Logistics

Demand Planner job description

A Demand Planner uses statistical forecasting and ERP data to optimize inventory levels, balance supply with market demand, and minimize supply chain costs.

Published September 23, 2025Updated May 16, 20263412 likes

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Job brief

We are seeking a detail-oriented Demand Planner to join our supply chain team and take ownership of our end-to-end forecasting accuracy. In this role, you will analyze market signals to drive inventory optimization across our multi-site distribution network, ensuring our products are available exactly when and where customers need them. You will work closely with procurement, logistics, and sales teams to align operational goals and improve overall forecast precision. If you are a data-driven professional passionate about supply chain efficiency and continuous process improvement, we would love to have you on our team.

Key highlights

Develop accurate 12-to-18-month statistical demand forecasts using ERP software and advanced data visualization tools like Tableau or Power BI.
Manage safety stock parameters and reorder points within the WMS or ERP system to prevent stockouts and reduce inventory carrying costs.
Lead monthly S&OP (Sales and Operations Planning) meetings to present forecast consensus, highlight supply risks, and gain alignment on inventory targets.
Analyze forecast accuracy and bias metrics monthly, identifying root causes for variances and implementing corrective actions to improve planning performance.

What is a Demand Planner?

A Demand Planner is a supply chain professional responsible for predicting future customer demand to ensure optimal inventory availability across distribution networks. By leveraging advanced statistical modeling and historical sales data, a Demand Planner identifies seasonal trends and market fluctuations that impact procurement and production scheduling. This role bridges the gap between sales forecasts and operational capacity, playing a critical part in maintaining high service levels while minimizing excess working capital tied up in inventory.

What does a Demand Planner do?

A Demand Planner analyzes daily shipment trends, lead times, and promotional data using platforms like SAP IBP, Kinaxis, or Blue Yonder to generate accurate rolling forecasts. They conduct collaborative planning sessions with sales and marketing teams to adjust inventory targets, while simultaneously managing safety stock levels to buffer against supply chain volatility. Beyond data analysis, a Demand Planner produces key performance reports on forecast accuracy and bias, enabling senior leadership to make data-driven decisions regarding production capacity and distribution throughput.

Key responsibilities

Develop accurate 12-to-18-month statistical demand forecasts using ERP software and advanced data visualization tools like Tableau or Power BI.
Manage safety stock parameters and reorder points within the WMS or ERP system to prevent stockouts and reduce inventory carrying costs.
Collaborate with regional sales managers to incorporate promotional calendars, product launches, and market intelligence into the master demand plan.
Analyze forecast accuracy and bias metrics monthly, identifying root causes for variances and implementing corrective actions to improve planning performance.
Coordinate with procurement teams to reconcile demand requirements against supplier lead times and capacity constraints to ensure consistent supply availability.
Monitor inventory health metrics, such as stock-to-sales ratios and excess and obsolete (E&O) inventory, to drive proactive liquidation or reduction strategies.
Lead monthly S&OP (Sales and Operations Planning) meetings to present forecast consensus, highlight supply risks, and gain alignment on inventory targets.
Optimize warehouse distribution flows by aligning regional demand surges with localized logistics capacity and transportation throughput requirements.

Requirements and skills

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Operations Research, or a quantitative field such as Statistics or Mathematics.
3+ years of experience in demand planning, supply chain analytics, or inventory management within a complex distribution environment.
Advanced proficiency in Excel (VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables, Macros) and experience with large-scale ERP platforms like SAP, Oracle NetSuite, or Microsoft Dynamics.
Demonstrated ability to communicate complex statistical trends and inventory risks effectively to non-technical stakeholders in Sales and Finance.
APICS CSCP or CPIM certification is highly preferred, demonstrating a deep understanding of end-to-end supply chain integration.
Strong analytical mindset with proven experience utilizing statistical forecasting methodologies such as exponential smoothing or regression analysis.
Ability to prioritize competing inventory needs across multiple SKUs and distribution centers in a high-growth or volatile market environment.
Foundational knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and Six Sigma process improvement methodologies to drive operational efficiency.

FAQs

What does a Demand Planner do on a daily basis?

A Demand Planner focuses on balancing supply and demand by monitoring inventory levels, reviewing recent sales velocity, and adjusting statistical forecasts based on current market signals. Their daily work involves interacting with ERP systems, investigating inventory discrepancies, and communicating with procurement or sales departments to address potential supply gaps. They essentially act as the control tower for inventory, ensuring that supply chain operations remain efficient and aligned with financial goals.

What skills are required to become a successful Demand Planner?

Success in this role requires a blend of technical expertise and interpersonal influence. Hard skills include advanced statistical analysis, proficiency in ERP and WMS platforms, and a deep understanding of inventory management metrics like lead times and safety stock. Soft skills are equally important, as a Demand Planner must effectively collaborate across departments to build consensus on future demand and influence decision-making during the S&OP process.

Who does a Demand Planner work with within an organization?

A Demand Planner serves as a central hub, working with the Sales team to understand upcoming promotions, the Procurement team to manage supplier orders, and the Warehouse/Logistics teams to ensure distribution efficiency. They also frequently interact with Finance professionals to align on inventory budgets and working capital targets. This cross-functional collaboration is essential for creating an integrated plan that supports the organization's broader business objectives.

Why is the Demand Planner role critical to supply chain management?

The Demand Planner role is critical because inaccurate forecasting directly impacts a company's bottom line by causing either lost revenue from stockouts or bloated costs from excess inventory. By improving forecast accuracy, they reduce waste, optimize transportation spend, and ensure superior customer service levels. In today's volatile supply chains, a skilled Demand Planner provides the visibility needed to adapt quickly to disruptions and shifting consumer behavior.