Sr. Demand Planner

Position Summary/Objective:

The Senior Demand Planner will own the end-to-end demand planning process, collaborating with cross-functional teams—including Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Supply Chain—to create accurate and actionable forecasts.

This role requires a strategic mindset, analytical rigor, and a proactive approach to managing demand volatility in a high-growth environment.

Key Responsibilities

Ensure unconstrained demand plan accuracy:

• Review weekly sales performance, forecast accuracy, variance, and week-over-week (WOW) forecast changes for assigned portfolios.
• Adjust forecasts using statistical models in SAP-IBP and optimize forecasting methodologies as needed to maintain accurate forecasts and communicate anomalies to Supply Planning and Key Account Managers (KAMs).
• Conduct deep dives into demand trends, KAM insights, and seasonality following KAM meetings.
• Lead and participate in S&OE (Sales & Operations Execution) meetings with Supply Planning, CSC, Sales & Strategy, and Procurement teams to address supply risks.
• Prepare for and lead pre-consensus meetings with Key Account Managers (KAMs), including reviewing baseline, promotional, and KAM intelligence data (full-year volume and dollar forecasts).
• Provides leadership and direction for business teams on matters regarding supply chain, forecasting, and demand planning, adjusting the communication accordingly.
• Prepare for monthly consensus meetings and review gaps versus Annual Operating Plans (AOP).
• Conduct risk and opportunity (R&O) scenario planning in preparation for monthly Demand Review meetings.
• Work closely with our Customer Supply Chain team to acquire insights into future demand.
• Perform ad hoc scenario planning for promotions, opportunities, and risks to enhance Supply Planning visibility.
• Review forecast accuracy and bias reports monthly, addressing root causes of deviations and collaborating with KAMs for resolution.
• Maintain alignment with S&OP processes, updating forecasts post-S&OP and communicating key takeaways.
• Support KAMs on annual planning as needed, ensuring consistent communication and alignment.

Manage portfolio and life cycle of their portfolio:

• Participate in commercialization meetings to discuss innovation and renovation initiatives.
• Update forecasts for new product introductions (NPI) based on outcomes from commercialization meetings.
• Manage discontinuations and integrate updates into demand planning systems.
• Incorporate marketing intelligence and sales strategy insights into demand forecasts.
• Maintain demand planning data and systems, relevant material, and reports.
• This position could require 12-25% travel between US and Canada.

Reporting Relationships

The position reports directly to the Demand Planning Manager.

Education & Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in supply chain with 3+ years' experience in demand planning/ forecasting within the CPG industry.
• Strong understanding of demand forecasting methodologies, statistical modeling, and S&OP best practices.
• Experience with demand planning software, SAP-IBP is preferred.
• Advanced Excel skills are required and Tableau, Access, Power BI, Power query or any other related experience will be an asset.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data sets and translate insights into action.
• Experience in e-commerce and retail channel forecasting is a plus.
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Analytics, or a related field.

Skills & Abilities

• Experience with facilitation of Forecasting and Consensus meetings/discussions.
• Proven ability to work cross-functionally and influence decision-making in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
• PASSIONATE with a positive attitude with a desire to learn and collaborate.
• TEAM player, collaborative, with a strong customer service mindset.
• Exceptional time management and organizational skills, self-starter with a high level of initiative and
• Demonstrates HUMILITY throughout the company on daily basis.
• Aptitude to exhibit, RESPECT and protect Riverside's Values in a changing environment.
• Demonstrate OWNERSHIP of demand planning and management processes that are trusted across the company.
• Keeps the work atmosphere FUN by keeping it light and welcoming.