Demand Planning Manager
About your role
The Demand Planning Manager is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of demand forecasting, inventory planning, and stock allocation. This role ensures that inventory levels are optimized across all sales channels, including retail and e-commerce. The manager works closely with cross-functional teams to align demand plans with business objectives and ensures the timely availability of products while minimizing stockouts and overstock situations.
Key Responsibilities
Demand Planning and Inventory Forecasting
- Leads the process of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting inventory data to create accurate demand forecasts.
- Collaborates with Sales, Marketing, and Finance teams to gather insights for improved demand planning accuracy.
- Implements strategies to optimize inventory levels and ensure stock is available at the right time.
- Monitors demand trends and adjust forecasts as needed to respond to market changes or customer preferences.
Stock Allocation and Inventory Flow Management
- Manages the allocation of inventory across multiple sales channels (warehouses, stores, e-commerce platforms).
- Develops strategies for optimizing inventory flow and improving inventory turnover.
- Ensures the timely and efficient movement of stock to meet business demands and prevent stockouts or excess inventory.
E-commerce and Online Platform Stock Allocation
- Analyzes demand data specifically for e-commerce channels and leads stock allocation planning for online platforms.
- Collaborates closely with relevant teams to ensure optimal inventory distribution.
- Monitors sales performance and adjusts inventory allocation plans as needed to meet demand and sales goals for online platforms.
Cross-Functional Collaboration and Stakeholder Communication
- Collaborates with Sales, Operations, Logistics, and Marketing teams to align demand planning and inventory strategies with business goals.
- Communicates inventory planning and stock allocation strategies to senior management and relevant stakeholders to ensure alignment.
- Works with key departments to resolve any issues related to inventory allocation, demand changes, or stock availability.
Team Leadership and Development
- Manages and guides the demand planning team, ensuring high performance and productivity.
- Sets clear team goals and provides regular feedback to ensure continuous improvement in planning and execution.
- Provides training, coaching, and mentoring to develop team members’ skills and foster a collaborative work culture.
- Encourages innovation and creative solutions within the demand planning team to improve processes.
Process Improvement and Optimization
- Identifies opportunities for process improvements in demand planning, inventory management, and stock allocation.
- Implements tools and systems to automate and streamline demand forecasting and inventory management tasks.
- Continuously assesses and refines demand forecasting models to improve their accuracy and effectiveness.
Reporting and Performance Metrics
- Develops and tracks key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate the performance of demand planning and inventory management.
- Provides regular reports on demand forecast accuracy, inventory levels, stock allocation, and performance metrics to senior management.
- Uses data insights to recommend improvements and adjustments in inventory planning strategies.
Other Duties:
Performs other related duties that may be assigned from time to time.
What we’re looking for
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Statistics or related field; Master’s degree is an advantage
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in demand planning, inventory management, or a related field, with at least 5-7 years in a leadership or managerial role.
- Strong Forecasting, problem solving and analytical skills
- Excellent communication, customer service and interpersonal skills
- Detail-oriented and ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
- Ability to adapt to changing market conditions
- Ability to lead through influence and communicate across diverse group of stakeholders
- Familiar with a variety of the manufacturing concepts, practices, procedures