Demand Planner

The Step2 Company is the largest American manufacturer of preschool and toddler toys and one of the world’s largest rotational molders of plastics. It’s our mission to be the leading innovator of children's products that build imaginations and enrich the family's celebration of childhood.

Step2 proudly employs moms, dads, grandparents, aunts, uncles and everyone in between. We offer an environment of fun and hard work. Our mission of bringing families together isn’t just for our customers. The Step2 family starts with our employees and we’re excited that you’re interested in joining our team!  

Job Summary:

The Demand Planner plays an essential role in the growth of the organization and is a key resource to ensure demand and supply remain in balance. This position is responsible for forecasting future demand, analyzing customer POS data for trends and insights, leveraging statistical models to drive forecast accuracy, and leading demand reviews to share forecasting performance and business insights within the organization through the S&OP process. The role will work closely with Sales, Operations (Supply Chain), Finance, and our external retail partners.

Location: Hybrid (Streetsboro, OH Headquarters)

Job Duties:

• Manage forecast at an item level, incorporating factors such as price elasticity, promotional performance, POS trends, and seasonality.
• Review historical sales trends, research demand drivers, adjust forecasts on an exception basis, develop / utilize statistical forecasting modeling, and evaluate forecast results.
• Conduct monthly consensus reviews with the sales, marketing and / or Finance teams as needed, highlighting risks and opportunities for the business. This includes analysis and review of POS demand, shipment history and other key measures to inform the business of emerging trends.
• Contribute to the S&OP process by providing key drivers and assumptions for demand inputs and drive collaboration to derive a consensus forecast.
• Collaborate with the Sales team and customers to align on planned orders, shipments, and changes to forecast assumptions.
• Provide input to the Supply Chain organization to optimize inventory strategies on existing items, new products, product phase-outs and significant changes to forecasts.
• Ability to understand capacity constraints along with current POS and available inventory to build an unconstrained demand forecast.
• All other responsibilities assigned as necessary

Qualifications and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor of Science in Business, supply chain management, operations, or other related degree.
• Minimum 5 years of experience. Demonstrated ability to use data and analytics to drive organizational change. 
• Strong understanding of forecast management principles including statistical modeling
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Experience using data and analytics to drive organizational change.
• Initiative-taker with the ability to work independently and remain flexible with changing priorities.
• Advanced user in Excel, (v-lookups, pivot tables, etc.), Power BI experience a plus.
• Experience forecasting using forecasting software. Oracle experience is a plus.
• Able to work effectively with cross-function teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Capable of multi-tasking in a fast-paced environment.

FLSA Status:

Exempt

What are the perks?

•  Parental Leave
•  401k with Employer Match
•  Tuition Assistance 
•  Company Paid Life & Disability Insurance 
•  Adoption Assistance 
•  Medical, Dental and Vision 
•  Premium FREE Medical Plan Option
•  Employee Discount 
•  10 Paid Holidays 
•  Advancement Opportunities

Join our family!

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.

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