Demand Planner

Job Description

We are looking for a **Demand Planning Specialist** to lead and strengthen the demand planning process across the region, ensuring disciplined execution of the **Integrated Tactical Planning (ITP) and Integrated Business Planning (IBP)** cycles.

This role will connect short-term commercial and operational decisions with the mid- and long-term business plan, working closely with Sales, Marketing, Finance, Supply Planning, Customer Logistics and other key stakeholders.

A critical component of the position is the ownership and continuous improvement of the **statistical demand baseline**, leveraging planning tools such as **o9 and SAP** to improve forecast quality, product availability and inventory performance.

Key Responsibilities

**ITP & IBP Process Ownership**

• Coordinate and drive the weekly ITP and monthly IBP planning cycles.
• Ensure alignment between short-term demand decisions and mid- and long-term business plans.
• Partner cross-functionally with Commercial, Marketing, Finance, Supply Planning and Customer Logistics teams.
• Identify opportunities to continuously improve planning routines, governance and execution.

**Demand Planning & Statistical Forecasting**

• Build, maintain and continuously improve the statistical demand baseline.
• Analyze demand patterns, sales trends and business inputs to improve forecast accuracy and reduce bias.
• Translate data into actionable insights that support commercial and supply chain decision-making.
• Monitor key demand planning KPIs, including **Forecast Accuracy, BIAS, inventory and service levels**.

**Planning Systems: o9 & SAP**

• Act as a key specialist for demand planning tools, particularly **o9 and SAP**.
• Configure and maintain demand-planning parameters, master data and statistical forecasting models.
• Troubleshoot system or data issues impacting the demand baseline.
• Partner with IT/Digital and global planning teams to improve system effectiveness and data integrity.

**Risk & Inventory Management**

• Identify potential demand and supply risks and support the development of mitigation plans.
• Monitor market trends, sales performance, inventory health and other factors that may affect demand.
• Support initiatives to reduce supply chain losses and optimize inventory.
• Drive visibility and escalation of risks that could impact service levels or business performance.

**Regional Forecast Collaboration**

• Share and align demand forecasts with regional and international finished-goods supply sources.
• Maintain effective communication with internal and external stakeholders to support product availability and service levels.

**Continuous Improvement**

• Support the implementation of demand planning, waste management, standardization and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to simplify processes, improve planning discipline and enhance decision-making through data.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in **Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations**, or a related field.
• **3–5 years of experience** in Demand Planning, Supply Planning, Forecasting or similar roles.
• Solid knowledge and practical experience with **IBP, ITP and/or S&OP processes**.
• Strong experience with **statistical forecasting and demand planning techniques**.
• Hands-on knowledge of **o9** for statistical forecasting, baseline configuration and/or master data management.
• Experience working with **SAP planning solutions**, such as APO or IBP.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in **Excel and Power BI**.
• Ability to translate complex data into clear business insights and recommendations.
• Strong communication and stakeholder-management skills, with the ability to work across Commercial, Finance and Supply Chain teams.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple planning cycles and priorities simultaneously.
• **Fluent English and Spanish.**
• Supply Chain certification is considered a plus

Location(s)

Alajuela, Costa Rica

**Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes****.**