Sales Analyst - Atlanta, United States - Graphic Packaging International

Description

Title: Sales Analyst (Inventory) Location: Atlanta, GA, US, 30328

At Graphic Packaging International (NYSE: GPK), we produce the box you may have poured your child's cereal from this morning, the microwaveable tray that heated your lunch, the paper cup that held your coffee throughout the day, and the carrier of those bottles of craft beer you may enjoy tonight We're one of the largest manufacturers of paperboard and paper-based packaging for some of the world's most recognized brands of food, beverage, foodservice, household, personal care and pet care products. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, we are a team of collaborative, innovative, passionate individuals who are committed to providing consumer packaging that makes a world of difference.

With almost 18,000 employees working in more than 70 locations in North and South America, Europe and the Pacific Rim, we strive to be an environmentally responsible leader in our industry and in the communities where we operate. We are committed to workplace diversity and offer compensation and benefits programs that are among the industry's best to reward the talented people who make our company successful.

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Inspired Packaging. A World of Difference.

We have an exciting opportunity for a dedicated passionate professional with proven analytical skills and a thorough understanding of manufacturing and inventory management principles. This is a vital role in our Customer Service converting organization with the opportunity for the position to evolve and develop as it aligns with our OneGPI and Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process business model.

**Summary**

The Supply planner role within our Customer Service Organization will focus on improving and controlling the accuracy of demand signals, for both raw materials and finished goods, to our carton operations and mill system.

This position will analyze current forecast management processes, recommend and implement improvements to the demand planning process to meet 95% OTIF service levels, operational efficiencies and working capital objectives.

The Supply Planner will be fully dedicated to analysis of current state account management, identifying opportunities to improve current demand planning to satisfy both internal and external needs. This entails but is not limited to pulling historical data, adhering to plant requirements, analyzing cost impact and developing run strategies to optimize raw materials and finished goods inventory levels. The Supply Planner is responsible for carrying out the run strategies upon approval and will be required to lead presentation of these opportunities both internally to sales, plant personnel, etc. as well as externally to customers.

**Key Responsibilities** *include but are not limited to the following.*

***Planning Responsibilities include:***

Run and identify areas for action on forecast

Review for compliance against business and contractual parameters

Make recommendations for production orders to be reviewed with CA (Customer Advocate)

Manage ZREVs (board orders) to align with agreed upon lead time, capacity availability and run-cycle guidelines

***Strategic Run Strategy Review Responsibilities include:***

Review current forecast models based on business strategy parameters

Analyze demand inputs along with historical data to determine optimal inventory levels to meet division goals and ensure customer supply

Develop, implement and maintain inventory and material management strategies for both raw and finished good materials

Lead discussions internally with sales, plant personnel, etc. to establish new run strategy

Collaborate with Customer Service Demand Planning Manager and Capacity Managers to identify cost implications of new run strategy

***Customer Service Responsibilities include:***

Communicate product shortages and provide options and timelines for replenishing material to Customer Advocate

Report discrepancies in customer forecasting; recommend solutions for improving accuracy.

Participate in calls with customers as needed to discuss any call outs on forecast or planning strategies

Interact with sales, Customer Advocates, and customer to understand demand forecast drivers

Collaborate with Customer Service to ensure Item Setup Data tab on forecast is maintained with active SKUs and notes required for planning

*All Other Duties as Assigned*

***Examples of duties/tasks:***

Utilize the demand planning best practices and adopt new procedures as rolled out

Analyze statistical data to determine opportunities for run strategy improvements that align with customer requirements and internal KPIs

Develop and implement new run strategies to optimize our supply chain and balance the raw and finished good inventory levels in line with GPI metrics:

Aged Inventory Reduction

Aged Board Reduction

ARQ (Average Run Qty) Sheet Minimums

Improve Order Accuracy

95% OTIF service levels

Provide support to maintain customer relationships, participating in relevant calls/meetings with customer/sales/customer service etc. as needed

Pull necessary files and run required VMI (Vendor Managed Inventory) tools

Plan proposed orders for production

Manage ZREV (board order) dates and qtys, enter new as needed

Propose production requirements to CAs for entry

Communicate weekly at a minimum with Customer Advocates to capture any updates from customer not reflected on forecast that could impact planning. Collaborate to:

Manage product transitions including SKU promotions, brand updates and die conversions

Identify and manage potential inventory obsolescence to minimize write-offs

Capture necessary notes, nuances, graphic updates, etc. pertinent to planning

Partner with Customer Advocates to understand forecasting tool

Participation on internal Consensus calls

Understanding the production plan to drive SKU level order strategies

Analyzing a 3 month outlook utilizing 200% Report and other data to determine and drive action

Identifying variances to plan outside of established tolerances

Working with the Supply Planning department to problem solve for variances

*The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for this job.*

*Graphic Packaging is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All candidates will be evaluated on the basis of their qualifications for the job in question. We do not base our employment decision on an employee's or applicant's race, color, religion, age, gender or sex (including pregnancy), national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic identity, genetic information, disability, veteran/military status or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law. .*

**Required Skills**

*Analytical Thinking* an ability to analyze and use critical thinking skills on a regular basis

*Account management* - Solid understanding of customer account management and manufacturing processes

*Supply Chain Knowledge* a strong understanding of the supply chain and how it functions

*Creative Thinking/Problem Solving* the ability to think outside of the box and devise creative solutions to various problems

*Interpersonal/Communication Skills* although demand planners complete a significant amount of their work independently, they must also interact with others who affect the forecasting process

*ERP Business Experience* Detailed working knowledge of core ERP functions. SAP is preferred.

*Organization & Attention to Detail * able to manage complexity and ambiguity

*Time management & Prioritization*

*Self-motivated* **-** Ability to work independently, requiring minimal supervision

Intermediate to Advanced Excel skills

**Required Experience**

Bachelors Degree level education in General Business, Supply Chain or rela