Senior Team Leader, Forecasting and Demand Planning

Job Description

The Senior Team Leader, Forecasting and Demand Planning will be responsible for providing leadership and oversight to the order management functions including leading the facilitation of strategic improvements within order management operations and with strategic partners as well as leading the demand planning process, ensuring accurate forecasting, and optimizing inventory levels to meet customer demand while minimizing costs.

You will provide key decision support to the Global distribution team and store support leadership within regional offices.

Success in this role includes overseeing and monitoring ongoing operations and evaluating supplier performance while working with both internal and external stakeholders to address and mitigate risk, resolve issues, and ensure that the order management objectives and priorities are broadly shared and understood within our teams.

This role requires a strategic thinker with strong analytical skills and a deep understanding of supply chain processes.

Responsibilities :

Forecasting and Demand PlanningLead the development and implementation of demand forecasting models and methodologies.

Analyze historical sales data, market trends, and other relevant factors to produce accurate demand forecasts.Collaborate with category merchants, operations, sourcing, and supply chain teams to gather input and ensure alignment on forecast assumptions and demand plans.

Prepare and present regular reports on demand forecasts, inventory levels, and other key metrics to senior management.Identify and address potential risks and opportunities related to demand planning.

Inventory ManagementLead the optimization of inventory levels to meet customer demand while minimizing carrying costs.

Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to inventory turnover, service levels, and forecast accuracy.

Implement best practices and continuous improvement initiatives for inventory management.

Order ManagementDirects the activity of Order management teams.Ensures alignment between internal team and overall Merchandising / Order management strategy and objectives and the development and application of advantageous supplier arrangement and sourcing strategies.

Engages with suppliers and shippers to ensure alignment with WFM quality standards, reduce order management lead time and minimize inventory exposure.

Collaborates with Category managers and other internal stakeholders to develop Order management objectives (cycle time, replenishment and delivery schedules, cost parameters, etc.

Monitors Order Management processes and outcomes to ensure key objectives are met and costs are held in check.Identifies and resolves emerging issues by defining, developing, driving, and supporting system and process improvement initiatives.

Ensures team services adapt and change as the business evolvesConsults with Category, Merchandising and other WFM stakeholders on inventory risk and related issues, trends and challenges.

Skills :

• Strong analytical and quantitative skills with proficiency in demand forecasting techniques and tools.
• Proficient in using advanced Excel, demand planning software and business intelligence tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI).
• Able to develop strong relationships and engage in strategic conversation with senior-level stakeholders, internally and externally.
• Identifies gaps in understanding, formulates resolution strategies and delivers clear and compelling communication.
• Ability to translate overarching strategic objectives into clear, actionable actions at the local and regional level.
• Identifies risks and threats in current and emerging procedures, order management relationships, customer trends and markets
• Understands how these threats may impact business operations, financial returns and the company’s competitive position.
• Leads detailed task / project planning, including cost, schedule and resource requirements.
• Ensures planning incorporates data and information from customer, supplier, partner and company perspectives.
• Collaborates with task / project stakeholders to identify, evaluate and resolve emerging and anticipated issues.
• Leverages data-driven insights to recommend and implement task / project management and delivery methodology continuous improvement.
• Demonstrates clear understanding of WFM’s core business, order management and customer / market / partner interfaces.
• Assesses how products, processes and operating models impact the company’s business.
• Understands how changes in customer expectations, the competition, new business, new markets and evolving strategies impact the company’s competitive position and long-term prospects

Education & Experience :

• BA / BS degree in Supply Chain Management, Economics, or Statistics and 6-8 years’ relevant experience OR equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• 2-4 years leadership experience.

At Whole Foods Market, we provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all Team Members and candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity / expression, age, marital status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic.

Whole Foods Market hires and promotes individuals solely based on qualifications for the position to be filled and business needs.

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