Sales Planning Analyst I

Company Overview:

We are the leading designer, manufacturer, wholesaler and retailer of premium scented candles in the growing giftware industry with sales of $601 million in fiscal year 2005. Employing approximately 4,500 people, Yankee Candle (Headquartered in South Deerfield, Massachusetts) has a 34 year history of offering distinctive products and marketing them as affordable luxuries and consumable gifts. The Company sells its products through a wholesale customer network of approximately 14,700 locations in North America, its rapidly expanding base of company owned and operated retail stores (382 stores located in 42 states as of March 2006), direct mail catalogs, its Internet web site (www.yankeecandle.com), international distributors and through its distribution center located in Bristol, England.

 

Having earned a reputation for superior, long-lasting fragrance quality, Yankee Candle is America?s number one brand of premium scented candles. Leading the trend in responding to consumer demand, the Company also offers a growing selection of other home fragrancing products and merchandise, including our new electric home fragrancers, potpourri, room sprays and fabric sprays, Yankee Candle? Bath products, and Car Jars? auto fresheners.

 

JOB SUMMARY: 

Reporting to the Senior Manager of Wholesale Planning & Research, the Sales Planning Analyst prepares sales forecasts and collects and analyzes data to evaluate current sales goals.  This position plans and forecasts future manufactured and purchased goods based on historical sales and current inventory levels. Responsible for reviewing stock to sales ratios and responding to sales trends.  Relies on experience and judgment for independent decision making and planning to accomplish goals. Responsible for collection and analysis of customer sales data to assist sales team in meeting their goals. Specifically:

?  Perform detailed analysis of new products and provide initial and future forecasts based on trends and initial sales results

?  Responsible for upkeep and maintenance of ODP software including identification and troubleshooting any issues/concerns with software

?  Create & run queries in ODP, Business Objects and MS Access and use the information to make informed, logical business decisions

?  Pinpoint, research and resolve inconsistencies or anomalies

?  Maintain forecast monthly buckets and ensure accuracy of weekly processes and distribution - Make necessary adjustments to forecast and ensure that it is logically consistent with historical demand patterns

?  Review product intros/discontinued items ? verify both the document and forecast for accuracy

?  Examine and recalculate forecast for top fragrances, seasonality, promotions and purchased products and change in customer mix

?  Participate in sales and operations planning team to ensure understanding of company forecast, and impact wholesale decisions make on planning, purchasing, inventory management, manufacturing and operations.

 

SCOPE:

Budgeting, Analysis, Reporting for Wholesale Division. Accountable for accuracy and forecast error reduction

 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTSBusiness Degree or Equivalent. Previous experience in SKU level forecasting. Excellent Mathematical Skills and Aptitude. Advanced Microsoft Excel Skills (pivot tables, filters, lookups).  Query writing Skills for use in ODP, Microsoft Access and Business Objects. Familiar with database structure for data mining.  Extremely detail orientated, organized and efficient.  Excellent Communication Skills

 

This position offers a very competitive Salary + Excellent Benefits Package. 

 

If you meet the above requirements, please apply online through monster.com, include resume (in Word format and salary information) 

 

Contact Information:
Yankee Candle Company, Inc

P.O. Box 110

South Deerfield, MA 01373

 

E-Mail: jobskmf@yankeecandle.com

Date Posted: 5/16/06

 

EOE/M/F/D/V