Job Description:

Changing the World, One Kibble at a Time

Champion Petfoods is expanding! We are excited to announce we are looking for a Global Demand Planner to join our rapidly growing company.

Champion Petfoods is an award-winning pet food crafter with a reputation of trust spanning 35+ years. From our humble beginnings, founded in a small town in Alberta, Canada, Champion – with its ORIJEN® and ACANA® brands – is a key player in the global premium pet food industry.

Our purpose, To Earn Pet Lover Trust Every Day so Pets Thrive for a Lifetime , provides the foundation for our highest aspirations as a company. Being a partner to the communities that surround us – and the environment that sustains us – are top priorities.

Here’s the scoop - Summary

The Global Demand Planner is responsible for consolidating and analyzing demand forecasts from regional teams to create an integrated global forecast for Champion Petfoods production facilities.

This role acts as a central point of contact for regional demand planners, ensuring alignment, consistency, and accuracy in forecasting processes.

The Planner will leverage advanced analytics, cross-functional collaboration, and Champion Petfoods planning systems to support optimal production planning and inventory management at a global scale. Success in this role will be measured by forecast accuracy, forecast bias reduction, contribution to S&OP, and service-level improvements.

What a typical day looks like:

• Global Forecast Consolidation: Aggregate and harmonize and validate demand forecasts from regional planners to develop a comprehensive global forecast for Champion Petfoods production facilities.
  • Use SQL and demand planning software to model and refine forecasts, incorporating industry-specific factors (e.g., product shelf life, promotions, retailer demand patterns).
• Regional Support: Serve as a resource and advisor to regional demand planners, providing guidance, best practices, and analytical support.
• Data Analysis & Insights:
  • Analyze global sales, market trends, and promotional activities to identify risks, opportunities, and patterns impacting demand.
  • Monitor sales performance vs. forecast, lead root cause investigations, and collaborate cross-functionally to implement corrective actions
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with regional planners, global supply chain, finance, and commercial teams to ensure forecast alignment and resolve discrepancies.
• Reporting & Communication: Prepare and present global demand reports, forecast accuracy metrics, and scenario analyses to senior leadership and key stakeholders.
• Process Standardization: Drive the adoption of standardized forecasting methodologies, tools, and processes across regions to improve efficiency and accuracy.
• System Management: Utilize Champion Petfoods planning platforms and ERP systems to manage data inputs, generate forecasts, and monitor performance.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities to enhance global demand planning processes and support digital transformation initiatives. Drive improvements in forecast accuracy, bias reduction, and efficiency. Benchmark external best practices in CPG/pet food demand planning.
• Risk Management: Proactively highlight potential supply chain risks and collaborate on mitigation strategies at a global level.
• S&OP/S&OE: Prepare and participate in monthly Sales & Operations Planning/Execution (S&OP/E) processes to align demand plans with supply, finance, and business strategies.

What are we looking for?

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Analytics, or related field. Certifications such as APICS CPIM/CSCP or IBF CPF are considered strong assets.
• 8+ years experience in demand planning, forecasting, or supply chain analytics, ideally in a global or multi-regional context.
• Proficiency in BI tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) and statistical forecasting methods.
• Advanced analytical skills; Advanced skills in Excel and experience with global planning tools (e.g., SAP IBP, Oracle, OMP).
• Strong communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills across cultures, functions, and time zones.
• Proven experience in consolidating and interpreting complex datasets from multiple regions.
• Ability to lead process standardization and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Knowledge of global supply chain operations and Champion Petfoods product portfolio is a plus.
• High attention to detail, problem-solving mindset, and ability to work independently.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with advanced analytics, statistical modeling, or machine learning techniques.
• Familiarity with data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau).
• Experience with Demand planning software implementation and use a major asset.

What can you expect from Champion?

• Safety: a strong commitment to ensure all people are provided with a safe, healthy and respectful environment.
• Earnings: Competitve annual salary, annual bonus eligibility, RRSP with company matching
• Industry Competitive Benefits: Medical, dental, vision and employee assistance programs to meet your individual or family needs.
• Continuing Education: In house & online learning & development, as well as an education assistance program.
• Quality: a dedication to uphold the highest standards of authenticity, nutritional integrity, and food safety, to earn the trust of Pet Lovers everywhere.
• Other Perks: Free bag of premium pet food each month.

What are you waiting for? Join the pack!

Come as you are.

We value diversity in all forms and know the power it can bring. Workplace equality allows for creative ideas to bloom, diverse points of views to be heard, and increases overall happiness. That sounds pretty good to us.

Champion is an equal opportunity employer. Regardless of your race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, veteran status, or any other creed, you are wanted here.

#cpfind