Demand Planner

As a Demand and Inventory Planner, you will play a crucial role in driving our business forward. Reporting to the Purchasing Manager, key responsibilities will include forecasting, planning, analysing demand and trends, ensuring we receive the correct stock, optimising stock levels and identifying low selling product.

Duties

1. Utilising historical data to accurately predict product demand.
2. Develop and implement inventory strategies to optimise stock levels, minimise shortages, and reduce excess inventory.
3. Collaborate with internal teams to align supply chain processes and ensure timely product availability.
4. Monitor inventory levels and analyse inventory performance metrics to identify trends and make data-driven decisions.
5. Communicate regularly with a global supplier base to negotiate terms, manage lead times, and maintain strong vendor relationships.
6. Develop and create reports and provide insights on inventory forecasts, supply chain efficiency, and performance metrics to support decision-making processes.
7. Identify potential risks in the supply chain and develop contingency plans to mitigate disruptions.
8. Interact with sales, marketing and finance to understand demand forecast drivers.
9. Prepare data and contribute to monthly S&OPs, providing in-depth analysis.
10. Provide input in developing inventory strategies on existing items, new products, and product phase-outs by providing a firm supply forecast as well as a liable supply forecast.
11. Prepare stock purchase orders.
12. Follow-up on the delivery times of the order and initiate action when changes occur.

Requirements:

1. At least 2 years’ experience in a similar role.
2. Experience liaising with offshore suppliers.
3. Advanced excel skills.
4. Experience using an ERP.
5. Highly analytical mindset with excellent numerical, data visualisation and reporting skills.
6. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbally.
7. A self-starter who can work autonomously.
8. Ability to work to tight deadlines.
9. Exceptional attention to detail.
10. Initiative and problem-solving ability.
11. Confidence in reporting findings to management.
12. A results-focused approach - looks for new ways of working to help drive the business forward.