Job Description

Job Purpose:
The Demand Planner is responsible for accurately forecasting product demand to optimize inventory levels, minimize stockouts, and reduce excess stock. This role leverages data analytics, market trends, and collaboration with sales/marketing teams to ensure the right products are available at the right time, driving profitability in a fast-paced retail environment.Key Responsibilities:
1. Demand Forecasting & Analysis

• Develop statistical demand forecasts using historical sales data, seasonality, and market trends.
• Collaborate with buying, marketing, and store teams to incorporate promotions, new launches, and external factors (e.g., holidays, economic shifts).
• Adjust forecasts in real-time based on sell-through rates and inventory turnover.

2. Inventory Optimization

• Maintain optimal stock levels to prevent overstocking or shortages.
• Identify slow-moving items and recommend markdowns or bundling strategies.
• Work with suppliers to align lead times with demand projections.

3. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with merchandising to plan assortment strategies.
• Liaise with logistics to ensure timely replenishment and warehouse capacity planning.
• Share insights with finance for budgeting and cash flow planning.

4. Reporting & Technology Utilization

• Generate weekly/monthly demand reports (forecast accuracy, bias, inventory health).
• Use ERP, demand planning software (e.g., SAP IBP, Oracle Demantra), and advanced Excel (pivot tables, macros).
• Implement AI-driven tools for predictive analytics where applicable.

5. Continuous Improvement

• Refine forecasting models using machine learning or regression analysis.
• Monitor retail KPIs (GMROI, stock-to-sales ratios, fill rates).
• Stay updated on retail trends (e.g., omnichannel demand shifts).

Required Skills & Competencies:
Technical Skills
xe2x9cx94 Demand Planning Tools xe2x80x93 SAP IBP, JDA, Logility, or similar
xe2x9cx94 Advanced Excel/Sheets xe2x80x93 Pivot tables, VLOOKUP, statistical functions
xe2x9cx94 Data Visualization xe2x80x93 Power BI, Tableau
xe2x9cx94 Statistical Modeling xe2x80x93 Time-series analysis, regression, machine learning basics
xe2x9cx94 Retail Metrics xe2x80x93 GMROI, sell-through, weeks of supply
Soft Skills
xe2x9cx94 Analytical Thinking xe2x80x93 Translating data into actionable strategies
xe2x9cx94 Collaboration xe2x80x93 Bridging gaps between sales, supply chain, and finance
xe2x9cx94 Attention to Detail xe2x80x93 Ensuring forecast accuracy amid volatility
xe2x9cx94 Adaptability xe2x80x93 Responding to market disruptions (e.g., supply chain delays)Qualifications & Experience:
Education:

• Bachelorxe2x80x99s Degree in Supply Chain, Statistics, Business, or related field
• Certifications (Preferred):

• CPF (Certified Professional Forecaster) xe2x80x93 IBF
• CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional) xe2x80x93 APICS
• Six Sigma (Green Belt) xe2x80x93 For process optimization

Experience:

• 3xe2x80x935 years in demand planning, inventory management, or retail analytics.
• Retail sector experience (e.g., apparel, FMCG, electronics) is essential.
• Familiarity with omnichannel retail (brick-and-mortar + e-commerce demand integration).

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