Demand Planner

About the Role

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Demand Planner to join our dynamic team in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector. In this pivotal role, you will play a critical part in ensuring our business meets future demand with precision and efficiency, while navigating the complexities of abnormal seasonal trends. Your expertise will be instrumental in optimizing supply chain operations, aligning production with market needs, and driving operational excellence across our organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Forecast Development and Implementation: Design, develop, and implement robust forecast models that leverage historical sales trends and seasonality to generate and maintain a six-month rolling forecast of unconstrained demand. This forecast will serve as the foundation for strategic decision-making and resource allocation.
• Collaborative Risk Mitigation and Opportunity Capitalization: Partner closely with Sales and manufacturing sites to proactively identify, assess, and mitigate supply risks. Utilize scenario planning to navigate uncertainties and capitalize on emerging opportunities, ensuring uninterrupted supply and customer satisfaction.
• Inventory Optimization: Monitor and maintain optimal finished goods inventory levels across all depots and distribution centers. Your efforts will ensure a 100% order fill rate for stock items, balancing efficiency with customer demand.
• Consensus Forecasting and S&OP Leadership: Take a lead role in weekly and monthly Consensus and Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) meetings. Facilitate alignment between supply chain and commercial teams to achieve a unified, consensus-driven forecast that supports business objectives.
• Performance Analysis and Continuous Improvement: Conduct in-depth root cause analysis for forecasting metrics across specified product categories. Provide actionable recommendations for corrective measures to enhance forecast accuracy and operational performance.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Communication: Prepare and conduct weekly and monthly reviews with key account managers. Actively participate in cross-functional customer focus team meetings to ensure cohesive strategies and seamless execution.
• Strategic Planning and Special Projects: Contribute to annual budget planning and portfolio rationalization initiatives. Undertake special assignments as directed by senior management to support broader organizational goals and initiatives.

Qualifications and Skills

• Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Supply Chain, Industrial Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Professional Experience: Minimum of three years of proven work experience as a Demand Planner, preferably within the FMCG industry. Experience in supply chain operations for Fast Food restaurants is considered a valuable asset.
• Technical Proficiency: Solid understanding of inventory management practices and procedures. Strong mathematical and statistical acumen to support data-driven decision-making. Proficiency in using computers and Microsoft Office, with a focus on advanced Excel skills. Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems is essential; familiarity with JD Edwards is a plus.
• Certifications and Competencies: A Certified Demand Planner credential is highly desirable and demonstrates a commitment to professional excellence in the field.

If you are a results-driven professional with a passion for optimizing supply chain operations and a proven track record in demand planning, we invite you to apply and become a key contributor to our success.