Sales & Operations Planning Analyst
@ Dairy Farmers of America

General Purpose

Support the development, execution, and continuous improvement of the sales and operations planning (S&OP) process to ensure effective demand and supply alignment. Perform data analysis and forecasting, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and apply S&OP best practices to optimize the company's sales and operations strategies. Prepare, monitor, and coordinate inventory status reports and proactively approach supply shortages, stock outs, and cost savings analysis. Develop demand plans, supply plans, capacity plans, and inventory targets. Perform research and data analysis to monitor and ensure key performance indicators are at target levels according to established standards.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Inventory Planning & Management:

  • Maintain standard inventory reporting, report inventory trends, and action plan tracking

  • Optimize stock levels to ensure materials are in right location, ensure utilization of product rotation best practices, and develop action plans for slow moving/obsolete materials

  • Develop action plans to resolve excess and “stranded” inventory levels working closely with sales, finance, and other planning teams to mitigate financial impacts

  • Oversee the management of undergrade inventory; work closely with plants to maximize rework utilization and the selloff or destruction of distressed inventory

  • Analyze and prevent aging inventory; monitor raw materials and finished goods

  • Work across all supply chain functions and lead the resolution of issues that are surfaced

  • Efficiently manage finished goods inventory to maximize service level to customers

• Demand & Supply Planning:

  • Coordinate activities with the sales organization, facilitating the sales planning process to achieve agreed upon business goals. “Own” the demand elements of and fully support the S&OP effort

  • Maintain supply and capacity plans. Analyze long-term production capacity and develop annual capacity planning models showing planned production, projected inventories capacity use, and available capacity by month

  • Develop demand plans for various segments of the business

  • Support sales and production team with demand/supply targets

  • Report monthly supply, demand and inventory numbers to business unit leadership

• Other:

  • Develop an understanding of the businesses profitable of each product mix to align that with supply/demand plan

  • Build understanding of customers, competitors, markets, supply/demand to assist with overall business results

  • Produce and/or develop reporting as required by business

  • The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required

Requirements

Education and Experience

• Undergraduate degree in supply chain, business, finance or related curriculum (or equivalent combination of education and practical work experience)

• 2 to 5 years of demand planning, supply planning, operations production planning, inventory management, or related experience

• SAP experience strongly preferred

• Sales Force experience preferred

• Power BI experience preferred

• Proficient in excel

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proficient knowledge of and skill with Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems

• Understanding of production capacities, constraints, and cost/service trade-offs

• Skill in analytical thinking and problem solving

• Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, for a diverse range of internal and external audiences

• Able to elicit cooperation from variety of sources, including management, production planning, quality teams, logistics, procurement, etc.

• Able to handle challenging or conflict situations with tact and professionalism

• Able to prioritize and meet deadlines

• Able to manage multiple various projects with sense of urgency

• Able to work collaboratively with employees in a variety of departments

• Able to be a change agent, effective in influencing the direction of the business, gaining alignment, and providing training

• Able to organize time, energy, and resources effectively to achieve goals (organizational skills)

• Able to consider both strategic and practical implications for proposed course of action

• Must be able to read, write and speak English

An Equal Opportunity Employer