Analyst Demand Planning

Category/Area of Expertise: Merchandising
Job Requisition: 394561_external_USA-NC-Salisbury
Address: USA-NC-Salisbury-2110 Executive Drive
Store Code: FL Produce Category COS (5122075)

At Food Lion, Associates are the most important assets to our organization. We want associates to have meaningful careers full of variety and challenges. Each associate contributes to the overall success of Food Lion, and in return, we strive to provide all associates with a fulfilling work experience and reward performance and commitment. We are committed to the professional development of our associates through on-the-job learning opportunities and training.

Position Summary

Business expert to develop, implement, and manage Demand Management System's (Relex) forecasting capabilities. Provides guidance and acts as a key contributor for strategic demand planning practices that support our banner brand strategies, inventory targets and collective supply chain objectives. Collects, merges and shares pertinent information to create a single unified demand forecast within the Demand Management system. Applies seasoned in depth knowledge of industry forecasting processes and methods. Identifies drivers through root because analysis of forecast variances quantifies and implements updates to complex forecasting systems and processes. Utilizes exception based analysis and forecast accuracy results to drive sales growth, maximize inventory investment and drive business process improvement.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for overall Demand Management System forecast accuracy and inventory management that delivers on key performance established by the brand
• Responsible for ensuring accurate identification, entry and maintenance of data within the Demand Management System that enables forecasting accuracy that meets established targets
• Utilize Demand Management System to measure, analyze, and create short, medium, and long term forecasts, while maximizing item level forecast accuracy to drive supply chain optimization and meet established targets
• Execute exception based analysis to identify drivers in forecast error variances, with an aggressive approach to quantify and implement changes to improve forecasting and replenishment within Demand Management System
• Analyze and execute Demand Management System processes for new items, along with store and market events
• In close collaboration with the Super Users maintain and execute system enhancements and the functional expansion of Demand Management System capabilities
• Partner with Fresh Category Leadership and Supply Chain Leadership to provide forecast analysis with influence to the long term strategies
• Provides seasoned forecasting expertise to the various business areas within the company
• Maintain a 24/7 on call rotation with peers and Super Users
• Occasional travel to brand retail locations and distribution centers for research or specific initiatives
• Partnering closely with the Buyers the DPA supports to help translate extensive product knowledge into appropriate system actions
• Coordinate and provide leadership in growth projects within the organization
• Work closely with the Super Users on modifications of business rules, system regression testing along with optimization models including truck building and economic order quantities
• Organize and manage weekly and monthly demand consensus meetings with fresh category teams in support of establishing a Sales and Operations Planning Process
Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent combination of education and related work experience in Mathematics, Economics, SCM, Logistics, IT or other relevant subject expertise
• Mature level of knowledge for company, business and industry practices
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite of Programs

Preferred Qualifications

• 3 to 5 years of experience in demand planning or forecasting
• APICS, IBF or MIT certification preferable
• Proficiency in working within a cloud based system and ERP integration
• In depth knowledge of industry forecasting processes and methods
• Experience with IT development and road map development
• Experience with IT User Acceptance Testing process
• Working knowledge of Tableau and Alteryx systems

Education

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent combination of education and related work experience in Mathematics, Economics, SCM, Logistics, IT or other relevant subject expertise

Experience

• 1 to 3 years of experience in, category, pricing, logistics, supply chain, procurement, or distribution
• 3 to 5 years of experience in demand planning or forecasting
• Experience with IT development and road map development
• Experience with IT User Acceptance Testing process

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to distill complicated data and analysis into actionable recommendations, guidance and conclusions
• Ability to manage day to day activity for identified responsibilities
• Ability to influence without authority
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Ability to think innovatively
• Demonstrate a personal acceptance of change and the ability to adapt and drive change
• Demonstrate an ability to implement and analyze retail business using consumer insights and analyzing trends
• Strong root cause analytical skillset
• Comfort and/or preference working within a highly technical environment

Travel

• Occasional overnights, 8 to 10%

Food Lion provides equal employment opportunities to all associates and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related conditions) national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity or gender expression or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you have a disability and require assistance in the application process, please contact our Recruiting Department at recruiting@foodlion.com

---