Demand Planner

We are looking for a highly motivated Demand Planner to join our Supply Chain team.

Role Overview:

Demand Planner is responsible for effectively managing SKU forecasts, ensuring efficient inventory management and aligning with business strategies to achieve financial objectives. As a crucial integration point within the Supply Chain and Commercial organization, this role plays an important part in integrated business planning. It involves coordination with Key Account Managers (Sales) and Supply Planning team to ensure close alignment between Demand Forecast, Sales Plan and financial targets.

This role will drive continuous improvement processes that deliver forecast accuracy, product life cycle management, SKU rationalization and enhanced stock utilization.

Main Responsibilities:

• Demand Forecast Process
  • Monitor a 12-month rolling demand forecast using statistical modeling in JDA by Blue Yonder platform
  • Update and refine monthly forecast to accommodate shifts in demand, from new product introductions to end-of-life products
  • Implement new features and techniques to enhance effectiveness of the forecasting process, accuracy and service level
  • Collaborate with Supply Chain in developing inventory optimization strategies, identifying process criticalities, tracking activities focused on special initiatives

• Measure and track performance:
  • Calculate, track and report key performance indicators (KPIs) and performance metrics (Forecast Accuracy, Forecast Error, SKU coverage, and best-sellers identification)
  • Monitor of actual performance vs forecast monthly, identifying any shifts or trends with the goal of forecasting error reduction and maximization of stock quality

• SKU rationalization strategies:
  • Review accounts’ assortments in collaboration with Category Management
  • Support excess inventory depletion plans
  • Collaborate with Key Account managers and Sales teams providing valuable inputs regarding potential stockouts, overstock situations and opportunities for portfolio enhancement

• Product Lifecycle:
  • Support and check on new release items set up
  • Conduct periodical checks on misalignments/changes

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in related field (Business, Logistics, Supply Chain)
• Strong analytical and statistical skills
• Basic understanding of Supply Chain and Demand planning processes
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to lead cross-functional meetings
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Excel (VLOOKUP's, pivot tables, macros) and Power Point is a must
• Basic knowledge of demand planning tools (JDA by Blue Yonder) and familiarity with SAP are preferred
• Strong organizational skills, adaptability to work in a dynamic environment and proactiveness
• Strong problem-solving skills to address complex everyday issues
• Focus on achieving results and driving continuous improvement in demand planning processes