JASON SCHMITZ
Demand Planner
Burnsville,US
Summary
Demand planning professional with strong analytical and forecasting skills. Known for driving efficiency and optimizing inventory levels through data-driven decision-making. Highly collaborative, adept at working with cross-functional teams to achieve goals. Adaptable and reliable, ensuring alignment with changing business demands.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1996
1996
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Demand Planner
SpartanNash
06.2022 - Current
- Forecast product demand for 19 warehouses, ensuring optimal stock levels.
- Adjust forecasts for seasonal trends and promotional events to improve in-stock inventory.
- Collaborate with category managers, inventory managers, and supply planners to align forecasts with sales goals.
- Create and distribute actionable reports using Cognos and Microsoft Excel.
- Serve as Secretary on the Employee Engagement Committee; plan events, and analyze employee feedback.
- Member of a company group that promotes extended learning and off-site volunteer opportunities.
Procurement Specialist
SuperValu/UNFI
04.2018 - 06.2022
- Analyzed vendor-managed inventory and maintained an over 97% fill rate in 23 warehouses.
- Conducted daily report analyses and implemented corrective actions.
- Reduced inventory through returns, markdowns, donations, and salvage programs.
- Managed item maintenance, including long-term pauses and discontinuations.
- Resolved pricing, shipping, and scheduling issues across multiple vendors.
- Executed forward buys for promotions and upcoming price increases.
- Onboarded new warehouses and suppliers, ensuring smooth integration.
Corporate Buyer
Midwest Sign & Screen Printing Supply Co.
05.2012 - 04.2018
- Managed $22M in annual purchases across 10 distribution centers.
- Optimized supplier pricing structures and implemented margin control processes that improved cost predictability.
- Provided monthly reporting and cross-departmental support.
- Managed the product pour-down process to allow bulk purchases.
- Established and maintained vendor relationships for product updates, pricing changes, and order tracking.
Procurement Specialist
Patterson Dental, Inc.
09.2005 - 04.2012
- Purchased products and forecasted for 10 warehouses across the U.S. and Canada.
- Surpassed procurement goals and ensured the timely delivery of special orders.
- Maintained supplier relationships and pricing accuracy.
- Executed forward buys for price increases.
Inventory Analyst
The Musicland Group, Inc.
09.1998 - 09.2005
- Forecasted inventory needs for over 1,300 retail locations.
- Monitored market trends and coordinated national product launches.
- Utilized SAS and Excel for reporting and excess inventory reduction.
- Created Standard Operating Procedure documents by request.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Mass Communications
Bemidji State University
Bemidji, United StatesSkills
Strategic Sourcing
Forecast Accuracy
Supply Chain Optimization
Data interpretation
Collaborative planning
Demand shaping
Teamwork and collaboration
Microsoft office
Problem-solving
Time management
Timeline
Demand Planner
SpartanNash
06.2022 - Current
Procurement Specialist
SuperValu/UNFI
04.2018 - 06.2022
Corporate Buyer
Midwest Sign & Screen Printing Supply Co.
05.2012 - 04.2018
Procurement Specialist
Patterson Dental, Inc.
09.2005 - 04.2012
Inventory Analyst
The Musicland Group, Inc.
09.1998 - 09.2005
Bachelor of Science - Mass Communications
Bemidji State University