Demand Planner Petaluma, CA at Straus Family Creamery – Petaluma, California

We want to be transparent about our hiring process. Due to our commitment to thorough evaluation and ensuring the best fit for our team, our vetting process may take longer than customary. Be assured we diligently review all applications. We value your candidacy and will keep you informed of any updates. Anticipated start date for this position: Mid -July 2025

JOB OBJECTIVE: The Demand Planner will play a key role in aligning supply and demand in the operations of our organic dairy products. This position will be responsible for forecasting demand, determining capacity requirements, analyzing trends, and collaborating with various departments to optimize production and inventory while meeting market needs at desired service levels. This role further ensures the company is optimizing inventory levels and is meeting market needs, customer demands at desired service levels.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Support the S&OP and production planning processes by ensuring that production operations are aligned with market demand and company goals.
• Work closely with Sales to capture, track, and analyze incoming sources demand, including new items and customers.
• Coordinate related data inputs into modeling tools and systems to develop accurate demand forecasts for finished goods and raw materials. Validate data integrity, and address discrepancies.
• Manage dissemination of information, alignment, and impact of demand plan to the operation.
• Assess operational capacity to meet requirements and the impact of supply and demand variations.
• Monitor inventory levels and collaborate with the supply chain team to ensure optimal stock levels.
• Develop strategies that address capacity, demand, and supply changes while supporting revenue, cost, and efficiency objectives.
• Improve and develop inventory and PLM strategies that support company objectives.
• Maintain KPI’s used to track results.
• Participate or lead Supply Chain projects and process improvement efforts.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education & Experience

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in production planning in Consumer Package Goods (CPG) or perishable food manufacturing.
• Familiarity with demand planning software and tools.
• Strong understanding of forecasting techniques and inventory management principles.
• Working knowledge of end-to-end supply chain concepts.
• Demonstrated skills in leading continuous improvement efforts and other projects and meeting defined deliverables, goals, and timelines.
• Advanced expertise in Microsoft Excel, ERP/Business Central, and/or other relevant technologies.
• Proficient written/verbal communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• APICS, CPIM, Six Sigma, or related professional certification, preferred but not required.
• Knowledge of organic dairy industry and market dynamics is preferred.

Competencies

• Demonstrates determination and persistence - consistently performing with a high level of professionalism, respect, and integrity.
• Advanced analytical skills: ability to define issues, collect data, establish facts, and propose solutions.
• Strong and proactive problem-solving abilities to address supply chain challenges.
• Meticulous in managing procurement processes, inventory levels, and documentation.
• Strong sense of personal accountability and desire to be a trusted partner to the business.
• Capable of making informed decisions that align with company goals and market conditions.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, fostering a collaborative environment.
• High level of accuracy in forecasting and inventory management to prevent stockouts and overstock situations.
• Ability to adjust to changing demands and prioritize tasks to manage time effectively and meet deadlines and production schedules.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with various departments.

Physical & Mental

• This is primarily a desk job with constant sitting and keyboarding. Must be able to sit and type in an ergonomically correct position.
• Ability to communicate via speech, writing and hearing with employees, regulatory agencies or members of the business community.
• Occasional periods of working in a manufacturing/warehouse environment.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret business documents.
• Ability to work on a computer and look at a computer screen for extended periods of time.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to focus.
• Extended periods of standing, sitting, walking, climbing, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, turning the head and torso, reaching, grasping, bending and flexing the arms, legs, wrists, hands, and fingers. – Repetitive at times.
• Frequently lift and/or move up to 15 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to work in confined spaces.
• Ability to withstand temperatures ranging from -20° to 100° Fahrenheit.
• Working in cold, wet, humid environments and in high allergen environments is essential.

Work Location

• This position is based in Petaluma, CA. Days worked are typically Monday through Friday; hours 8am to 4:30 pm. However Flexibility to work different shifts when required, to be on call after hours, and to work weekends and all holidays is required.
• This role is not eligible for remote work. Remote candidates will not be considered for this role.
• Ability to travel to different work locations and meeting sites, up to 10% of time.

Above description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work to be performed and not construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the position nor does it restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Straus is an equal opportunity employer. We strictly prohibit and do not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any legally protected characteristic.

You do not need to match every listed expectation to apply for this position. Here at Straus Family Creamery, we know that diverse perspectives foster the innovation we need to be successful, and we are committed to building a team that encompasses a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and skills.