Junior Demand Planner

Description Summary/Objective We are seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Junior Demand Planner to support the planning and coordination of our company’s supply chain operations. In this role, you will assist the Senior Demand Planner with forecasting, inventory management, and performance analysis to help ensure operations are timely, efficient, and cost-effective. This position also serves as a backup for key commercial support functions, including sales order entry, proofing, and release. The ideal candidate will be collaborative, possess strong communication and problem-solving skills, and demonstrate a proactive, service-oriented mindset. A willingness to take initiative on process improvements and to work cross-functionally is essential for success. Essential Functions Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Support key planning metrics such as On-Time-In-Full (OTIF) performance, backlog management, order delays/cancellations, and make-to-stock inventory levels. Analyze historical sales and production data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities; provide actionable insights to stakeholders. Collaborate with commercial and manufacturing teams to maintain clear and consistent communication across departments. Monitor and report on excess and obsolete finished goods; partner with cross-functional teams to develop mitigation plans. Utilize ERP systems and Excel to generate reports and deliver real-time data to support decision-making. Serve as a backup for commercial support tasks, including: Entering, proofing, and releasing sales orders. Coordinating weekly order availability and customer pickup schedules. Assist the Senior Demand Planner with end-to-end inventory management processes and special projects as needed. Competencies Process Management. Data Management. Critical Evaluation. Effective Implementation. Problem Solving/Analysis. Results Driven. Communication Skills. Team Player. Strong Excel skills. Supervisory Responsibility This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities. Work Environment This job is operated both in a professional office and in a plant environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and photocopiers. May also perform functions in a plant environment where the candidate is exposed to noise, dust and some chemicals, requiring the use of appropriate personal protective equipment including safety glasses, hearing protection and non-skid shoes. Physical Demands While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, sit, walk, stand, and listen. This is largely a sedentary role; however, employees may be required to reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, kneel and occasionally lift up to 25 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and color vision. Position Type and Expected Hours of Work This is a full-time, salaried position, typically scheduled Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Some evening or weekend hours may be required based on business needs. During the initial training period, the role may require full-time on-site presence at both the office and plant. After training, the position will transition to a flexible schedule, generally requiring two days in the office and one day in the plant each week, with remaining time eligible for remote work as appropriate. Travel This position requires travel of up to 25%, primarily local (to manufacturing facilities). Required Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree Extremely proficient in Microsoft Excel Internship or prior experience in supply chain, business management, manufacturing or finance. Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Preferred Education and Experience Experience with ERP software Power BI experience AAP/EEO Statement TenCate Protective Fabrics provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, genetic information, service in the military, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. Equal employment opportunity applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruitment, selection, hiring, training, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and demotion. Other Duties Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.