The Demand Planner I plays a key role in ensuring the right products are available at the right time to meet customer demand and support company growth. This position owns customer forecasting within the planning system and works cross-functionally with Sales, Supply Chain, and S&OP teams to achieve fill rate, inventory, and service level objectives.
The successful candidate will analyze customer demand trends, point-of-sale (POS) data, and sales forecasts to develop accurate demand plans that drive purchasing decisions and inventory performance. This role also supports new product launches, business planning initiatives, and continuous improvement projects while contributing to the success of the monthly Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process.
Key ResponsibilitiesDemand Planning & Forecasting- Develop and maintain accurate demand forecasts within the GAINs planning system to support inventory, service, and fill rate objectives.
- Analyze system-generated forecasts, customer POS data, sales trends, and market insights to improve forecast accuracy.
- Align demand forecasts with sales forecasts and proactively address variances to support inventory optimization and business goals.
- Monitor customer, category, and channel performance to identify trends and recommend appropriate actions.
- Partner with Supply Planners and other Supply Chain stakeholders to maintain customer service levels and resolve inventory or fill rate issues.
- Monitor inventory positions, demand fluctuations, and key service metrics to support company KPIs.
- Communicate demand and supply impacts, customer performance issues, and business risks to leadership and key stakeholders.
- Support financial forecasting activities, including demand plan analysis and Annual Operating Plan (AOP) forecasting requirements.
- Support the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process by preparing analyses, reports, and data for monthly Demand Review Workshops.
- Collaborate with S&OP team members to implement approved demand plan adjustments and planning strategies.
- Assist with new product launches and business initiatives to ensure successful and timely execution.
- Research and communicate out-of-stock situations, recovery plans, and supply chain updates across the organization.
- Support communication of demand and supply issues to Sales and other business partners.
- Help manage and evaluate performance within assigned customer channels and product categories.
- Participate in cross-functional projects and process improvement initiatives.
- Perform ad hoc analysis and reporting to support business decision-making.
- May lead customer- or product-specific projects and initiatives as experience develops.
- Travel occasionally as business needs require.
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, Finance, or a related field preferred.
- 0-3 years of experience in demand planning, forecasting, supply chain, inventory management, or a related discipline.
- Understanding of financial concepts and key business drivers within manufacturing, sourcing, or distribution environments.
- Experience in retail distribution or consumer products industries is preferred.
- Exposure to forecasting, logistics planning, transportation, or inventory management processes is a plus.
- APICS/ASCM certification (or progress toward certification) is preferred.
Successful candidates will demonstrate:
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
- Ability to interpret data, identify trends, and recommend practical solutions.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills.
- Effective written and verbal communication abilities.
- Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Sound judgment and decision-making skills.
- Ability to work independently while contributing to team objectives.
- Professionalism and a customer-focused mindset.
- Understanding of customer fulfillment requirements and supply chain operations.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, Finance, or a related field
- 0-3 years of experience in demand planning, forecasting, supply chain, inventory management, or a related discipline
- Understanding of financial concepts and key business drivers within manufacturing, sourcing, or distribution environments
- Experience in retail distribution or consumer products industries
- Exposure to forecasting, logistics planning, transportation, or inventory management processes
- APICS/ASCM certification or progress toward certification
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
- Ability to interpret data, identify trends, and recommend practical solutions
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
- Strong interpersonal, collaboration, written communication, and verbal communication skills
- Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Understanding of customer fulfillment requirements and supply chain operations
Hillman Solutions Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Hillman Solutions and has not been reviewed or approved by Hillman Solutions.
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Healthcare Strength — Healthcare coverage is described as comprehensive, including medical, dental, and vision. Feedback suggests these core plans are a relative strong point of the package.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Paid time off options, including standard PTO, holidays, and Flexible Time Off for U.S. exempt employees, are highlighted as a relative strength. Feedback suggests some employees can also purchase extra time off or use paid volunteer time in certain cases.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — An Employee Stock Purchase Program and tuition reimbursement add ownership and development value beyond base pay. Feedback suggests these extras contribute to a more rounded total rewards offering.
Hillman Solutions Insights
What We Do
Welcome to Hillman, Founded in 1964 and headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, Hillman Solutions is a leading North American provider of complete hardware solutions. Delivering simple solutions in a complex world to 26,000 customers including Lowe’s, Home Depot, Tractor Supply, Ace Hardware, True Value, Do-It-Best, Walmart and many more. Hillman designs innovative products and merchandising solutions for complex categories and provides outstanding customer service. Hillman continues to grow as the leading provider of complete hardware solutions by delivering a ‘small business’ experience with ‘big business’ efficiency. Careers at Hillman include design, engineering, finance, information technology, product management, sales, retail merchandising, warehouse operations, and many more.
