicate significant exceptions through the S&OE process. Collaborate with Sales, Product Management, Finance, Supply Planning, Materials Planning, Procurement, Manufacturing, and other stakeholders to support an aligned and credible demand plan. Provide Supply Planning and Materials Planning with the approved demand signal and explain significant changes that may affect inventory, capacity, material requirements, or customer service. Prepare and present demand-planning analyses and performance reports, including relevant KPIs, significant trends, risks, opportunities, and recommended actions. Identify and escalate significant demand risks, unresolved forecast disagreements, data-quality problems, and system issues to the Director Master Planner. Support continuous improvement of demand planning processes, analytical methods, reporting, systems, data quality, and cross-functional collaboration in partnership with the Director Master Planner. What does it take to be successful in this role? Bachelor's degree in supply chain, operations, logistics, business administration, or a related field.5+ years experience in a similar role Understanding demand planning principles and methodologies, such as statistical forecasting techniques, time series analysis, and demand variability. S&OP/S&OE process experience a plus Knowledge of inventory management principles, including inventory control methods, safety stock calculation, and inventory optimization strategies. Familiarity with supply chain management concepts, including production planning, procurement processes, and distribution logistics. Understanding of capacity constraints and lead time dynamics to accurately forecast demand and plan production activities. Knowledge of ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems and demand planning software tools commonly used in manufacturing environments (e.g., SAP, Oracle Fusion, JDA, or similar platforms).Awareness of industry-specific regulations, market trends, and competitive dynamics that may impact demand forecasting and inventory management decisions in the manufacturing sector. Strong analytical skills and proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Qlik, Microsoft Excel, SQL, and statistical software packages) to analyze historical data, identify patterns, and develop accurate demand forecasts. Excellent communication skills to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams, present findings, and articulate demand planning recommendations to stakeholders at all levels of the organization through the S&OP process. Problem-solving skills to address demand planning challenges, resolve discrepancies, and develop innovative solutions to improve forecast accuracy and inventory optimization. Time management and organizational skills to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing business requirements in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Attention to detail and accuracy in forecast calculations, data entry, and documentation to ensure the reliability and integrity of demand planning processes. Adaptability and flexibility to navigate ambiguity, handle unforeseen changes, and adjust demand plans in response to evolving market conditions or business needs.