
Job Information
Dairy Farmers of America Sales & Operations Planning Analyst in Wilbraham, Massachusetts
Job Description
GENERAL PURPOSE
Support the development, execution, and continuous improvement of the sales and operations planning (S&OP) process
to ensure effective demand and supply alignment. Perform data analysis and forecasting, collaborate with crossfunctional teams, and apply S&OP best practices to optimize the company's sales and operations strategies. Prepare,
monitor, and coordinate inventory status reports and proactively approach supply shortages, stock outs, and cost
savings analysis. Develop demand plans, supply plans, capacity plans, and inventory targets. Perform research and
data analysis to monitor and ensure key performance indicators are at target levels according to established standards.
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Inventory Planning & Management:
o Collaborate with demand, supply and production planners on inventory availability for customer orders
o Develop standard inventory reporting, report inventory trends, and action plan tracking
o Oversee stock levels to ensure materials are in right location, ensure utilization of product rotation best
practices, and develop action plans for slow moving/obsolete materials
o Develop action plans to resolve excess and “stranded” inventory levels working closely with sales,
finance, and other planning teams to mitigate financial impacts
o Oversee the management of undergrade inventory; work closely with plants to maximize rework
utilization and the selloff or destruction of distressed inventory
o Analyze and prevent aging inventory; monitor raw materials and finished goods
o Work across all supply chain functions and lead the resolution of issues that are surfaced
o Efficiently manage finished goods inventory to maximize service level to customers (order fill rate, case
fill rate and on-time delivery)
o Ensure the successful execution of the inventory allocation process
• Demand & Supply Planning:
o Coordinate activities with the sales organization, facilitating the sales planning process to achieve
agreed upon business goals. “Own” the demand elements of and fully support the S&OP effort
o Develop and implement supply and capacity plans. Analyze long-term production capacity and develop
annual capacity planning models showing planned production, projected inventories capacity use, and
available capacity by month
o Review accuracy of supply planning related master data; maintain, review, and update all inputs used to
calculate production plan adherence, safety stocks, and inventory targets
o Develop demand plans for various segments of the business
o Provide accurate forecasts that maximize customer satisfaction, meet sales goals, and allow for costeffective distribution. Actively and clearly communicate with the sales team and strategic accounts to
validate current forecast and report any deviations. Provide forecasts of anticipated demand for new
and/or proposed new products, working with sales and marketing as appropriate
o Support team with management of forecasting tools and financial systems
o Recommend procedures, work instructions, and metrics. Use a collaborative approach to obtain buy-in
on forecasts and demand plans
DFA Benchmark Job Profile template.docx
• Other:
o Produce and/or develop reporting as required by business
o Track and reconcile metrics versus established target
o Use systems to identify main causes and proposed solutions to service and inventory issues
o Actively participate S&OP software implementation and ongoing management of software solution
including data integrity, training, and ongoing support
• The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee,
but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required
Requirements
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
• Undergraduate degree in supply chain or related curriculum (or equivalent combination of education and
practical work experience)
• 2 to 5 years of demand planning, supply planning, operations production planning, inventory management, or
related experience
• Certification and/or License – may be required during course of employment; APICS Certified Production and
Inventory Management (CPIM), Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), or Certified Fellow in Production
and Inventory Management (CFPIM) preferred
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
• Proficient knowledge of and skill with Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems
• Understanding of production capacities, constraints, and cost/service trade-offs
• Skill in analytical thinking and problem solving
• Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, for a diverse range of internal and
external audiences
• Able to elicit cooperation from variety of sources, including management, production planning, quality teams,
logistics, procurement, etc.
• Able to handle challenging or conflict situations with tact and professionalism
• Able to prioritize and meet deadlines
• Able to manage multiple various projects with sense of urgency
• Able to work collaboratively with employees in a variety of departments
• Able to be a change agent, effective in influencing the direction of the business, gaining alignment, and
providing training
• Able to organize time, energy, and resources effectively to achieve goals (organizational skills)
• Able to consider both strategic and practical implications for proposed course of action
• Must be able to read, write and speak English
An Equal Opportunity Employer
Pay Range $80,000 - $90,000