Sr. Analyst, IDP Planning

Location: Hershey, PA

Department: IDP

Summary of Role:

The Sr Analyst, IDP Planning leads the analysis and creation of accurate, timely US demand forecasts that integrate statistical models with insights from Marketing, Sales, Customers, and Finance. This role is a key voice for the function in the IBM process, priority launches and key events, and consensus alignment. The planner is responsible for translating market and commercial intelligence into clear operational plans. The analyst partners cross-functionally to identify risks and opportunities, articulate the assumptions behind the forecast, and support decisions that maximize financial targets, protect service, optimize inventory, and reduce waste.

Role Responsibilities:

• Own line‑item forecasts for assigned customers/segments using statistical forecasting integrated with commercial inputs (promotions, new items, planogram changes, seasonality, base trends).

• Works with relevant teams to identify, isolate, and appropriately size R&Os; grasps challenges and topline/bottom line impact associated with gap-filling activities, assesses solutions and understands trade-offs, and influences/enables key decision making to maximize financial targets, minimize costs, and protect customer relationships

• Support new item launch plans and significant programs from business case through execution; ensure alignment across stakeholders and timely integration into systems.

• Serves as the voice for both Commercial and Demand Planning/CSC in core organizational processes (e.g., KEM Meetings, SKU Rationalization)
• Maintains thorough and explicit record of key planning assumptions by building block and key driver/initiative

• Continuously improve accuracy and reduce error below target thresholds for WMAPE and Bias.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements: 

• Education –
  • Bachelor’s degree in economics, supply chain, engineering, finance, analytics, or related.
• Experience –
  • At least 3 years of Demand Planning, Marketing, Sales, Category Management, Supply Chain Planning and Analytics with demonstrated quantitative problem‑solving and cross‑functional influence.

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