Customer Forecast Replenishment Planner

Unilever is among the Top 70 of the Fortune Global 500 Companies. We are also one of the world's leading suppliers of fast moving consumer goods in foods, household and personal care products. Our purpose is to meet the everyday needs of people everywhere – to anticipate the aspirations of our consumers and customers and to respond creatively and competitively with branded products and services, which raise the quality of life.

 

*We are currently seeking a Customer Forecast Replenishment Planner for our Roger, AR location. 

 

Position Summary 

The Customer Forecast Replenishment Planner position has two primary planning objectives. 1) Internally, it requires the management of Customer Level DFU Forecasts and AMPS validation within the tactical planning horizon using Manugistics, DPI, and Merlin applications. 2) Externally, it requires the management of Wal-Mart’s Store Shelf Replenishment at the SKU level using Retail Link’s CPFR tools.  Both objectives drive Supply Chain activities, help meet Customer Inventory Targets, and overall Sales goals.  The external CPFR work optimizes Wal-Mart’s Store Replenishment Process and it ultimately benefits Unilever’s Supply Chain by generating an accurate (baseline) customer forecast that’s used for internal planning.  The internal Manugistics work is done with a Customer Based Forecasting focus in mind driven by the access to data within Retail Link.  Planners ensure that accurate customer forecasts (base, promo, special packs) are developed at the Unilever region level so supply planning (including inventory positioning) are optimized.  These activities require tight internal business linkages and customer interface.  Communication is critical for success. 

 

Position Responsibilities

1. Optimize Wal-Mart’s CPFR process to meet Inventory and Sales objectives.  Develop and maintain relationship with Wal-Mart Replenishment Manager to drive objectives.  Utilize Retail Link to provide hard data.

2. Actively tune models within Manugistics while working to eliminate critical DFU exceptions & interpret DPI data to choose appropriate multi-stream; responsible for new item set up for the specific customer/sector.

3. Ensure accurate (timing/volume) sector or customer DFU level forecasts (base + promo) get published weekly to drive supply activities

4. Facilitate demand planning meetings with field sales to capture planned events or special activities.  Includes providing qualitative information to support variances between AMPS plans and historical trends or expectations in tactical timeframe.

5. Communicate changes to Category Demand Planner on customer specific events/items to ensure better customer service.

6. Perform KPI’s reviews with field sales and manager.

7. Manage projects that are within the scope of driving Customer Replenishment efficiencies

 

Challenges



1. Requires exceptional communication skills across multiple functions, work levels and geographies  (Field Sales, Field Business Development, Category Demand Planning, Wal-Mart Replenishment Mgr..)

2. Critical understanding of how Wal-Mart CPFR item parameter changes effect the incoming Customer forecast.

3. Strategically influence field sales in weekly meetings via utilization of DPI & Merlin around AMPS validation (0-17wks)

4. Manage critical exceptions and prioritize workload using DPI, BW and Merlin reporting effectively

5. Planning an accurate demand signal for new innovation, special packs, and temporary staple to bonus transitions.

6. Must possess a strong knowledge of brand characteristics within a category including seasonality, demand trends, and role.

 

Scope

·  Requires the use and knowledge of Retail Link, Manugistics, DPI, AMPS, Merlin, and Excel.

·  Uses Retail Link CPFR exception reports and data to improve Wal-Mart’s store replenishment process (approx. 75 staple SKUs)

·  Maintains Manugistics supply chain planning software (approx. 500-600 DFUs) to reduce forecast error

·  Responsible for AMPS validation within tactical horizon to ensure forecast accuracy

·  Provide demand forecast on a category/segment that averages NIP of ~$140 mm annually

 

Skill:

·  Undergraduate degree in Logistics or Business related fields; Supply Chain Academy, APICS Certification a plus

·  3-5 years experience of relevant Sales / Logistics / Planning experience

 

Please forward resume with salary history and requirements to careers.unilever@unilever.com

 

We offer a competitive compensation package which includes cafeteria Medical & Dental Plans, Life Insurance, including spouse & children; Health Care Flexible Spending, Dependent Care, Retirement & Savings Plans, Tuition Reimbursement, Paid Vacation and Holidays, and other RealLife Benefits.

 

UNILEVER IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.