Demand Planner Inventory Analyst

Job Description

Job Description

Demand Planner & Inventory Analyst

Job Summary

The Demand Planner & Inventory Analyst is responsible for forecasting demand, optimizing inventory levels, and supporting purchasing decisions across product portfolio. This role serves as a key business partner to Sales, Marketing, Finance, Product Development, Customer Service, and Operations by translating historical sales trends, business objectives, and market intelligence into actionable inventory plans.

This position is responsible for maintaining inventory health, improving forecast accuracy, minimizing stockouts and excess inventory, and supporting long-term supply planning for domestic and offshore sourcing programs. The Demand Planner & Inventory Analyst will leverage data-driven insights to support strategic business decisions while ensuring product availability and inventory efficiency.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Demand Planning & Forecasting

· Develop, maintain, and continuously improve item-level demand forecasts using historical sales data, seasonality, customer trends, promotions, and market intelligence.

· Conduct weekly and monthly forecast reviews, identifying demand variances, risks, and opportunities.

· Measure and improve forecast accuracy through ongoing analysis and process improvements.

· Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, Product Development, and Customer Service to align demand forecasts with business initiatives and customer expectations.

· Lead inventory and forecasting discussions during monthly planning reviews.

Inventory Planning & Management

· Analyze inventory positions to ensure appropriate stock levels while minimizing excess and obsolete inventory.

· Establish and maintain safety stock levels, reorder points, and inventory planning parameters.

· Monitor inventory performance metrics including inventory turns, fill rates, aging inventory, service levels, and stockout occurrences.

· Identify inventory risks and recommend corrective actions to improve inventory efficiency and customer service.

· Support annual budgeting and inventory planning initiatives.

Purchasing & Supply Planning Support

· Generate and maintain purchasing recommendations through ERP and MRP systems.

· Review and manage planning exceptions while recommending corrective actions to mitigate supply chain risks.

· Support supplier capacity planning and long-term inventory projections.

· Assist with new product launches, product transitions, and end-of-life inventory management.

· Align inventory plans with supplier lead times and production schedules.

ERP, Reporting & Data Management

· Maintain the integrity of inventory, forecasting, and planning data within NetSuite and other business systems.

· Create and maintain product master data including descriptions, suppliers, UPC codes, dimensions, and inventory parameters.

· Develop and maintain inventory and forecasting reports, dashboards, and KPIs.

· Analyze data trends and provide actionable recommendations to management.

Vendor & Logistics Coordination

· Assist with monthly container planning and offshore production forecasting.

· Coordinate with suppliers, freight forwarders, and logistics partners to ensure timely product availability.

· Monitor inbound shipments and proactively communicate delays or supply chain disruptions.

· Ensure all inventory-related costs are accurately tracked and reported.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

· Establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal stakeholders including Sales, Marketing, Finance, Customer Service, Product Development, and Operations.

· Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on inventory optimization, forecasting accuracy, and operational efficiency.

Education and Experience

· Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, Finance, Analytics, or related discipline preferred. Degree is optional based on years of related experience.

· 5+ years of experience in demand planning, inventory management, supply chain planning, purchasing, or related analytical role.

· Experience managing inventory within a distribution, manufacturing, or consumer products environment.

· Strong understanding of forecasting methodologies, inventory management principles, and supply chain processes.

· Advanced Microsoft Excel skills including Pivot Tables, Lookups, data analysis, and reporting.

· Experience with ERP and MRP systems; NetSuite experience a plus.

· APICS/ASCM certification (CPIM, CSCP, or equivalent) is a plus.

· Experience supporting offshore sourcing and long lead-time inventory planning preferred.

· Candidate must be able to work out of the Dahlonega, Georgia location. This is a hybrid opportunity with 4 days in the office, and 1 day remote.

Skills and Abilities

· Strong analytical and quantitative problem-solving abilities.

· Advanced forecasting and inventory planning capabilities.

· Excellent business acumen and decision-making skills.

· Strong organizational and project management skills.

· Ability to prioritize multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

· High attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy.

· Strong interpersonal, verbal, written, and presentation skills.

· Ability to communicate complex information to various levels of the organization.

· Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a cross-functional environment.

· Results-oriented with a strong sense of accountability and ownership.

· Demonstrates initiative, resourcefulness, and continuous improvement mindset.

· High personal integrity and professionalism.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Performance may be measured by:

· Forecast Accuracy

· Inventory Turns

· Fill Rate / Service Levels

· Inventory Aging

· Stockout Reduction

· Excess & Obsolete Inventory Reduction

· ERP Data Accuracy

· Supplier On-Time Performance

· Inventory Investment Optimization

· Continuous Improvement Initiatives

Working Environment and Physical Demands

Primarily office environment with occasional warehouse visits. Frequent use of computer systems, ERP software, and analytical tools. Ability to sit for extended periods while performing detailed analytical work. Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds. Ability to travel occasionally as business needs require.