Manager, Demand Planning

• Manage, develop, and mentor a team of Demand Planning Analysts. Provide training, guidance, and support for all regular demand/forecast related tasks. Recruit team members as needed.

• Ensure demand planners support inventory planning and optimization, aligning supply with demand of assigned products in corporate stores and company DCs to drive turns and meet service level targets.

• Oversee the team’s review of historical sales trends, research demand drivers, prepare forecast data, develop statistical forecast models, and evaluate forecast results.

• Review and ensure the effective use of forecast and reporting tools to analyze forecast accuracy, identify root causes of errors, and drive continuous improvement within the organization

• Validate statistical forecasts: gather and analyze data, execute statistical modeling, review resulting statistical forecast models, apply error analysis techniques to improve forecasting, summarize statistical forecast accuracy

• Utilize a collaborative and consensus-driven approach to engage with key business areas and understand demand forecast drivers.

• Partner with key business units (Merchandising, Proprietary Brands team, Vendor partners, Replenishment, etc.), on long-term planning, forecasting, and other initiatives to support corporate goals.

• Review marketing plans and oversee forecast adjustments for all business programs and planned promotions.

• Support producing quarterly receipt plans based on forecasted sales, tracking actual performance against the plan, and adjust as needed. Leverage advanced tools and analysis to determine optimal inventory planning strategy required.

• Support Replenishment Analysts in resolving vendor issues related to demand planning and forecasting.

• Participate in business/demand review meetings to evaluate forecasting effectiveness, identify root-causes of significant issues, and coordinate action plans to improve forecast accuracy.

• Accountable for managing the merchandise financial planning inputs and outputs and their impact on the Supply Chain process.

• Advanced experience using Microsoft 365, Word, and PowerPoint with advanced knowledge in Excel including pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, advanced formulas, and macros.
• Familiarity with data mining applications such as Tableau, Power BI, and IBM Cognos.
• Experience with Demand Planning & Replenishment systems (Blue Yonder, etc.)

• Proficient in demand planning best practices, with proven experience optimizing inventory to align with budgeted KPIs.

• Demonstrated understanding of supply chain processes and key performance indicators.

• Strong analytical skills to interpret data, identify trends and patterns, and assess seasonality and cyclical behaviours to predict future demand while aligning with business objectives.

• Effective team player who adds complementary skills and contributes valuable ideas and feedback.

• Accountable for fulfilling commitments to both immediate and cross functional teams, ensuring the right business leads are informed and involved when required.

• Builds partnerships and collaborates with teams to achieve shared objectives.

• Willing to “roll up their sleeves” to support tasks when needed.

• Motivates and leads a team to achieve maximum results.

• Approaches new opportunities and challenges with urgency and enthusiasm, while effectively managing multiple priorities.

• Learns innovative methods, tools, and technology, applying them to business tasks and requests.

• Self-directed and motivated to achieve results independently.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate and operate effectively.

• Acquires and utilizes necessary information from subject matter experts to deliver excellence.

• Establishes and maintains effective, dynamic relationships with management, direct reports, and user groups across the organization.

• Communicates effectively with cross functional teams, leadership, and third-party providers.

• Post-secondary education in business, supply chain or a related field. Relevant work experience will be considered.

• Minimum 5-7 years of progressive experience in supply chain, with a focus on demand planning.

• Experience forecasting within a national network supply chain business that includes multiple points of distribution, and retail locations.

• Excellent analytical and communication skills (written and verbal).

• Experience in leading a team.

• Understanding of Merchandise Financial Planning process inputs and outputs - MFP Methodology (Impacts to the Supply Chain processes).

• Understanding of the conceptual balance between service level and inventory optimization.

• Strong Time and Task Management organizational skills.

• Knowledge of SQL or other programing languages is an asset.

• Experience in the retail industry is required. Pet Food, Supplies and Accessories experience is ideal.

• Experience collaborating across an organization with Merchandising, Supply Chain, Marketing, Store Operations, Finance, and IT.

• Experience with Blue Yonder Demand Planning systems is considered an asset.

• Flexible hybrid work schedule allowing for work from home, office, and distribution center.

• Able to work in both warehouse and office environments.

Pet Valu