Demand Planner III

Role: Demand Planner – Manufacturing & Distribution
Location: Bay Shore, NY – Onsite
Employment Type: Long-Term Contract
Contract Duration: 6–12 months initially, ongoing opportunity
Rate: $37–$50/hour

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly analytical and detail-oriented Demand Planner to join a manufacturing and distribution organization in Bay Shore, NY. This is a long-term contract opportunity with the potential to convert to a permanent position as business needs and headcount allow.

The Demand Planner will be responsible for developing and maintaining accurate demand forecasts, supporting S&OP processes, and ensuring alignment between demand, supply, production, and inventory strategies.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on Demand Planning experience, particularly within complex manufacturing and/or distribution environments, and the ability to work effectively with legacy enterprise planning systems. Experience with SAP demand planning platforms, including IBP, APO DP, ECC, or S/4HANA, is strongly preferred.

This position is specifically focused on Demand Planning. Candidates should have direct experience developing and managing forecasts rather than primarily serving in a general Supply Chain Analyst capacity.

Key Responsibilities

Demand Planning & Forecasting

• Develop, maintain, and continuously improve demand forecasts using statistical models, historical data, and business input across multiple product lines.

• Execute demand planning processes within the current ERP system while maintaining the accuracy and integrity of planning data.

• Analyze historical sales data, market trends, customer inputs, promotions, seasonality, and other demand signals to refine forecast assumptions.

• Monitor forecast accuracy, forecast bias, and key demand planning KPIs.

• Identify forecast gaps and recommend corrective actions.

• Ensure accurate and timely integration of demand signals into the broader supply chain planning process.

ERP & Planning Systems

• Execute demand planning activities within enterprise ERP and planning systems.

• Maintain planning parameters including:

  • Safety stock

  • Reorder points

  • Lead times

  • Other relevant planning parameters

• Experience with SAP IBP, APO Demand Planning, ECC, or S/4HANA Demand Management is strongly preferred.

• Quickly learn and effectively utilize existing legacy planning systems and processes.

• Identify opportunities to improve demand planning workflows and system utilization.

S&OP & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Participate in Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) and integrated planning activities.

• Support demand reviews, forecast alignment, and executive presentations.

• Build consensus demand plans in partnership with:

  • Sales

  • Marketing

  • Operations

  • Manufacturing

  • Distribution

  • Supply Chain

• Partner with supply chain and production teams to align forecasts with capacity, lead times, inventory targets, and operational constraints.

• Communicate demand assumptions, risks, opportunities, and changes to key stakeholders.

Product Lifecycle Planning

• Support New Product Introductions (NPI) by developing and maintaining demand projections.

• Support product transitions and end-of-life planning.

• Evaluate demand impacts associated with product changes, launches, transitions, and discontinuations.

Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Generate reports and analytical insights using available planning, ERP, and analytics tools.

• Translate complex demand and supply data into actionable business recommendations.

• Identify opportunities to improve forecasting processes, planning discipline, data quality, and system utilization.

• Support initiatives designed to improve S&OP effectiveness and overall supply chain performance.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Business, Engineering, Statistics, Supply Chain, or a related field.

• 3–7 years of direct Demand Planning or Supply Chain Planning experience within manufacturing and/or distribution environments.

• Strong, hands-on experience with enterprise ERP demand planning tools.

• Experience with SAP demand planning tools, such as:

  • SAP IBP

  • SAP APO Demand Planning

  • SAP ECC

  • SAP S/4HANA Demand Management

• Advanced Excel skills with experience analyzing and manipulating large datasets.

• Experience participating in S&OP or integrated planning environments.

• Strong understanding of:

  • Demand forecasting

  • Inventory management

  • Production planning

  • Distribution networks

  • Supply and demand alignment

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical and critical-thinking abilities.

• Ability to translate complex data into actionable business insights.

• Strong demand forecasting and planning skills.

• Excellent cross-functional collaboration and communication.

• Ability to quickly learn new systems, products, and planning processes.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy.

• Proactive problem-solving approach.

• Continuous improvement mindset.

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and evolving environment.

• Strong organizational and prioritization skills.

Performance Expectations During Contract

During the contract period, the successful candidate will be expected to:

• Demonstrate accurate and reliable forecasting within the organization's ERP/planning systems.

• Quickly ramp up on existing legacy systems, products, planning processes, and business requirements.

• Establish strong working relationships with Sales, Marketing, Operations, Manufacturing, Distribution, and Supply Chain teams.

• Demonstrate measurable improvement in forecast accuracy and planning discipline.

• Contribute to process improvements and increased S&OP effectiveness.

• Maintain high-quality planning data and system parameters.

• Demonstrate the technical and business capabilities required for potential conversion to a permanent position.

What We Offer

• Long-term contract opportunity with potential for full-time conversion.

• Opportunity for long-term career growth within a manufacturing and distribution organization.

• Exposure to legacy and advanced SAP planning systems and enterprise supply chain operations.

• Opportunity to work across multiple functions and gain broad supply chain visibility.

• Collaborative, cross-functional team environment.

• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on demand planning and forecast performance from day one.

About INSPYR Solutions
Technology is our focus and quality is our commitment. As a national expert in delivering flexible technology and talent solutions, we strategically align industry and technical expertise with our clients' business objectives and cultural needs. Our solutions are tailored to each client and include a wide variety of professional services, project, and talent solutions. By always striving for excellence and focusing on the human aspect of our business, we work seamlessly with our talent and clients to match the right solutions to the right opportunities. Learn more about us at inspyrsolutions.com.