Demand planners work in a company’s supply chain to utilize analytical, marketing, and sales data to estimate future product demands. They develop an effective forecast model by paying attention to industry trends and demand patterns. They monitor and report essential changes to sales forecasts, business strategies, and budgets. They support company management with risk assessment and activities to help mitigate the risk and propose and implement solutions that accurately improve demand forecasts.
Demand planners conduct merchandising project reviews looking for their promotional effectiveness and perform competitive pricing analysis and review of merchandising strategy. They manage and prioritize steps for execution, inventory, or shipments based on customer specifications and available parts. They create and generate statistical forecasts using historical data, seasonality, and variability metrics and coordinate logistics to deliver launch products and support marketing materials. Demand analysts need a bachelor's degree in business, supply chain, or related fields and a minimum of three years experience in demand planning or a forecasting role.