Mission of the Role

The Demand and Distribution Planner role is responsible for the generation of global demand plans while maintain inventory levels that achieve service, quality, and cost objectives for all distribution centers within the SICK network. This role involves working independently with global team members, including internal and external stakeholders, to ensure accurate demand planning and inventory management.

Key Responsibilities

• Demand Planning & Forecasting
  • Prepare, facilitate, and follow up on monthly global demand review meetings.
  • Lead product review meetings with strategic product management to coordinate demand plans for product launches and phase-outs.
  • Consolidate regional demand inputs into a global Consensus Demand Plan, documenting assumptions and adjustments.
  • Validate and challenge sales demand plans using performance metrics, major changes, and order entry data.
  • Clean and validate historical data sets; review statistical forecasts and resolve exceptions.
  • Monitor demand planning performance using defined KPIs and implement corrective actions as needed.
  • Release the Consensus Demand Plan and represent it in global S&OP review meetings.
• Data Management & System Support
  • Validate master and transactional data required for product segmentation; initiate corrective actions where necessary.
  • Maintain ERP master data for responsible SKUs, including forecast parameters, lead times, and MRP elements.
  • Validate, adapt, and approve product segments, criticality groups, and business models recommended by planning systems.
  • Monitor, validate, and approve multi-echelon safety stock levels across global warehouses, including NPIs and end-of-life items.
  • Act as a Regional Key User, providing first-level support within the demand region.
• Process & Strategy Development
  • Coordinate the demand classification process, including selection of best-fit forecasting algorithms and parameters.
  • Support the development and documentation of standard operating procedures, demand planning strategies, and decisions made by the S&OP team.
  • Execute alignment (“handshake”) with S&OP leads and Supply Planners; support decision-making and explore alternative solutions when needed.
  • Define and communicate requirements to process managers for APS systems and associated applications (e.g., Tableau reports) to support continuous improvement.
• Inventory & Distribution Planning
  • Ensure stocking levels and demand plans are current and accurate for globally responsible items at the local level.
  • Support new product introductions and end-of-life planning with appropriate inventory strategies.
  • Provide end-to-end management of responsible SKUs to ensure effective demand and distribution planning.
• Training & Project Support
  • Provide training to regional stakeholders on demand planning processes, tools, and best practices.
  • Support global and local projects as assigned by management.
  • Continuously improve forecasting accuracy through historical analysis, root cause identification, and refinement of statistical models and planning parameters.
• Perform other duties as may be assigned or required by management.

Key Qualifications

• Experience: 3-5 years of supply chain experience, preferably in planning and/or audit role including controlling and forecasting inventory levels.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Supply Change Management, Operations Management, Business Administration or similar is required. Master’s degree is preferred.
• Certifications:  Certified Professional Forecaster (CPF) or Certified Demand Planning Expert (CDPE) are an asset.
• Position-specific Qualifications:
  • Proven experience in demand planning, supply chain management, or a related role.
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and trends.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
  • Ability to learn new software tools and apply new perspectives using existing solutions.
  • Provide key user level of expertise.
  • Experience in training others.
• Computer/Technological: Professional competence with Microsoft Office, Microsoft Dynamics, SAP, Blue Yonder
• Language: Professional written and spoken fluency in English required.
• Schedule: Generally Monday to Friday, full time; be on-call on some weekends (if required).
• General Working Conditions: Be able to usually work in an office environment; flexible (hybrid) work arrangements available.
• Travel: Be able to travel up to 10% of the time, including internationally; must have a valid passport.
• Physical Demands: General office work environment. Computer monitor more than 4 hours a day
• Work Status: Legally permitted to work in the country you are applying and willing to undergo an employment background check.

Compensation

The base salary is one part of our Total Rewards package and is determined within a range.  The starting base salary range for this position is listed below; the actual starting salary will be based on a variety of factors including experience, skill set, education, performance, licenses/certifications, business needs and other job-related factors, as permitted by law.

• Starting Base Annual Salary Range:  $ $74,550 - $102,500
• Bonus Eligibility: This role is not eligible for an annual bonus.