Associate Manager,Demand Planning

• The demand-planning organization of SC Johnson is responsible for the development of a demand forecast which is the basis for company investments. The primary role of the lead cluster market demand planner is to develop a demand forecast using data such as sales inputs on promotions and distribution, shipment history, competitive activities and marketing plans. This position is a key driver in creating and managing the true consumer demand signals by which to align the rest of the supply chain and company goals.  This role will also be the conduit in the cluster and country between the commercial teams and all of supply chain planning.
• The market demand planner is entrusted to develop and maintain professional relationships with local and remote supply chain planning partners. This position is charged with making decisions that impact the demand plan and communicating those decisions to stakeholders such as the General Manager, Sales Director and Marketing Director. The role includes contributing to special projects and other supply chain and business strategy initiatives. This person is a well-rounded individual who encompasses analytical, communication and leadership skills. They can quickly identify deviations from expected results and other disruptions and are able to promptly resolve issues.
• The Lead Cluster Market Demand Planner is also the process owner of the Pre-demand and Demand Reviews (Step 2) within the cluster and country for the S&OP process, ensuring an efficient, effective, and reliable review driven by an unbiased, consensus process.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Statements of what position is responsible for performing, typically listed in order of importance

Use and maintain current demand planning systems to create the best forecast possible using established processes. Utilizing the statistical feed in the system from their demand support hub. Collect and analyze past/future demand inputs (such as distribution gains/losses, price changes, new/discontinued products and promotion plans) from sales and marketing, and calculate their impacts on demand. Make recommendations to enhance business processes, and identify opportunities to improve operational efficiencies. Work with various cross functional partners on projects such as new product launches, discontinuations, and transitions to evaluate assumptions (pre and post launch) – new product forecast, pipeline fill, and cannibalization. Collaborate with Marketing, Trade Marketing (Customer Marketing), and Finance for advertising and promotional activities – time period, expected market penetration, reaction (uplift, cannibalization on other items/brands) and evaluate against performance from similar historical activities. Work with the regional demand hub to help maintain cleansed history in APO at the appropriate level and ensure a 12-18 month rolling forecast in APO. Ensure demand forecast is shared in level of detail and timing required by internal customers and supply chain partners with documented assumptions.  Also communicating forecast confidence, including risks and opportunities. Influence and collaborate with key partners in marketing, sales (field sales, corporate sales managers and directors), and finance to address input gaps as identified by forecast error/bias review & root cause analysis Measure, analyze, and communicate key process metrics and monitor adherence to key performance indicators, while driving continuous improvement

Required Skills / Experience / Competencies:

Required skills are those that are absolutely necessary to perform the job and can be objectively measured, such as high school diploma, driver’s license, Bachelor’s degree in “x” field, etc. 

• Strong communication skills, with a proven ability to understand key concepts and communicate with business stakeholders
• Ability to drive action and influence decision making at all levels of the organization
• Strong organizational skills, as well as the ability to perform under pressure and manage multiple priorities with competing demands
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency in process improvement
• Ability to work within high-performing teams in highly collaborative environments
• Quantitative and qualitative data analysis, including business process metrics and measures linking to business KPIs
• Knowledge of finance, sales, marketing and R&D functions
• Fluent in English
• Minimum of five years of Supply Chain or Business experience
• Minimum of five years of demonstrated results and working in a team-based, cross functional environment, preferably experience with the standard S&OP processes
• 2 to 3 years of managing cross functional projects
• Minimum of three years of hands-on experience in demand planning and simulation systems or tools (SAP APO DP, Demantra or equivalent)
• Experience working in the CPG industry
• Demonstrated knowledge and proficiency in PC-based applications (such as Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word and/or Access)

Preferred Skills / Experience / Competencies:

Preferred skills are those that are more subjectively evaluated, but are just as important for the job, such as strong interpersonal skills, proficient writing capabilities, etc.

• Minimum of an undergraduate degree, preferably economics, supply chain management, engineering,or a related business field.

Inclusion & Diversity

We’re a global business, with people from every culture, ethnicity, race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age and ability. We recognize the breadth of human experience, and we work to celebrate it. It is our goal to build a diverse, inclusive and supportive work environment where all people can thrive.

We’re committed to ongoing efforts that help us attract, hire, and retain diverse talent who want to build a positive, inclusive environment. Read more about our ongoing initiatives at https://jobs.scjohnson.com/inclusion.

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