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Rawlings Sporting Goods · 2 months ago

Demand Planner

St. Louis, MO, US

Full-time

Onsite

Mid Level

3+ years exp

Rawlings Sporting Goods is focused on optimizing demand planning processes for their customers and channels. The Demand Planner will manage SKU-level forecasts, collaborate with various teams to develop revenue plans, and analyze market trends to improve forecast accuracy and drive profitability.

ManufacturingMarketingSporting Goods

Responsibilities

Collaborate with Sales Leads and Product Managers to develop strategic long-range revenue plans by account and category and align these plans with Supply Chain capacity and sourcing strategies

Achieve consensus for demand forecasts by facilitating a collaborative planning process with Sales, Finance, and Supply Chain teams using a structured SIOP cadence

Monitor and analyze industry trends and market changes to inform baseline statistical models, adjust forecast drivers, and maintain accurate SKU-level forecasts

Prepare for and participate in cross-functional meetings to present sales analysis, forecast changes, recommended actions, and ensure key strategies are executed

Analyze customer data, including market-related data, POS data, sell-through targets, margin goals, competitive intelligence, and other key metrics to maximize sales and profitability while limiting RTV and MD exposure

Focus on exceeding key KPIs, including forecast accuracy/error (MAE, bias), Forecast Value Added (FVA), customer service levels, and more

Coordinate and communicate customer action plans with Supply Planning

Facilitate and manage demand planning customer meetings

Maintain demand plans and strategy in Anaplan and ensure forecasting modules, input data, hierarchies, and algorithms are kept current and accurate

Monitor short-term and long-term trends in forecast performance and adjust future forecasts based on statistical insights and root-cause analysis

Analyze and manage risk assessments and mitigation activities using scenario planning, demand shaping, and probability-based forecasting techniques

Propose and implement solutions to improve forecast accuracy through model enhancements, improved inputs, and continuous FVA analysis

Address demand-related issues in a timely and effective manner using data-driven recommendations

Qualification

Sales forecastingStatistical forecasting methodsDemand planning systemsAdvanced analytical skillsRetail math knowledgeMicrosoft Excel proficiencyERP/MRP systems experienceContinuous improvement focusCommunication skillsTeam-oriented mindset

Required

Bachelor's degree in business or related field

3–5 years sales forecasting or inventory management experience at a CPG or retail company

Advanced analytical skills — ability to brainstorm, gather data, detect outliers or trends, interpret data, and make decisions using multiple data points

Expert forecasting skills — experience using statistical forecasting methods (exponential smoothing, regression, decomposition, ensemble) and metrics such as MAE, bias, FVA, RMSE, CVAR, etc

Strong knowledge of retail math and the ability to analyze sales and inventory trends to guide forecasting decisions

Proficiency in Microsoft Office with high-level Excel capabilities

Experience with ERP/MRP systems; JD Edwards preferred

Experience with demand planning systems; Anaplan strongly preferred

Positive, solution-focused attitude with a team-oriented growth mindset

Commitment to continuous improvement using best-practice frameworks such as SIOP and FVA analysis

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including influencing abilities

Understanding of the impact of demand changes on service levels, inventory, and supply chain capacity

Ability to identify trends and forecast levels using statistical tools and business intelligence

Strong understanding of demand planning systems (ideally Anaplan)

Highly analytical with strong communication skills

In-depth knowledge of advanced mathematical, statistical, and forecasting methods and best practices