Demand Planner at Cipla

Demand Planner

Manage and create demand forecast, analyse trends and measure performance to ensure accurate forecast and alignment with business plans

• Create and manage forecast models, analyse trends, manage forecast tools, and maintain accurate data.
• Review historical sales trends, research demand drivers, prepare forecast data, develop statistical forecast models, and evaluate forecast results
• Develop and measure key performance indicators to track and evaluate forecasts made, to assist in assessing the effectiveness of the demand planning & forecasting function, and to work towards continuous improvement
• Identify & develop analytical and quantitative methods to understand, predict, and enhance supply chain processes
• Assemble and analyse all data pertinent to creating the sales forecast (historical sales, market trends, seasonality, promotions and inventory levels)
• Lead forecast and inventory planning meetings with functional managers, reviewing recommended sales forecast and inventory goals
• Collaborate with the planning function in order to assemble data, analyse performance, identify problems, and develop recommendations which support SCM planning and operations.
• Provide annual input into Function/Departmental CAPEX /OPEX business plan/budget

Monitor and analyse forecast reports to ensure that forecast reports are accurate and provide meaningful information to the relevant stakeholders

• Design and generate reporting dashboards for weekly and monthly statistical forecast reports
• Work with account executives and account managers to deliver an accurate demand driven forecast that will enable the business to meet its targets
• Provide reports on inventory levels, highlighting risks and appropriate actions to mitigate the identified risks
• Coordinate cross-functional research activities to monitor and reconcile significant variances and refine the forecast model to reflect updated sales and marketing assumptions.
• Monitor SKU levels and recommend SKU rationalization initiatives in the future
• Facilitate, re-engineering, best practice and consensus between functional experts (Demand Planning, Inventory Planning, Purchasing, Sales & Marketing, Finance and IT)

Manage Inventory targets to ensure availability of stock to meet current and future demand

• Manage inventory targets (including safety stock levels) that are approved by management
• Prepare, report and communicate forecast inventory measurements to management (forecast accuracy, inventory plan vs. targets)
• Monitor availability of stock to meet current and identified future demands.
• Execute purchase orders on Evolution

Manage and maintain demand planning systems and procedures to ensure accuracy in data documentation and incorporating market intelligence

• Maintain documentation and standard operating procedures for demand planning processes and systems to ensure that demand planning processes and procedures are documented, and updated regularly
• Maintain and update the demand planning system and software to ensure accurate and relevant data
• Manage timely rolling of forecast updates in collaboration with other teams in order to ensure accuracy of data.
• Identify relevant market-related data and competitive intelligence that can be incorporated into the business to ensure effective measuring and forecast accuracy.

Educational qualifications:

• Relevant tertiary degree or diploma in Business/ Finance / Industrial Engineering/ Logistics Management

Relevant experience:

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience
• Good working knowledge of analytics and numerics
• Good working knowledge of advanced excel is essential
• Experience in forecasting and knowledge of forecasting methods
• SAP/APO, or Oracle Demand Planning or other software related to demand planning

Required Skills:

• Numerical ability, analytical
• Microsoft Excel
• Decision- making skills
• Technical methods and frameworks
• Demand planning systems and software, ie. SAP/APO, or Oracle Demand Planning