Manager, Demand Planning

Overview

The customer on-site resource will partner with Walgreens Supply Chain teams (and Merchandising) to achieve mutually agreed upon product availability, inventory productivity, and cost productivity objectives. The work completed by the on-site resource must benefit both the supplier and Walgreens and be 100% dedicated to Walgreens. Location: Onsite at Customer, Deerfield, IL

Responsibilities

1. Specific Responsibilities
   • Proactively work forecasts:
     • Drive baseline forecast and performance maintenance in Forecast Manager based on store level performance, DC requirements, and promotional demand.
     • Alert demand planners about forecast exceptions and adjustments.
     • Forecast reset/revisions and identify issues/opportunities.
     • Quantify projected excess inventory on items being discontinued and recommend mitigation plans (e.g. markdown).
     • VMI vendors – share joint forecasts with supplier production planning.
     • Recommend item segmentation classifications and associated parameter adjustments.
   • Responsible for monitoring and managing subscribed store in stock through a standard cadence
     • Collaborate regularly with Demand Planner and Supply Planner.
     • Perform regular root cause analysis on the metrics and initiate preventative plans and/or reactive solutions to in stock and DOS opportunities.
     • Track and monitor receipts into WAG DCs to ensure proper inbound flow and achievement of targets.
     • Input daily outs comments to communicate root causes and get well dates.
     • Proactively manage agile items.
     • Monitor and reconcile customer OTIF fines; dispute any fines charged in error.
   • Accountable for forecasting & recommending display volume
     • Perform demand/sell-thru analysis on past/current displays.
     • Recommend tier display quantities to maximize door count and avoid excess inventory.
     • Utilize available WAG prescribed display planning tool.
   • Follow speed to shelf process for new item launches
     • Work with WAG Merch/Supply Chain and manufacturer sales/supply chain teams on launch plans.
     • Ensure alignment on DC pipeline and base/promotion forecasts that are used for production plans.
     • Own execution from manufacturer DC through to delivery at WAG DC and out to WAG stores.
   • Drive ad preparedness and complete post event analyses for promotional events
     • Communicate event sales, subscribed store in-stock %, DC and store DOS, and forecast to sales accuracy.
     • Make recommendations to improve process/planning for future events.
     • Conduct FSI analysis and alert WAG as needed to ensure proper inventory availability.
   • Recommend opportunities to achieve end to end supply chain cost savings
     • Monitor lead times, order frequency, order multiples, transportation options, & store levers (TSL & Shelf Mins).
     • Visit WAG DCs to understand end to end supply chain and recommend improvements/efficiencies.
     • Monitor 1506, perform root cause analysis, and make recommendations to reduce 1506 (product returns).
   • Support non-mainland markets (i.e. PR, AK, HI, Virgin Islands)
     • Act as liaison between WAG supply chain and supplier non-mainland teams.
     • Assist with Walgreens internetwork transfers to forward deploy inventory.
     • Expedite hot/out orders and proactively manage top SSIS and insufficient opportunity items.
   • Identify opportunities to increase retail sales and drive volume for manufacturer.
   • Participate in monthly on-site share group discussions
     • Share best practices and training with other on-site suppliers and WAG team members.
     • Attend presentations from WAG experts from various departments to gain knowledge of WAG.
     • Collaborate with other on-site suppliers and recommend meeting topics.
   • Achievement of mutually agreed upon product availability, inventory productivity, and cost productivity objectives.

General Responsibilities

• Poses no direct threat to the health or safety of himself/herself, of others, or to property.
• Requires regular attendance to perform essential element as contained herein between the assigned start and end times for work.
• Performs such individual assignments as management may direct.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Skills and Experience:
  • 5+ years of experience in demand planning, forecasting, or supply chain management.
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data sets and make data-driven decisions.
  • Proficiency in demand planning software and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, JDA, Kinaxis).
  • Advanced Excel skills and experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI).
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Additional Requirements:
  • Knowledge of industry best practices and trends in demand planning and supply chain management.
  • Experience in continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma) is desirable.
  • Ability to travel as required.