New

Demand Planner

Smithfield Foods
United States, Virginia, Smithfield
Apr 08, 2026
If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub. A great job-and a great future-awaits you at Smithfield Foods. We are an American food company with a leading position in packaged meats and fresh pork products. We're looking for motivated people who want to join our team and grow lasting and meaningful careers with us. Apply Now! THE VALUE YOU'LL BRING: The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section. Are you a driven and motivated professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment, builds relationships, collaborates with a great team, innovates to achieve business results? Join one of the country's top consumer packaged goods companies, Smithfield Foods! We have built a culture that places value on our employees, our animals, the environment and the communities we all share. Smithfield Foods is consistently evolving and looking for individuals who can foster relationships and achieve results to impact our bottom line! Whether it is bacon, ham, fresh pork or another product category, you will work with a cross-functional environment from Business Management to Logistics to Plant Operations to deliver the service and products to our customers and consumers. As a Demand Planner, you will be the strategic force behind forecast accuracy and supply chain alignment, transforming market insights into actionable plans that drive business performance. You will own and refine SKU-level forecasts across product categories, integrating input from Sales, Business Management and Finance, along with syndicated data sources like Circana and Nielsen, to ensure precision and agility. Your work will directly influence inventory optimization, customer service levels, and profitability, making you a key contributor to our commercial success. You will lead monthly consensus meetings and play a central role in the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process, fostering cross-functional collaboration and enabling data-driven decisions. In this high-impact role, you will grow as a subject-matter expert, continuously enhancing forecasting tools and methodologies while gaining exposure to broader business strategy-an opportunity to sharpen your analytical skills, expand your influence, and build your career. WHAT YOU'LL DO: The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned. Forecast Modeling & Data Analysis: Apply advanced statistical modeling techniques to develop accurate demand forecasts using historical and market data. Utilize forecasting software to generate predictive models, review performance outputs, and implement error analysis strategies to continuously refine forecast accuracy and support smarter supply chain decisions. Business Planning & Demand Insights: Collaborate with Sales and Business Management to present and assess forecast performance, incorporating feedback and promotional plans to refine operational forecasts. Track inputs from new and lost business, analyze demand shifts by distribution center, and identify root causes of forecast errors. Recommend adjustments and contribute to setting annual forecast accuracy targets to drive continuous improvement and strategic alignment across the supply chain. Data-Driven Planning & Strategic Analysis: Support the reconciliation of significant variances and refine forecast models based on updated commercial assumptions. Drive SKU rationalization within assigned categories and analyze shipment trends and category dynamics to validate and enhance total volume forecasts. Demand Analysis & Data Integrity Management: Monitor weekly SKU and location-level performance to meet accuracy targets, analyze forecast error trends, and take corrective action to improve reliability. Leverage tools such as Anaplan, SAP, and BI platforms to ensure high data integrity, incorporate market and competitive intelligence, and deliver timely insights to Supply Chain partners for scenario planning and agile decision-making. WHAT WE'RE SEEKING: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions. Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university and 2+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Sales & Planning Knowledge: Solid understanding of sales analysis, demand planning, and forecasting principles within a supply chain context. Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: Proven analytical ability, strong mathematical aptitude, and attention to detail, with excellent problem-solving skills to support data-driven decision-making. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams in a complex matrix organization to drive productivity and enhance supply chain performance. Time Management & Prioritization: Skilled in multitasking with the ability to plan, prioritize, and set goals to meet deadlines and organizational objectives. Organization & Customer Focus: Highly organized and detail-oriented, with a strong commitment to delivering excellent customer service. Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present ideas clearly and professionally across various levels of the organization. Independent Work Ethic: Capable of working independently while managing responsibilities and contributing to team goals. Adaptability & Teamwork: Thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment while being respectful, approachable, fostering a positive and collaborative work culture. OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT: Experience with Anaplan, SAP and Power BI a plus. Relocation Package Available No EEO Information Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non-job characteristic as directed by law. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call us at 757-357-1595.