Demand Planning Analyst- Automotive After Market (Wheels & Tires)

DO YOU HAVE HANDS-ON DEMAND PLANNING AND FORECASTING EXPERIENCE?

The Wheel Group is hiring a Demand Planning Analyst to own SKU-level forecasting, maintain an 18-month rolling demand forecast, and help ensure the right inventory is in the right place at the right time across multiple distribution locations.

This is a hands-on forecasting role requiring direct experience building and maintaining demand forecasts, analyzing historical sales, seasonality, promotions, and new product launches, and measuring forecast accuracy using metrics such as MAPE/WMAPE and forecast bias.

WHAT DRIVES US

Founded in 1997, The Wheel Group is a leading designer, developer, and owner of aftermarket automotive wheel, tire, and accessory brands, with a focus on quality, innovation, and performance. Headquartered in Ontario, California, with 15 distribution centers throughout the U.S. and Canada as well as a QC, engineering and support services office in Shanghai, China, TWG serves a diverse base of customers across North America and globally.

TAKING THE WHEEL

We are seeking a Demand Planning Analyst to drive SKU-level forecasting and inventory planning across our growing automotive aftermarket business. This role will own and maintain an 18-month rolling demand forecast, analyzing historical sales, seasonality, promotions, new product launches, and demand trends to ensure the right inventory is available across our multi-warehouse distribution network.

You will work cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, Operations, and Finance through the monthly S&OP process, monitor forecast accuracy and bias, and turn demand insights into actionable inventory plans that support growth and service-level targets.

HOW YOU'LL SHAPE THE FORECAST

• Develop and maintain SKU-level forecasts across product categories, regions, and channels.
• Manage an 18-month rolling forecast incorporating historical data, seasonality (e.g., winter/summer demand), promotions, and product lifecycle.
• Adjust forecasts for fitment-driven demand variability and new product launches.
• Participate in monthly S&OP to align demand, supply, and financial plans.
• Partner with Sales and Marketing to capture market intelligence and promotional impact.
• Provide data-driven recommendations and challenge assumptions.
• Analyze demand trends, seasonality, and regional/locations performance.
• Track forecast accuracy (MAPE/WMAPE), bias, and service metrics.
• Deliver regular reports and dashboards to support decision-making.
• Improve forecasting models, tools, sales consensus and planning processes.
• Support optimization of demand planning systems and reporting automation.

WHAT'S IN YOUR PLANNING TOOLBOX

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Business, or related field.
• 5+ years in demand planning or supply chain planning experience.
• Automotive aftermarket or CPG experience preferred.
• Experience managing large SKU portfolios and multi-location networks.
• Advanced Excel Formula (Power Query/Power Pivot).
• Experience with ERP/planning systems
• Familiarity with Power BI or similar tools.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective cross-functional communication and collaboration.
• Detail-oriented with ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Success Metrics
• Forecast Accuracy (MAPE / WMAPE)
• Service Level / Fill Rate
• Inventory Turns & Working Capital
• Reduction in Excess & Obsolete Inventory

LOCATION: This is a full-time, on-site position based at The Wheel Group’s headquarters in Ontario, California. This role is not remote or hybrid.

The Wheel Group is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.