Demand Planner

Job Summary: The Demand Planner works under the direction of the Demand Planning Manager and is responsible for supporting day-to-day demand planning, forecasting, and inventory optimization activities across K&M Tire's distribution network. This role focuses on maintaining forecast accuracy, monitoring inventory health, supporting DC stocking strategies, and providing analytical insights to ensure product availability while minimizing excess inventory and unnecessary transfers.

The Demand Planner plays a key role in executing demand planning processes, maintaining system accuracy within BlueRidge, and supporting cross-functional collaboration between Purchasing, Sales, Operations, and vendor partners.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

1. Support the Demand Planning Manager in maintaining and executing demand forecasts using the BlueRidge Demand Planning platform.

2. Monitor forecast accuracy at the SKU, category, vendor, and DC level, identifying exceptions and variances.

3. Assist in maintaining inventory planning parameters including min/max levels, safety stock, and reorder points by DC.

4. Analyze inventory levels to identify overstock, slow-moving, and aging inventory and support structured mitigation plans.

5. Assist in system and item master data integrity, including weekly updates to item attributes, planning parameters, and data accuracy.

6. Review inventory placement across DCs and identify opportunities to reduce excess transfers and improve stocking alignment.

7. Monitor backorders, fill rate, and service-level performance, escalating risks or trends as needed.

8. Support vendor collaboration efforts by maintaining forecast visibility, tracking lead times, and monitoring vendor performance metrics.

9. Assist with the creation and maintenance of KPIs, dashboards, and routine reporting related to demand planning and inventory performance.

10. Validate data accuracy within BlueRidge and supporting systems to ensure reliable planning outputs.

11. Perform ad-hoc analysis to support business planning, purchasing decisions, and inventory strategy initiatives.

12. Be familiar with K&M's and field concepts, practices, and procedures.

13. Perform other duties as appropriate and assigned.

14. Support company goals and uphold K&M Tire Values.

Requirements

Job Requirements

1. Working knowledge of demand planning, forecasting, or inventory management concepts.

2. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.

3. Ability to interpret data and identify trends, risks, and opportunities.

4. Strong organizational and time-management skills.

5. Ability to work collaboratively across departments and communicate effectively.

6. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel.

7. Ability to follow established processes while identifying improvement opportunities.

8. Willingness to learn and develop expertise in demand planning systems such as BlueRidge.

9. Ability to work independently while supporting broader team objectives.

10. Professional communication and presentation skills.

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Minimum Qualifications

• 2–4 years of experience in supply chain, purchasing, inventory planning, analytics, or a related field.
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Analytics, or related field (Preferred but not required).
• Experience with demand planning or ERP systems (BlueRidge, NetSuite, or similar) preferred.
• Tire or distribution industry experience a plus.