Forecaster/Planner II
The Opportunity
We're looking for a strategic, data-driven thinker who thrives on cross-functional collaboration and continuous improvement. In this role, you'll lead the development of demand plans, contribute to the IBP (Integrated Business Planning) process, and help align demand, supply, and financial plans across the organization. You'll play a key role in connecting executive-level strategy with operational execution and ensuring supply chain decisions are informed by data and market insight.
What You'll Do
- Lead monthly demand planning cycles by collaborating with cross-functional teams (e.g. Sales, Marketing, Merchandising, Finance) to deliver consensus forecasts across a rolling 12-month horizon.
- Drive the demand plan and inventory strategy to support service-level goals, optimize inventory, and align with financial and operational targets.
- Actively participate in and help facilitate the IBP/S&OP process, providing insight and accountability during pre-demand, demand review, and executive alignment phases.
- Serve as a key liaison between planning, operations, and executive leadership, ensuring that cross-functional inputs are integrated into a unified plan.
- Interpret and apply macroeconomic and market trend data to influence demand and supply strategy.
- Partner with internal and external manufacturing and supply teams to ensure operational execution aligns with forecasted demand.
- Leverage advanced analytics tools (e.g., Power BI, Excel, SQL) to turn data into actionable insight, drive forecasting accuracy, and support decision-making.
- Utilize statistical models and external inputs to create multi-level demand forecasts and scenario planning.
- Champion continuous improvement in demand planning tools, processes, and systems to elevate forecast accuracy and IBP maturity.
- Contribute to the ongoing development of replenishment and inventory planning strategies, ensuring alignment across the end-to-end supply chain.
- Scenario modeling or what-if analysis
What You'll Need
- 5+ years of supply chain planning experience, ideally in demand or inventory planning.
- Strong background in statistical forecasting, S&OP/IBP, and cross-functional planning processes.
- Proficiency in advanced data tools such as Power BI, Excel, and SQL; experience transforming and managing large data sets across platforms.
- Experience leading or participating in IBP/S&OP processes at a regional or enterprise level.
- APICS/ASCM certification preferred (CPIM, CSCP, or similar).
- Bachelor's degree required, preferably in Supply Chain, Business, Analytics, or related field.
- Change management and communication skills
Work Environment/Schedule:
- Hybrid/ Office setting.
- Full Time M-F with 3 days required onsite.
Our associates strive for joint accountability. We work together for the success of our stakeholders, and we provide a thoughtful, fun, and creative environment to support them. We encourage professional and personal development through a variety of training opportunities and a focus on promoting from within.
The Company:
Established in 1944, Rio Grande, a Berkshire-Hathaway manufacturer/distributor, has thousands of valued customers around the world. We are a principle-based company with a highly evolved team-based environment. We can show you how a profoundly effective organization lives these values every day. You can find our guiding principles, The 3 R's, Respect, Responsibility and Results, on our website as well as information about our community support and how we protect the environment.
Within our 186,000 sq. ft., solar-powered facility, with covered parking, Rio Grande has sales, marketing, supply chain, IT and administrative offices, a climate-controlled distribution center with more than 40,000 items, and a comprehensive, well-equipped manufacturing operation. Manufactured products include jewelry-making equipment (from basic tools to highly sophisticated induction casting machines) and jewelry components—both die-struck and cast. Capabilities include CAD/CAM, casting, stamp and form, metal finishing, CNC machining, manual milling, tool & die and electronics/mechanical assembly.