Demand Planner

The Demand Planner is responsible for collecting quantitative and qualitative data while compiling a demand plan that is used to drive supply, capacity, and financial decision-making. The Demand Planner plays a critical role in ensuring operational and financial success for the organisation as well as connecting marketing efforts with operational efforts to synchronise teams.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead the development of data-driven, high-quality demand forecasts for multiple product families, analysing historical data and market trends to generate forecasts at various aggregation levels for 12-month time horizons.
• Analyse historical sales trends, assess demand drivers, perform statistical analysis of market trends, and evaluate promotional and event-related impacts to ensure accurate forecasting.
• Take ownership of forecast data management, reporting, and proactive identification of gaps in weekly, monthly, and quarterly forecasts, particularly focusing on sell-through trends and channel inventory.
• Serve as the primary owner of the Oracle Cloud Demand Management application, including reporting, statistical model review, and overseeing data feeds into the system.
• Create and modify Power BI reports to summarise demand forecasts, channel health, Point of Sale (POS) data, and other key metrics.
• Ensure timely and accurate New Product Introduction (NPI) forecasts are submitted across all global regions. Align End of Life (EOL) forecasts with product exit strategies and available inventory.
• Prepare insightful reports and presentations, tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure forecast accuracy and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Align short-term forecasts with financial goals and current shipment schedules to optimise inventory management and sales projections.
• Collaborate with the Demand Manager to consolidate regional plans, validate assumptions, and ensure data accuracy in regional forecasts.
• Support the Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) process by adhering to key monthly milestones, tracking action points, and ensuring follow-through on key decisions.
• Assist with day-to-day business transactions and reporting activities as requested by the group lead.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance forecasting processes, optimise business results, and foster efficiency across the demand planning function.

Essential skills and experience include:

• Expertise in analysing large data sets, including financial scenario analysis, with exceptional proficiency in Excel and Power BI for data manipulation and reporting.
• Strong ability to clearly articulate the rationale and calculations behind demand forecasts, ensuring transparency and accuracy in projections.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, global organisation, managing ambiguity and complexity with a proactive, solution-oriented approach.
• Proficient in blending quantitative and qualitative data to provide comprehensive insights and actionable recommendations.
• Proven track record of successfully tracking and managing ongoing activities within projects, ensuring deadlines and objectives are met.
• Experience leveraging AI/ML techniques and Python programming to develop, train, and implement predictive demand forecasting models highly desired.
• Experience with statistical models, regression analysis, and scenario planning.
• Excellent verbal and written English communication skills, with the ability to present complex data and forecasts clearly to stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience working in cross-functional teams, driving initiatives to completion while aligning with diverse business objectives.
• Strong ability to manage multiple priorities efficiently in a dynamic, high-pressure environment, maintaining focus on critical tasks.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of experience, education, and training.
• Minimum 5+ years of experience in data analytics, demand planning, or forecasting, with a demonstrated record of success in delivering results.
• Experience with Oracle SCM Applications, and advanced skills in building and modifying Power BI reports are a must.
• Experience with computer hardware, peripherals, and gaming sectors is a plus, bringing added value to the team’s understanding of industry-specific demands.