Demand Planner I

At Hillman , we believe our people are our greatest strength. We foster a collaborative, customer-focused culture where innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement drive everything we do. Whether you're launching your career or growing your expertise, you'll find opportunities to learn, contribute, and make a meaningful impact while working alongside a team committed to winning together. Job Summary The Demand Planner I plays a key role in ensuring the right products are available at the right time to meet customer demand and support company growth. This position owns customer forecasting within the planning system and works cross-functionally with Sales, Supply Chain, and S&OP teams to achieve fill rate, inventory, and service level objectives. The successful candidate will analyze customer demand trends, point-of-sale (POS) data, and sales forecasts to develop accurate demand plans that drive purchasing decisions and inventory performance. This role also supports new product launches, business planning initiatives, and continuous improvement projects while contributing to the success of the monthly Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process. Key Responsibilities Demand Planning & Forecasting Develop and maintain accurate demand forecasts within the GAINs planning system to support inventory, service, and fill rate objectives. Analyze system-generated forecasts, customer POS data, sales trends, and market insights to improve forecast accuracy. Align demand forecasts with sales forecasts and proactively address variances to support inventory optimization and business goals. Monitor customer, category, and channel performance to identify trends and recommend appropriate actions. Supply Chain & Business Performance Partner with Supply Planners and other Supply Chain stakeholders to maintain customer service levels and resolve inventory or fill rate issues. Monitor inventory positions, demand fluctuations, and key service metrics to support company KPIs. Communicate demand and supply impacts, customer performance issues, and business risks to leadership and key stakeholders. Support financial forecasting activities, including demand plan analysis and Annual Operating Plan (AOP) forecasting requirements. S&OP Support & Cross-Functional Collaboration Support the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process by preparing analyses, reports, and data for monthly Demand Review Workshops. Collaborate with S&OP team members to implement approved demand plan adjustments and planning strategies. Assist with new product launches and business initiatives to ensure successful and timely execution. Research and communicate out-of-stock situations, recovery plans, and supply chain updates across the organization. Support communication of demand and supply issues to Sales and other business partners. Help manage and evaluate performance within assigned customer channels and product categories. Project & Continuous Improvement Participate in cross-functional projects and process improvement initiatives. Perform ad hoc analysis and reporting to support business decision-making. May lead customer- or product-specific projects and initiatives as experience develops. Travel occasionally as business needs require. What We're Looking For Education & Experience Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, Finance, or a related field preferred. 0-3 years of experience in demand planning, forecasting, supply chain, inventory management, or a related discipline. Understanding of financial concepts and key business drivers within manufacturing, sourcing, or distribution environments. Experience in retail distribution or consumer products industries is preferred. Exposure to forecasting, logistics planning, transportation, or inventory management processes is a plus. APICS/ASCM certification (or progress toward certification) is preferred. Skills & Competencies Successful candidates will demonstrate: Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities. Ability to interpret data, identify trends, and recommend practical solutions. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills. Effective written and verbal communication abilities. Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment. Sound judgment and decision-making skills. Ability to work independently while contributing to team objectives. Professionalism and a customer-focused mindset. Understanding of customer fulfillment requirements and supply chain operations.