Job Title: Demand Planner, Supply Chain Operations

Department: Global Supply Chain and Logistics

Status: Regular Full-Time / Exempt

Location: International Headquarters – Nashville, Tennessee

Purpose and Scope

The Demand Planner, Supply Chain Operations shall provide support to the Manager, Supply Chain Operations and Services and be responsible for forecasting the demand for Scriptures and other materials, ensuring that Global Supply Chain & Logistics (GSC&L) can identify and meet the needs of the membership in over 185 international countries and supported national associations. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical skills and experience in demand planning.  

Essential Job Functions

Scripture Inventory and Demand Analysis 

• Demand Forecasting: Develop and maintain accurate demand forecasts based on historical data, annual goals, and projections from USA, National Associations, and International Countries

• Data Analysis:  Analyze placement data, inventory levels, and ministry conditions to identify trends and make data-driven recommendations for inventory planning

• Inventory Management:  Collaborate with the International and National Associations Divisions, Manager, Scripture Distributions as well as the Manager, Supply Chain Operations & Services and Manager, Scripture Publishing & Procurement to ensure that inventory levels are optimized globally on site as well as at regional Scripture Hubs to meet demand while minimizing excess stock and shortages 

• Coordination: Work closely with the National Association and International Divisions, the Manager, Scripture Distributions, warehouse/hub partners, and print partners to align projections with upcoming Scripture blitzes and larger distributions. Verify accurate logistics information and records. Communicate with regional and country leadership related to orders, issues, and status

• Reporting:  Prepare and present regular reports on demand forecasts, inventory status, goals and any deviations from the plan. Highlight potential risks and opportunities to leadership and maintain history of shipments

• Process Improvement:  Continuously assess and improve demand planning processes to enhance accuracy and efficiency. Implement best practices and utilize forecasting tools and software as necessary

• Collaboration: Develop relationships and facilitate communication between departments to ensure alignment on demand planning and inventory management strategies

• Maintain and strengthen relationships with vendors and printers through regular communication and collaboration

• Work closely with Manager, Scripture Publishing and Procurement to determine priorities and printer choice for Scripture orders

Global Supply Chain & Logistics Department Support

• Assist Global Supply Chain and Logistics with projects as needed

• Assist Global Supply Chain and Logistics by collecting and interpreting data as well as drafting, organizing, editing, and finalizing reports 

• Assist the Global Supply Chain and Logistics director in tracking Input/Output Scripture inventory and evaluating storage and delivery solutions

• Assist in the development and implementation of approved initiatives for The Gideons International efforts around the world evaluating for quality, speed, cost, and flexibility.

• Develop and support efforts to update and maintain systems of record, aligning with real-world processes and supporting training efforts

• Assist in compiling, monitoring, and reporting KPIs

• Assist in tracking inventory and storage evaluations

Other Essential Functions

• Participate in department team meetings

• Other duties as assigned

Working Relationships

Reports To: Manager, Supply Chain Operations and Services

People Management Responsibility: N/A

Works Closely With: International Division, Headquarters Staff, International Directors, Regional Directors, key dignitaries (Gideon & non-Gideon), Procurement, Print Partners

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Training & Development

NON-PHYSICAL

• Follow verbal and written instructions

• Ability to use PC and widely used software applications, especially Microsoft Office applications

• Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet proficiency

• Ability to learn new software applications as necessary

PHYSICAL

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, walk, sit, talk, and hear. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision. 

Mission Critical Competencies 

SHARED VALUES

• Integrity

• Excellence

• Open Communication

• Stewardship

CORE COMPETENCIES 

• Actively learns, demonstrates, and fosters the organization’s culture in all actions and words, particularly in the areas of integrity, excellence, open communication, and stewardship

• Takes personal initiative and is a positive example for others to emulate

• Ability to understand the fundamental business drivers and communicate the state of business and provide strategic recommendations to management

• Proven ability to keep a big-picture perspective while dealing with very detailed information

• Fosters open communication and approachability

• Positive and constructive attitude, marked by a willingness to tackle a job and carry it to completion

• Ability to provide strong analytical skills

• Process management

• Decision quality

• Problem solving

• Cultural awareness

• Ability to deal with ambiguity

• Ability to challenge the status quo

Work Environment and Time Requirements

Climate-controlled office environment

Potential occasional visits to warehouses

8-hour workday

Variations in work volume sometimes require extended working hours

Travel required as necessary

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience preferred

5+ years of experience with demand planning, logistics operations oversight/administration, preferably in an international setting

PC experience, especially in Microsoft Office applications especially Excel

NetSuite experience preferred

Successful completion of a drug and background screen

This Job Description is for general purposes and guidelines only and should not be considered all-inclusive.  Neither does the receipt of this job description constitute an employment contract.  Furthermore, it should be known that this list of job requirements is subject to change without written notice.