Demand Planner-Supply Chain Division

Purpose of the Role

As a Demand Planner for PDS, you will play a crucial role in optimizing the supply chain and inventory management processes. You will be responsible for forecasting, monitoring inventory levels, coordinating with various teams, and leveraging software systems like NetStock and Cognos. In addition, you will also manage purchase orders and work closely with the holding company to ensure effective tracking and feedback on these orders. The goal is to maintain stock holdings within tight SLAs, develop 18-month forecasts, and manage 3-month frozen forecasts.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Demand Forecasting

• Collaborate with Sales and Marketing teams to collect and analyze historical data, market trends, and other relevant information to create accurate demand forecasts.
• Develop demand plans for various product categories while understanding each product's unique seasonality and its impact on customer demand.

Inventory Management

• Monitor inventory levels to ensure products are in stock to meet customer demands while avoiding overstock or understock situations.
• Initiate and manage inventory replenishment orders with suppliers and 3PL distributor.

S&OP Coordination

• Play a key role in the Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) process, working closely with cross-functional teams to align demand forecasts with production and procurement plans.
• Provide input and insights to optimize the S&OP process.

Sell-Out Analysis

• Monitor and analyze sell-out data to identify trends, promotions, and seasonal variations that impact demand.
• Use this analysis to adjust demand forecasts and inventory planning.

Systems Utilization

• Utilize demand planning software, NetStock, to generate forecasts, analyze data, and optimize inventory management.
• Leverage Cognos Business Intelligence (BI) tools to create reports and dashboards for performance monitoring and decision-making.

Purchase Order Management

• Manage the creation and tracking of purchase orders, ensuring timely delivery and feedback to the holding company.
• Maintain a strong working relationship with suppliers to ensure smooth order fulfillment.

Forecast Development

• Develop and maintain 18-month forecasts for various products, taking into account seasonal variations and market trends.
• Manage 3-month frozen forecasts, ensuring they are clear, accurate, and used for inventory planning.

SLA Compliance

• Maintain tight control over stock holdings to meet determined Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
• Monitor and report on SLA performance, identifying and addressing deviations.

Communication and Stakeholder Management

• Build effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders to achieve overall business objectives.
• Work in partnership with all other departments to ensure the smooth day to day running of the business, through regular and relevant communication.

ATTRIBUTES

• Strong planning and organising skills
• Strong analytical skills
• Self-motivated; good energy levels and ability to work independently
• Attention to detail and desire for accuracy
• Critical thinking, attention to detail, good listening and debating skills, excellent verbal and written command of the English language
• Communication skills
• Negotiation skills
• Commercially astute – strong business acumen
• Ability to remain solution focused – excellent problem-solving ability
• Flexible – must be able to adapt easily to an environment with continuous change
• Excellent time management skills

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS

• Microsoft Office (working knowledge: Word, PowerPoint).
• Intermediate to Advanced Excel.
• Excellent knowledge of systems and processes.

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• Proven experience in demand planning, preferably in a wholesale or distribution setting.
• 3 - 5 years of demand planning experience.