MGA Entertainment

Sr. Demand Planner (Alt. Channels)

MGA Entertainment$90K — $110K *
Retail & Consumer Goods
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, or a related field.
  • 2-4 years of experience in demand planning, inventory management, or data analytics.
  • Proficiency in forecasting software (e.g., SAP IBP, Logility, Anaplan, or similar).
  • Advanced Excel skills (VLOOKUPs, Pivot Tables, and complex formulas are essential).
  • Strong attention to detail with an analytical mindset.

Responsibilities

  • Execute the end-to-end forecasting process for assigned Alternative Channel accounts.
  • Analyze POS data and portal reports to identify consumer trends and inventory risks.
  • Maintain weekly and monthly SKU-level forecasts, integrating New Product Introductions.
  • Perform root-cause analysis on forecast errors to improve future accuracy.
  • Utilize forecasting tools to generate demand signals for the Supply Planning team.
  • Update and maintain dashboards tracking key performance indicators (KPIs).
  • Support the S&OP process with data-driven insights during demand review meetings.

Benefits

  • Collaborative work environment with cross-functional teams.
  • Opportunity to work with innovative brands and products.
  • Training and development opportunities in demand planning and analysis.
  • Access to advanced forecasting tools and technologies.
Full Job Description
Position Summary

The Demand Planner for Alternative Channels is responsible for developing and maintaining accurate sales forecasts for our emerging retail and digital partners. This role focuses on translating account-level data into actionable demand plans that ensure high product availability while optimizing inventory levels. The Demand Planner will serve as the primary analytical point of contact for the Sales and Supply Chain teams regarding "Alt Channel" performance.

Key Responsibilities

Forecasting & Data Analysis
  • Execute the end-to-end forecasting process for assigned Alternative Channel accounts, including baseline modeling and adjustments for promotions and seasonality.
  • Analyze POS data and portal reports from various third-party retailers to identify trends, shifts in consumer behavior, and inventory risks.
  • Maintain SKU-level forecasts on a weekly and monthly basis, ensuring all New Product Introductions (NPI) are integrated into the demand plan.
  • Perform root-cause analysis on forecast error, using the findings to refine future models and improve accuracy.

Process & Execution
  • Utilize forecasting tools and Excel models to generate demand signals for the Supply Planning team.
  • Update and maintain dashboards that track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as forecast bias and consumption trends.
  • Support the S&OP process by providing data-driven insights during monthly demand review meetings.

Cross-Functional Support
  • Collaborate with Sales Managers to incorporate account-specific insights, such as upcoming marketing pushes or "flash" promotions.
  • Coordinate with Supply Planning to communicate significant changes in demand that may impact production or safety stock requirements.
  • Assist Finance by providing volume projections that help inform monthly revenue expectations.

Qualifications
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, or a related field.
  • Experience: 2-4 years of experience in demand planning, inventory management, or data analytics.
  • Technical Skills:* Proficiency in forecasting software (e.g., SAP IBP, Logility, Anaplan, or similar).
    • Advanced Excel skills (VLOOKUPs, Pivot Tables, and complex formulas are a daily requirement).
    • Experience with data visualization tools (Power BI or Tableau) is a plus.
  • Competencies: Strong attention to detail, analytical mindset, and the ability to manage multiple account priorities simultaneously.
  • Channel Knowledge: Familiarity with the mechanics of digital marketplaces and "long-tail" retail accounts.

Key Success Metrics
  • Forecast Accuracy: Achieving targets for Mean Absolute Percent Error (MAPE).
  • Forecast Bias: Minimizing consistent over- or under-forecasting.
  • In-Stock Rates: Ensuring product availability for key "Alt Channel" partners.
  • Inventory Health: Assisting in the reduction of slow-moving or obsolete (SLOB) inventory through better demand signaling.


Salary:

$90,000.00 - $110,000.00 / year

About MGA Entertainment

MGA Entertainment is a toy and entertainment company that designs, develops, and markets a wide range of toys, games, and other products for children. The company was founded in 1979 and is headquartered in Van Nuys, California. MGA Entertainment's products are sold in more than 85 countries around the world, and include popular brands such as Bratz, L.O.L. Surprise!, and Little Tikes. The company is known for its innovative and high-quality products, and has won numerous awards for its toys and games. MGA Entertainment is committed to creating products that inspire creativity, imagination, and fun for children of all ages.
Learn more about MGA Entertainment
Size
1,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1979

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