The Demand Planning Analyst assists in creating demand side sales forecasts for sales and production planning purposes. The incumbent assists in producing detailed trend analyses, both monthly and longer range that predicts and explains how the business is expected to perform. This function is critical to the production planning process; forecast is used to schedule physical, human and other resources required to manufacture product and meet the Wrigley service standard. The consensus process is also enhanced by use of the forecast, which explains and predicts detailed performance both near and long-term.

A key role of the Demand Planning Analyst is using LOGILITY and BW systems as well as a variety of data sources, including production trends, consumption trends, sales data, marketing plans, economic trend expectations, etc., to arrive at a monthly and 18 month rolling sales and production sales forecast. Forecast must be updated to meet key transfer dates of the 8th and 10th day of every month. Forecast accuracy is critically important, as this information is used to plan production at all Wrigley production facilities, as well as to guide sales and marketing account plans. The forecast is updated and distributed monthly. Other reports are produced daily and weekly to complete a detailed view of sales performance and predict future performance.

Principle Accountabilities

1. Gather data, as directed by the Demand Planning Manager/Director, from all pertinent internal and external sources (LOGILITY/BW/ACNielsen) to create an accurate monthly demand forecast representing requirements for supply production.

2. If appropriate, work directly with the customer teams to augment the forecast with customer replenishment and sales data. Develop methodology necessary to incorporate data in preparing both sales forecast and tracking.

3. Track forecast performance at various levels (i.e. customer. brand, packtype, material etc.) for all items. Determine root cause of forecast variances and communicate results. Be able to explain forecast performance measures and results on request. Validate all service failures attributed to poor demand plans. Develop and implement action plans for improving forecast performance and reducing bias.

4. Conduct monthly forecast meetings with the appropriate Brand and Sales Teams. Work closely with each team to insure customer/brand team requirements are clearly communicated to the internal supply chain. Pay special attention to previous months forecast accuracy, new items and changes in distribution. Provide guidance and assistance to understanding trends and potential future impact.

5. Analyze and monitor shipment performance versus the monthly forecast goal. Measure the pace at which the forecast is being consumed and communicate with supporting supply chain functions to understand if any adjustments to Independent Requirements are required.

6. Perform special projects as assigned by the Director of Americas Demand Planning.

Position Requirements

Qualifications:

The Demand Planning Analyst must have outstanding analytical skills. Three plus years in a product scheduling or forecasting function is generally required or 5 plus years of direct key account management. EDUCATION B.S. in Business

Skills:

Exposure to S&OP and other internal and external collaborative processes. Basic knowledge of LOGILITY and or similar ERP/supply chain systems. Basic knowledge of supply chain management concepts and supply planning. Appropriate disciplines include mathematics, statistics, business or marketing. The incumbent must possess an understanding of the factors influencing accurate forecasting, consumption data, software and technology, and be able to express information in an accessible fashion for broad usage. Ability to work independently and prioritize. Willingness to learn and search for creative solutions Excellent verbal and written communication skills are critical to success in this function, as is the ability to effectively work across the organization at multiple levels.


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