Specialist, Demand Planning

The Demand Planning Specialist is responsible for developing and maintaining accurate demand forecasts for specialty bicycles. This role will involve collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure demand plans align with inventory, production, supply chain operations and brand and marketing activations (thus strong interface to the Finance, Operations and Brand and Marketing function). The Specialist will leverage data-driven insights to optimize demand forecasting models and improve overall efficiency. This position plays a key role in supporting Sales Operations in general, but also the cross-functional Sales and Operations Planning process (S&OP process).

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Demand Forecasting & Planning:

• Develop and maintain accurate demand forecasts at KMAT (Key Material and Article) levels.
• Analyze historical sales, market trends, and seasonality to improve forecast accuracy, adjusting forecasts as needed based on changing market conditions and external factors. Align with Digital team to include traffic and conversion data.
• Continuously refine forecasting models to adapt to evolving business needs and operational changes.

Inventory & Supply Alignment:

• Collaborate with Supply Chain and Finance to ensure demand plans are aligned with product supply availability and inventory positions.
• Monitor stock levels to anticipate shortages or overages, adjusting forecasts as necessary to maintain optimal inventory levels.
• Provide production planning teams with insights on expected demand fluctuations to support efficient production schedules.

Data Analysis & Reporting:

• Track forecast accuracy and identify the key drivers behind deviations, providing actionable insights to improve future forecasts.
• Provide input to dashboards and reports that offer real-time visibility into demand trends, inventory levels, and forecast performance.
• Use data to inform decision-making and drive improvements in demand planning processes.
• Strongly collaborate with the Business Intelligence function (Finance) in this topic.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Work closely with Sales, Finance, Operations and Brand and Marketing teams to align demand forecasts with broader business objectives.
• Support the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process by providing demand insights that help guide supply, purchasing, and production decisions.
• Liaise with global teams to ensure coordination and consistency in demand planning processes across markets.

Process Improvement & System Optimization:

• Identify opportunities to enhance demand forecasting models, tools, and processes to improve efficiency and accuracy.
• Contribute to automation initiatives that improve data analysis, forecasting capabilities, and overall demand planning effectiveness.
• Ensure best practices are followed within demand planning processes and continuously seek improvements in tools and methodologies.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, Economics, or a related field.
• 2-4 years of experience in demand planning, supply chain management, or a related field.
• Strong proficiency in demand planning software (e.g., O9, SAP, or similar forecasting tools) and advanced Excel skills.
• Experience in inventory management, sales forecasting, and production planning.
• Knowledge of S&OP processes and cross-functional collaboration in a manufacturing or consumer goods environment.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to make data-driven decisions.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across multiple teams.
• Ability to monitor and manage multiple forecasts and priorities simultaneously.
• Knowledge of market trends, seasonality, and consumer behavior in the sports or consumer goods industry.
• Familiarity with automation initiatives and system optimization within demand planning is a plus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

We offer a professional, upbeat, and fun work environment at Canyon Bicycles US Headquarters in Carlsbad. It is a world-class office space with a Canyon Showroom for displaying our professional team and athlete bikes. This full-time role is an opportunity to be a part of the cycling and sports industry, work alongside an awesome team, and contribute to a growing company.

PHYSICAL FACTORS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit for extended periods of time; use hands to finger, handle, or feel the computer; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.