Demand & Deployment Planner - Primal Kitchen

Job Description
This role can be remote or hybrid at either Chicago AON or Oxnard, CA location.
The Demand and Deployment Planner is a key member of the Operations team responsible for executing forecasting and deployment strategies that optimize service levels, costs, and operational capacity across Primal Kitchen's distribution network. This role works closely with the Manager, Planning to ensure alignment with organizational objectives and supports cross-functional teams in delivering accurate demand forecasts, inventory management, and efficient transportation planning.
What's on the Menu:
Demand Planning

• Lead forecasting cycle with Marketing, Sales, Finance and Operations teams
• Own the Primal Kitchen forecasting model, including monthly process facilitation, model improvements, and coordination of inputs / outputs across cross-functional teams.
• Coordinate the translation from Consumption and Sales forecasting to Demand Forecasts and ultimately passing the baton to Supply Planning
• Drive the consensus forecasting process with cross-functional teams, analyzing marketing programs, new product introductions, pricing changes, and promotions to develop accurate demand forecasts
• Analyze and manage inventory positions and disruptions and their subsequent impact on shipments by tracking and forecasting operations fluctuations like OOS, CFR and network balancing
• Lead the strategic analysis of monthly demand trends and SKU-level forecast updates.
• Maintain the planning tools used to convert forecasting inputs into a shipment output

Deployment

• Manage daily deployment strategies and system planning parameters to optimize service levels, costs, and operational capacities across the distribution network.
• Monitor and analyze inventory levels at distribution centers against customer orders, proactively addressing service issues, shelf life concerns, and capacity constraints.
• Oversee freight shipments with Managed Transportation vendors, including troubleshooting critical traffic issues and maintaining routing guides for all lanes.
• Manage the bi-annual Request for Proposals (RFPs) process and carrier scorecards with the Managed Transportation vendor to ensure optimal carrier performance and cost efficiency.
• Track and report key performance indicators, including forecast accuracy, customer fill rates, loss & destruction, and Days of Supply.
• Maintain system accuracy by eliminating exception errors and ensuring consistent data throughout Supply Network Planning for mid- to long-range planning.

Recipe for Success:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or related field preferred.
• Experience in demand planning, deployment, or supply chain management - CPG or food industry environment is a plus.
• Proficiency in Excel and ERP systems, SAP preferred.
• Problem solver who loves diving into large data sets and uncovering actionable insights. Experience with tools like Nielsen, SPINS, Circana/IRI, and Numerator is a bonus
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Prior supervisory or t eam leadership experience preferred.

Our Total Rewards philosophy is to provide a meaningful and flexible spectrum of programs that equitably support our diverse workforce and their families and complement Kraft Heinz' strategy and values.
New Hire Base Salary Range:
$88,000.00 - $110,000.00
Bonus: This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents.
The compensation offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors
Benefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family's needs. Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.
Wellbeing: We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.
You'll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example:

• Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments
• Social - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training
• Emotional - Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs
• Financial - 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

Location(s)
Chicago/Aon Center, Employee's Home - Geo, Oxnard - Primal Kitchen
Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for protected individuals, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact [email protected] for assistance.