Job Description

The Opportunity:

The Sr. Demand Planner is is responsible for developing and maintaining the finished goods sales forecast that is used by the operations and commercial teams.To be successful in the role, the Senior Demand Planner must possess the business acumen and interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with our commercial and supply chain teams as well as other internal and external stakeholders. Resourcefulness, creative problem solving, critical thinking, and expert data analysis are exhibited by the Demand Planning team daily.
 

Any MLF team member interested in being considered for this role are encouraged to apply online by October 22. Applications received beyond that date are not guaranteed consideration.
 

Reason for vacancy:  Existing Headcount 
Compensation:  $71,000 - $103,000 CAD base pay annually plus annual short-term incentive
 

The above compensation reflects the target compensation for the position at the time of posting. The base salary offered may vary based on a variety of factors including skills, experience, education, training, job- related knowledge, and other organizational requirements. For part-time roles, salaries are adjusted according to scheduled hours.  In addition to base salary, this role is eligible to participate in Maple Leaf's annual short-term incentive plan. 

Snapshot of a Day-in-the-Life:

• Responsible for creation and maintenance of the 18-month rolling demand forecast in SAP IBP, providing Supply Planning with demand forecasts and insights used to develop and adjust production plans for manufacturing facilities.
• Maintain statistical modeling and proper master data governance in SAP IBP to develop the baseline demand forecast, leveraging Power BI reporting to identify and correct changing patterns or trends, incorporating historical demand patterns and relevant business information to support supply chain planning.
• Lead collaborative forecast alignment meetings with Sales, Marketing, and other cross-functional partners, and drive productive forecast conversations by creating clarity, challenging assumptions constructively, and aligning on a shared demand plan across Commercial and Supply Chain Planning.
• Act as the trusted demand forecast expert and Single Point of Contact for your portfolio, confidently representing forecast assumptions, risks, opportunities, and recommended actions.
• Understand the product lifecycle of the portfolio, from new launch to rationalization, and forecast accordingly to influence production and inventory planning.
• Translate forecast drivers, performance trends, risks, and opportunities into clear insights and recommendations for Sales, Supply Chain, senior leaders, and customers.
• Maintain customer-related demand information: distribution, listings/de-listings, transitions etc. and reflect appropriately in the forecast.
• Collaborate with category demand planners and fulfillment team on forecast relay process, ensuring continuity between long range and sales consensus forecast, and in the near-term execution of the signal.
• Drive accountability for forecast performance across different planning horizons by identifying root causes, conducting monthly post-gaming and score-carding, and leading corrective actions with cross-functional teams to improve accuracy and planning effectiveness.
• Guide the business through forecast risks and trade-offs by balancing customer, commercial, financial, and supply chain considerations.

What You'll Bring:

• Strong desire and ability to live the Maple Leaf Values.
• University degree and / or professional designation required.
• 2+ years of experience in demand planning, CPFR or other supply chain planning role
• Prior experience in SAP IBP is preferred.
• Strong Excel/Power BI skills, pivot table manipulation, and analysis skills.
• Ability to think strategically and execute tactically with a persistent preciseness and a high level of comfort in analyzing data.
• Strong collaboration and facilitation skills, with the ability to lead cross-functional discussions, resolve ambiguity, and create alignment.
• Understanding of supply chain processes and interaction with marketing, sales, finance, and manufacturing / operations.
• Excellent analytical skills - proficient at analyzing large amounts of information and drawing fact-based insights quickly with a high degree of accuracy.
• Exceptional communication and data storytelling skills, with the ability to translate analysis into clear insights and recommendations for multiple audiences.
• Ability to influence without direct authority, challenge assumptions constructively, and drive accountability while maintaining strong working relationships.
• Strong sense of ownership, curiosity, and follow-through, with the ability to anticipate risks and achieve results in a fast-paced environment.

What We Offer at Maple Leaf Foods:

• Being part of a high-performance, people-focused company that has an inspiring and unique vision to become the most sustainable protein company on earth, and a deep commitment to sustainable protein across North America.
• An inclusive company culture and a work environment that keeps our people safe, rewards excellence, and empowers everyone to learn and contribute their best. 
• Competitive Health and Wellness benefits that offer flexibility to meet your individual or family needs, including programs focused on improving mental health and wellbeing. These benefits start on your first day of employment.
• Defined Contribution Pension Plan with company matching that starts on your first day of employment.
• Learning and development opportunities, including workshops, 'speaker series' events, and resources that allow you to develop your skills and progress your career.
• Comprehensive tuition reimbursement program that supports continuous learning and development of our team members through investment in eligible degrees, diplomas, professional certification, or trades programs.
• Supporting our deep commitment to community impact, we offer up to two paid days annually to volunteer at a cause of your choice.