Demand Management Specialist

Job Title: Demand Management Specialist

Department: Production Control

Reports To: Production Control Manager

Direct Reports: Assigned salaried & hourly staff.

Status: Exempt

Job Type: Onsite full time

Job Summary:

The Demand Management Specialist is responsible for capturing customer demand managing inventory levels forecast accuracy and the integrity of data for these processes through effective demand communication analysis and planning. This role is responsible for synchronizing customer demand with internal planning processes using MRP/EDI systems to ensure timeliness data accuracy and inventory control and optimization. This position supports the identification and resolution of demand and inventory variances performs root cause analysis leads initiatives to improve forecasting minimize stockouts or overages and supports engineering change management.

Main Duties and Responsibilities (other duties may be assigned)

Demand Capture

Coordinate the setup of EDI systems with customers and systems vendors to ensure timely and accurate data transmission.

Support inbound and outbound data maintenance in MRP systems.

Review and manage EDI orders updates and cancellations for accuracy.

Troubleshoot EDI data issues in collaboration with IT QAD resources and trading partners.

Ensure MRP system integrity and data synchronization across platforms.

Demand Planning and Forecast Management

Explode capture demand in the MRP system to generate the weekly master forecast.

Analyze customer and vendor forecasts to identify demand trends peaks or declines.

Compare customer forecast vs. vendor MRP demand to identify variances.

Identify demand increases/decreases and adjust planning to avoid shortages or excess inventory.

Lead MRP forecast reduction initiatives with the supply base.

Support accurate demand communication and alignment across teams.

Inventory Analysis and Control

Analyze inventory levels and trends to identify improvement opportunities

Monitor and report on key inventory KPIs (turns stockouts aging excess/obsolete inventory)

Oversee Cycle Counting function conduct regular inventory audits to maintain accuracy and compliance

Develop and maintain detailed inventory reports including stock levels and turnover

Recommend inventory adjustments based on seasonal demand forecasts and market changes

Investigate root causes of inventory discrepancies and implement corrective actions

Monitor BOM accuracy and ensure alignment with engineering changes

Coordinate physical inventory processes and reconciliation

Track inventory impacted by Engineering Change Information (ECI) Requests (ECR) and Notices (ECN)

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Education:

Bachelors degree in supply chain business administration manufacturing or a related field (graduate degree preferred) or 8 years of equivalent related work experience

Experience:

5 years of experience in demand planning inventory control or production analysis in an automotive manufacturing environment

Familiarity with raw materials and BOM in plastic molded automotive parts a plus

5 years of handson experience with MRP/ERP systems (QAD preferred)

35 years supervisory experience required (managing leading and developing staff).

Working experience with Kanban process as a tool for production and inventory management.

Certificates Licenses Registrations:

APICS CPIM or similar supply chain or inventoryrelated certification is a plus

Computer Skills:

Intermediateadvanced proficiency in MS Excel (advanced) Word PowerPoint and Teams

Advanced proficiency with MRP/ERP systems (QAD highly preferred)

Mathematical Abilities:

Intermediateadvanced math skills.

Analytical or Reasoning Abilities:

Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.

Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.

Ability to work independently and lead crossfunctional initiatives.

Communication Skills: (Writing Foreign Language Reasoning)

Excellent communication and documentation skills.

Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.

Ability to work at all levels in the organization and across cultures.

Other Skills (Technical or Other special knowledge and abilities)

Strong organizational skills with high attention to detail.

Ability to work independently and lead crossfunctional initiatives

Physical Requirements:

60% deskbased/computer work; 40% on production floor

Must be able to lift 25 lbs. individually and teamlift up to 50 lbs.

Must follow safety protocols and wear PPE as required.

We offer competitive pay benefits and opportunities for advancement.

• Paid Basic life insurance
• Paid Shortterm disability
• Paid time off
• Paid 2 shutdown work weeks (summer and winter)
• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching (discretionary)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health savings account
• Referral program
• Annual bonus 5%

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