Demand Planning Analyst - JHB at Abbott

• What You’ll Do 

Demand forecast creation and tracking

• Develop country/regional sales forecast by SKU (rolling 12 then 24 months) leveraging simulation / modelling tools
•  Forecast Accuracy & Obsolescence KPI measures
• Include and/or develop demand for Product Lifecycle management (NPI, phase outs). Link point with hand off of new product forecasting to region / countries
• Key interface point with demand managers in country and sales /marketing
•  Lead the transition from short term view to 18-month horizon
•  Working with country demand managers to turn demand plan into sales execution plan Considerations into demand development
• Updated assumption drivers (new SKU, discontinuations, supply constraints, marketing assumptions)
•  Ensure regional volume and financial forecast integration. Key link point with region finance to ensure financial integration / one set of numbers, ensuring alignment to Financial LBEs and ensuring one set of numbers Manage and update the tender dashboard, accurate with risk/opps
•  Seasonal Demand Trending - Statistical projections/analysis + Facilitation of "Respiratory Review" meetings
• Monitor country/regional demographics, epidemiology, KOLs, and other sources of information to inform demand planning
• Seasonal Forecast - Reviews statistical trending and introduces intelligence on latest market/product specific data. Rolling statistical forecast created/updated from the field input, 100% of SKUs (12 then 24 months)

Demand Process Leadership

•  Lead and prepare the regional then BU Demand Consensus and S&OP Review Meeting - align to a one number forecast, identify elevations, gaps and plans.
•  Issue the S&OP Country/Regional Demand Review Packs.
• Tracking of gap closing action items vs plan and expansion benchmarks. Creating a knowledge library of actions / gap closing activities that drive sales lifts
• Develop and implement inter-company planning process improvements as needed
• Oversee the forecasting process - actions, tasks, reports, rollup
• Demand Scenario (high/low/opportunity/risk) options sent to Supply for response
•  Demand management KPIs reviewed (Forecast accuracy, bias) - root cause identified and mitigated for out of tolerance.
• Consolidate Regional Forecast File and upload into SharePoint/QlikView
• Forecasts summarized and entered QlikView with financial conversions - single source of truth
•  Commercial Backward looking MBR including forecast accuracy and bias tracking and improvement
•  Responsible for customer service improvements in region including alignment with commercial and operations strategies (i.e. MTO/MTS, INCO terms, lead time policies)
• Order catalogue management with some focus on SKU Rationalization opportunities.
•  Role in standardization and sharing of best practices across regions and global community of practice reporting to the Global Demand Manager
• Education role for country personnel who build out forecasts and broader demand management principles
• Document and build baseline of “levers” and documented assumption-based forecasting
•  Leading the discussions on” what has changed” versus prior month, and assessing any changes in assumptions
• Build out reward program for individuals / countries
• Develop and lead formal change management plan to build a sustainable proces

Required Qualifications

• Qualification in Related discipline
• 2-3 years experience in similar position

Preferred Qualifications

• Team Skills
• Excellent communication skills (written & verbal across cultures)
• Demonstration of strong influencing skills at all levels of the organization
• Works horizontally across regional BU functions to inform demand forecasting and planning
• Highly numerate with an aptitude for analysis
• Strong project management skills across multiple priorities
• People management skills
• Ability to lead meetings (by phone, video conference and face to face) to drive results and build relationships
• Working in a small team developing an environment of trust and effective team work is essential Long Term Strategic Planning
• Continual improvement of global S&OP process to meet the changing business requirements as it develops and grows.
• Identify & follow through regional demand planning improvement projects as opportunities arise.