Planner

Principal Activities:

·  Access retailer’s databases on a daily/weekly basis to extract both scheduled and ad hoc reports as needed.

·  Extract customer POS information from EDI/Trend to Excel or Access for analysis.

·  Analyze sell-through data to identify trends for top customers.  Analysis will require the ability to dig through multiple layers of data, identify key components or indicators and summarize results. 

·  On a weekly basis, provide standard reports that keep sales, marketing and operations informed of customer selling trends and patterns by customer, item, market segment, region, etc.

·  Extracts and compiles data from multiple systems/sources.  Creates Pivot Tables, Access Databases, and Advanced Excel Spreadsheets to provide detailed analysis of purchased goods.

·  Work with cross-functional teams to accurately forecast customer demand.

·  Manage forecasts in dynamic market environment.

·  Take responsibility and pride in accuracy of forecasts

·  Determines purchase requirements, generates and reschedules purchase orders for sourced goods.

·  Monitors inventory position against sales forecast and customer orders to maintain acceptable safety stock levels.

·  Ensures the timely and consistent flow of finished goods from manufacturer in accordance with business needs.

·  Creates weekly availability reports or back order reports as needed.

·  Monitors inventory and plans future safety stock levels to maximize annual turns while considering capacity constraints.

·  Produces required correspondence to expedite critical purchase items and resolve delivery problems.

·  Creates rolling 12 month Purchase Plan for sourced and manufactured products in accordance with lead-times, MOQs and seasonality profiles.

 

Education & Experience:

·  4 year college degree required.

·  1-3 years experience in Forecasting in a consumer products environment

· Experience working in a dynamic sales environment

·  Experience working with our Mass customers, K-Mart, Wal-Mart, Toy R Us, etc a plus.

·  Forecasting and Systems background a plus

·  JDE and Cognos experience a plusSkills and Attributes

·  Strong system and analytical skills required. 

·  Advanced skills in Excel and Access (vlookups, pivot tables) – ability to create new tables, databases and spreadsheets to analyze data.

·  Understanding of business flow for major retailers

·  Strong organization skills needed to maintain accurate purchasing and vendor records

·  High sense of urgency and attention to detail

·  Strong problem solving skills

·  Ability to handle multiple tasks and priorities

·  Professional business demeanor

·  Team player

·  Ability to meet short deadlines

·  Excellent interpersonal skills

·  Excellent oral and written communication skills

·  Good time management skills

·  Ability to deal with change and to be flexible