Demand Planner at Blum, Inc – Stanley, North Carolina

Demand Planner

Reports to: Head of Distribution

Departments Supported:
Sales, Blum US Distribution Department, Global Distribution Department

Role Overview

The Demand Planner is responsible for developing monthly product forecasts that meet sales and service objectives within Blum US. This role requires deep involvement in new product introductions and product conversions, including analyzing the impact on existing product lines. The position collaborates closely across departments to meet customer requirements, capitalize on market opportunities, minimize shortages, and drive inventory efficiency for BUS.

Responsibilities & Duties

• Develop monthly product forecasts that meet sales & service objectives within Blum US
• High level of involvement in the new product introductions & product conversions including impact on existing product lines
• Determine forecasting strategy for items and product groups
• Continuously improves forecasting techniques, methods & approach using forecasting software
• Attend sales meetings & read related publications to obtain current market condition information, business trends, & industry developments
• Develop an understanding of customers' needs & take actions to ensure needs are met
• Conduct current & future forecasting analysis to ensure forecasting processes are followed
• Assemble & analyze all data pertinent to creating the sales forecast (historical sales, market trends, seasonality, promotions)
• Collaborate with other departments to meet customer requirements, to take advantage of sales opportunities, minimize shortage’s negative impacts on a business, and drive inventory efficiency at BUS
• Develop & maintain positive business relationships with a customer's key personnel involved in or directly relevant to any analysis & planning activities
• Ensure relevant Key Performance Indicators are aligned with expectation
• Works an office schedule & is expected to work whenever required
• Limited travel in the USA & to BAU as needed

Education

• HS diploma or GED required
• 4-year degree in a related field is preferred
• Collegiate-level coursework in mathematics and statistics preferred
• Equivalent training & experience can be substituted

Experience

• 3 plus years experience in supply chain, materials planning or production scheduling in a medium sized Industrial/Manufacturing environment is preferred

Knowledge

• Blum’s products, services & the appropriate application of both
• Kitchen cabinet industry & markets as well as their trends & developments
• Blum’s customer base including both large & small volume accounts, the role of distributors, OEM’s & cabinetmakers, & the key players in the various markets
• Principles & processes for providing customer & personal services
• Arithmetic, statistics & their applications

Foundation Skills

• Attention to detail
• Effective verbal & written communication skills
• Actively looking for ways to help people
• Mathematics skills
• Statistics skills
• Being aware of others' reactions & understanding why they react the way they do
• Bringing others together & trying to reconcile differences
• Management of one’s time to achieve daily goals
• Problem Solving Skills – Taking a systematic approach to solving problems by analyzing all relevant facts &/or issues before determining the root cause
• Decision Making Skills
• Ability to use computer, programs, & applications (Outlook, word, excel, power point, Power BI, SAP IBP, SAP/APO) as needed
• Obtain, clean, analyze & report data
• Manage meetings & group processes
• Gain acceptance to an idea through interpersonal skills & persuasion
• Gather information through face-to-face discussions & other probing methods
• Establish/maintain collaborative partnerships with individuals at all levels of the organization
• Address conflicts productively

Benefits

Blum USA offers a competitive benefits package, including:

• Salaried position
• Possible bonus opportunities
• Health coverage (Medical, Vision, Dental)
• 401(k) with company match
• Flexible spending account for eligible health expenses
• Competitive PTO package
• Term life insurance equal to annual salary at no cost to employee
• And more!

Company Overview

For over 60 years, Blum has been a global leader in manufacturing high-quality hinge systems, drawer runners, and lift systems that enhance user convenience in kitchens and living spaces. Our commitment to innovation and motion perfection drives everything we do.

With eight production plants in Austria and manufacturing sites in Brazil, Poland, China and the United States, Blum employs approximately 9,000 people worldwide. Our mission is to create solutions that make everyday life easier—whether in the kitchen or beyond.