Demand & Distribution Planner

Graco manufactures and markets premium equipment to move, measure, control, dispense and spray a wide variety of fluid and powder materials. What does that mean? Well, we pump peanut butter into your jar, and the oil in your car. We glue the soles of your shoes, the glass in your windows and the screen on your phone. We spray the finish on your vehicle, coatings on your pills, the paint on your house and texture on your walls. Graco is part of your daily life.

The Intermediate Demand & Distribution Planner supports the demand and distribution planning process for a key business category. This position is responsible for analyzing trends, building accurate demand forecasts in partnership with Sales and Marketing, and collaborating across teams to optimize inventory and support business goals. The individual in this position will collaborate closely with teams across Operations & Supply Chain Planning, Sales, Marketing and Finance to align demand with capacity and long-term business strategies. 

What You Will Do at Graco:

Demand Planning System Management

• Develop, analyze, and maintain the demand plan system for assigned product categories to ensure forecast accuracy and business alignment

• Monitor business trends, seasonality and market factors that may impact demand, adjusting forecasts accordingly.

• Identify opportunities to improve forecasting accuracy, streamline processes, and enhance data quality through continuous improvement initiatives.

• Communicate challenges and risks timely to ensure business continuity and informed decision-making.

Inventory Planning

• Review and execute the ERP system's Planned Order Releases and recommended Reschedules while maintaining optimal set of planning parameters.

• Optimize orders to balance Service Levels, Inventory Levels, and Transportation Costs

• Track and review ORQ and SSK to ensure the ERP system is accurate

• Utilize the ERP systems to create the buying plan, regulate safety stocks, recommend expedites and de-expedites to meet demand while maintaining optimum inventory levels while minimizing transportation cost.

• Participate in cross functional meetings when necessary to implement new processes, procedures, and policies to resolve inter-departmental or inter-organizational issues

• Support new product introduction in regional warehouses to achieve successful product launch while mitigating the inherent inventory risks

• Communicate supply challenges and issues (lead time, transportation cost, service levels and business cycle changes) and participate in conversations with MFG Production Planners and cross functional teams to resolve issues.

S&OP Process Management

• Partner cross-functionally with Marketing, Sales, Finance, Supply Chain & Operations teams to align on demand assumptions, promotional impacts, and inventory strategies.

• Partner with Product teams to create the demand planning for new product introductions by developing launch forecasts (including cannibalization) and adjust plans based on early sales performance to ensure successful market entry.

Capability Management

• Identify and present data-driven insights and scenario modeling to influence strategic decisions.

• System/process Training & Mentorship

What You Will Bring to Graco:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Analytics, or a related field.

• 3+ years of experience in demand planning, forecasting, or supply chain analysis preferred.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate data into actionable insights.

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional partners.

• Continuous improvement mindset and a passion for driving results.

• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.

• High proficiency in Microsoft Excel

• Experience with planning systems or ERP tools (Oracle is plus).

Accelerators:

• Knowledge of Supply Chain and lean manufacturing concepts, practices, and procedures.

• Global industrial manufacturing experience and knowledge

#LI-Hybrid

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This role is not eligible for immigration sponsorship now or in the future (e.g., H-1B, TN, F-1 OPT).

At Graco, you truly make a difference. Your unique talents contribute to our organizational growth and future. Not only do you