Demand Planner

Demand Planner

Reporting to: Director, Global Logistics

Supervisory Responsibilities: N/A

Location: Charlotte, NC, Hybrid schedule with T-Th in office and M & F remote

About the Company

From humble beginnings, GALE Pacific has grown to become a global leader in technical fabrics and consumer products that protect our customers day after day, year after year. With over 600 team members across locations in Australia, New Zealand, USA, China and the UAE, our global presence allows us to continually innovate and build on a rich history dating back to 1951. Our Coolaroo® consumer products sold through major retailers globally include Shade Sails, Shade & Garden Fabrics, Outdoor Blinds and Shade Structures. GALE Pacific Commercial Fabrics include knitted, coated and advanced polymer fabrics used for agriculture, construction, mining and packaging.

Our Values

• Integrity — We do what is right. We are honest and ethical, worthy of the trust of others. It is the price of entry to our team.
• Respect — Respect guides the way we operate at all levels – with consumers, customers, suppliers, investors, the community, and our own team.
• Collaboration — We believe in the power of working together in a collaborative way. Every function and every role is as important as each other.
• People — People are the heart and soul of our business. We continually strive to provide a safe, supportive, and engaging environment for our team to achieve their full potential.
• Community — We are proud to be part of the communities we operate in globally. We are committed to supporting local causes and always operating in an environmentally responsible manner at all times.
• Innovation — Creative thinking inspires innovation in everything we do. We seek and value ideas from our team that improve our products and provide meaningful benefits to our consumers and customers.

Leadership Behaviours

Drives for Results

• Communicates Clear Vision Consistently
• Holds Self and Others Accountable
• Doesn't Give Up
• Owns Successes and Failures
• Inspires us in Tough Times

Exemplifies Authenticity

• Willing to be Vulnerable
• Genuinely Cares for People on Their Team
• Words and Actions Match
• Makes Employees Feel Open and Comfortable
• Has a Consistent Approach to Decision Making

Develops and Empower Others

• Provides Timely Open and Honest Feedback
• Empowers Individuals and Teams
• Makes Everyone Feel Valued for the Work They do
• Sets SMART Stretch Goals
• Gives People an Individual Growth Plan

Fosters Collaboration

• Develops Ideas With Input From Others
• Maintains an Open Mind and Listens
• Is Inclusive
• Drives Teamwork Between Functions
• Creates a Learning Environment

Acts with Courage

• Challenges the Status Quo
• Makes Tough Decisions
• Is Not Afraid to Have Difficult Conversations
• Actively Leads the Team Through Challenges

Overview of Role

The Demand Planner will play a key role in developing accurate demand forecasts to drive our supply chain processes. Working closely with cross-functional teams, you will analyze historical sales data, market trends, and promotional activities to predict future product demand. This role requires an analytical mindset, strong forecasting skills, and an understanding of the retail market in the USA. Familiarity with Power BI and ERP systems, such as D365, is a plus.

Key Accountabilities & Responsibilities

Demand Forecasting

• Develop, manage, and adjust demand forecasts for retail and commercial product lines using historical data, seasonal trends, and business intelligence.
• Use statistical models and analytical tools to project demand and identify variances.
• Partner with sales and marketing teams to incorporate promotions, advertising plans and new product launches into demand forecasts.
• Monitor and analyze industry trends, customer behavior, and competitor activity to stay ahead of market shifts.
• Experience with home improvement retailers is a plus.

Inventory Optimization

• Work closely with procurement to prevent shortages and excess inventory.
• Ensure procurement team has visibility to customer promotions, store expansions and new product launch timing.
• Monitor product availability, manage inventory turnover, and ensure that inventory aligns with forecasted demand.

Data Accuracy and Reporting

• Ensure forecast accuracy by regularly tracking and analyzing key metrics (e.g., forecast accuracy, bias).
• Generate reports and dashboards to communicate forecast trends, inventory levels, and demand variances.
• Contribute to the Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) process by presenting demand forecasts, identifying risks/opportunities, and participating in discussions to align supply with demand.

Skills & Experience

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related field or 3 plus years of equivalent experience in supply chain analysis, purchasing, or forecasting.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools (e.g. Excel, Power BI).
• Familiarity with ERP systems, such as D365, is a plus.

Skills & Attributes

• Ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment.
• Attention to detail and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.