Demand Planner - SSA at Cipla

JOB PURPOSE

Develop and maintain forecast models for the business, using the allocated supply chain resources and demand processes, incorporating business intelligence and forecast information gathered from sales, marketing, finance, supply chain and other resources in order to ensure that the business meets agreed sales targets at minimum operating costs, and optimum stock levels. Ensure that in country inventory levels are maintained at pre-defined levels and are aligned with the Business strategy.

ACCOUNTABILITY CLUSTER

• 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  
• 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 (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 relevant software platform.
• 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.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Relevant tertiary degree or diploma in Business/ Finance or Analytical discipline/ Industrial Engineering/ Logistics Management is essential
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience will have preference
• Good Numerical ability and analytical and decision- making skills
• Good Proficiency in statistics
• Specializedlevel of forecasting and forecasting methods.
• Good working knowledge of advanced excel is essential
• SAP/APO, or Oracle Demand Planning or other software related to demand planning is preferred