Demand Planning Manager

Role Overview:

Responsible in developing and executing demand planning strategies to balance inventory, meet demand, and minimize supply chain costs. The role involves analyzing historical data, current and future market trends, and various internal and external factors to create accurate forecasts that balances demand and inventory across stores and distribution centers. A demand planning manager has strong understanding of the ins and outs of the supply chain and operations starting from demand forecasting, ordering, vendor delivery, DC processes, up to store replenishment. The scope covers the day-to-day operations of the Demand Planning Team, leadership in crafting strategies to improve the supply chain efficiency, including but not limited to automation.

Key Responsibilities

Demand Forecasting

• Review and approve rolling demand forecasts based on Stock Inventory Level, Vendor Fill rate and Store availability.

• Monitor and evaluate forecast accuracy. Identify pullers, find root causes, and recommended long-term corrective and preventive actions to arrest gaps.

• Assess and approve simulations of stock requirements for seasonal promotions and campaigns in support of marketing programs.

Inventory Management

• Optimize store and distribution center inventory by balancing demand forecast, lead time, store, and distribution center constraints, while minimizing overstocks, and stockouts.

• Lead coordination with DC and oversee execution of inventory projects/rebalancing to optimize stock distribution.

• Oversee investigations of inventory related problems, provide insight in the identification of problems, and guide other stakeholders in agreeing on a preventive action.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Pharmacy, Business Management, or any related field (required).

• At least 5+ years of experience in demand planning and forecasting, preferably within the pharmacy or retail industry with at least 3 years in a supervisory or managerial role (preferred).

• Proven track record of improving forecast accuracy and optimizing inventory levels.

• Strong understanding of statistical forecasting methods and inventory planning concepts.

• Proficiency in demand planning tools and ERP systems (e.g., Relex, MMS/JDA).

• Must have a good understanding of inventory impact to financials.