Analyst Demand Planning

At Food LionAssociates are the most important assets to our organization. We want associates to have meaningful careers full of variety and challenges. Each associate contributes to the overall success of Food Lion and in return we strive to provide all associates with a fulfilling work experience and reward performance and commitment. We are committed to the professional development of our associates through on-the-job learning opportunities and training.

Position Summary

Business expert to develop implement and manage Demand Management Systems (Relex) forecasting capabilities. Provides guidance and acts as a key contributor for strategic demand planning practices that support our banner brand strategies inventory targets and collective supply chain objectives. Collects merges and shares pertinent information to create a single unified demand forecast within the Demand Management system. Applies seasoned in depth knowledge of industry forecasting processes and methods. Identifies drivers through root because analysis of forecast variances quantifies and implements updates to complex forecasting systems and processes. Utilizes exception based analysis and forecast accuracy results to drive sales growth maximize inventory investment and drive business process improvement.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities

Responsible for overall Demand Management System forecast accuracy and inventory management that delivers on key performance established by the brand
Responsible for ensuring accurate identification entry and maintenance of data within the Demand Management System that enables forecasting accuracy that meets established targets
Utilize Demand Management System to measure analyze and create short medium and long term forecasts while maximizing item level forecast accuracy to drive supply chain optimization and meet established targets
Execute exception based analysis to identify drivers in forecast error variances with an aggressive approach to quantify and implement changes to improve forecasting and replenishment within Demand Management System
Analyze and execute Demand Management System processes for new items along with store and market events
In close collaboration with the Super Users maintain and execute system enhancements and the functional expansion of Demand Management System capabilities
Partner with Fresh Category Leadership and Supply Chain Leadership to provide forecast analysis with influence to the long term strategies
Provides seasoned forecasting expertise to the various business areas within the company
Maintain a 24/7 on call rotation with peers and Super Users
Occasional travel to brand retail locations and distribution centers for research or specific initiatives
Partnering closely with the Buyers the DPA supports to help translate extensive product knowledge into appropriate system actions
Coordinate and provide leadership in growth projects within the organization
Work closely with the Super Users on modifications of business rules system regression testing along with optimization models including truck building and economic order quantities
Organize and manage weekly and monthly demand consensus meetings with fresh category teams in support of establishing a Sales and Operations Planning Process

Basic Qualifications

Bachelors Degree or equivalent combination of education and related work experience in Mathematics Economics SCM Logistics IT or other relevant subject expertise
Mature level of knowledge for company business and industry practices
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite of Programs

Preferred Qualifications

• 3 to 5 years of experience in demand planning or forecasting
• APICS IBF or MIT certification preferable
• Proficiency in working within a cloud based system and ERP integration
• In depth knowledge of industry forecasting processes and methods
• Experience with IT development and road map development
• Experience with IT User Acceptance Testing process
• Working knowledge of Tableau and Alteryx systems

Education

Bachelors Degree or equivalent combination of education and related work experience in Mathematics Economics SCM Logistics IT or other relevant subject expertise

Experience

1 to 3 years of experience in category pricing logistics supply chain procurement or distribution
3 to 5 years of experience in demand planning or forecasting
Experience with IT development and road map development
Experience with IT User Acceptance Testing process

Skills and Abilities

Ability to distill complicated data and analysis into actionable recommendations guidance and conclusions
Ability to manage day to day activity for identified responsibilities
Ability to influence without authority
Ability to work as part of a team
Ability to think innovatively
Demonstrate a personal acceptance of change and the ability to adapt and drive change
Demonstrate an ability to implement and analyze retail business using consumer insights and analyzing trends
Strong root cause analytical skillset
Comfort and/or preference working within a highly technical environment

Competencies

Ability to distill complicated data and analysis into actionable recommendations guidance and conclusions
Ability to manage day to day activity for identified responsibilities
Ability to influence without authority
Ability to work as part of a team
Ability to think innovatively
Demonstrate a personal acceptance of change and the ability to adapt and drive change
Demonstrate an ability to implement and analyze retail business using consumer insights and analyzing trends
Strong root cause analytical skillset
Comfort and/or preference working within a highly technical environment

Travel

Occasional overnights 8 to 10%

Food Lion provides equal employment opportunities to all associates and applicants for employment without regard to race color religion sex (including pregnancy childbirth and related conditions) national origin age disability sexual orientation veteran status gender identity or gender expression or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you have a disability and require assistance in the application process please contact our Recruiting Department