Senior Demand Planner

Role Summary

The Senior Demand Planner is based in Abbott Park, IL and is responsible for analyzing demand patterns, assessing forecast trends, interpreting key performance indicators, and adjusting statistical forecasting model parameters to generate a rolling 28-month forecast. The role monitors forecast error and bias, ensures forecasting models are updated in a timely manner, and supports the Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) process. The Senior Demand Planner communicates how different forecast models and parameters affect demand variability and collaborates with commercial, finance, and operations teams.

Responsibilities

• Analyze demand, assess forecast trends, and evaluate forecast error and bias at the Demand Forecasting Unit (DFU) level, leveraging historical data and performance metrics to drive continuous improvement.
• Provide robust statistical forecasting models and supply chain demand recommendations to affiliate finance teams, ensuring actionable insights for strategic decision-making.
• Support the Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) process by aligning forecast inputs, facilitating planning cycles, and contributing to integrated business objectives.
• Develop and document drivers for any Demand Forecasting Unit exceeding established targets, maintaining clear records and transparency on forecast variances.
• Collaborate with Finance, Marketing, Supply Chain Brand Teams, and Operations to ensure forecasts are aligned with market trends and approved product strategies.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across S&OP, Demand Management, and Statistical Forecasting processes, benchmarking methodologies and facilitating process enhancements.
• Support product lifecycle management by adapting forecasting approaches for product launches and discontinuations, integrating lifecycle intelligence into future projections.
• Participate in demand review meetings and maintain thorough documentation of forecast changes to ensure traceability, accountability, and a culture of ownership.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree required, in preferred fields such as Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Engineering or Science.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in Operations, Supply Chain Management, and or Financial Management.
• Experienced with formal Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) processes and system experience across SAP, JDA (Blue Yonder), PowerBI, and QlikSense.
• Proven experience in fostering collaboration across organizational boundaries.
• Excellent organizational, written, and oral communication skills are required.
• Proven ability to possess strong problem solving, negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Results & process oriented, focusing on process improvements to drive higher levels of performance.
• Significant cross-functional leadership capabilities ‚Äì ability to lead, collaborate and influence without authority; uses informal structure, dynamics, and culture to get things done.
• Strong analytical and conceptual thinking skills are required.

Skills

• Analytical and conceptual thinking
• Strong communication (written and verbal)
• Cross-functional collaboration and leadership without authority
• Problem solving, negotiation, and conflict resolution
• Process improvement and results orientation

Education

• Bachelors degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Engineering or Science (or related field)