Education programmes of job
Nature of work
A Demand Planner usually performs many of the following tasks:- Developing demand forecasts (operational forecasts) at multiple levels
- Reviewing historical sales trends, researching demand drivers, preparing forecast data, developing statistical forecast models, and evaluating forecast results.
- Coordinating cross-functional research activities to reconcile significant variances and refine the forecast model to reflect updated sales and marketing assumptions.
- Interacting with sales, marketing, and customer finance to understand demand forecast drivers.
- Utilizing a collaborative and consensus approach by working with sales, marketing and customer finance to obtain and ensure that current and accurate information is used for demand forecasts.
- Gathering, analyzing and validating data.
- Executing statistical modeling software.
- Reviewing resulting statistical forecast model.
- Summarizing/aggregating statistical forecasts.
- Reviewing promotional plans with sales.
- Providing input to volume planning (Latest Estimates / annual process).
- Identifying relevant market-related data and competitive intelligence.
- Preparing and maintaining relevant reports pertaining with demand planning process.
Environment of work
The work environment include the following:- Demand planners work in offices and spend long hours sitting in front of computers.
- They use and maintain the demand planning software as the primary forecasting system tool.
- They work closely coordinate and communicate customer action plans with supply planning.
- Demand planners will report to the director, financial planning and analysis within the finance and corporate support division.
- They should be available for occasional travel.
- Reaching outside company walls to suppliers and customers to ensure that all parties agree about what the demand forecast should be.
- This position is the talent pool for the senior demand planner, and demand planning manager positions within the organization
Professional life
- Demand planners may be promoting at one-to-two or three-to-five year intervals between their first, second, and third positions. Many demand planners move on their career paths at a single employer.
- They have to improve relationships among other planners, sales, marketing and finance, which will lead to effective knowledge sharing and an optimal consensus forecast to better guide the company. Moreover, refined systems and methods to continually improve forecasts so that the company can better anticipate customer needs. In addition, Interacts and communicates with sales, marketing, finance, purchasing, supply planning, and other departments as appropriate to obtain current, accurate and relevant information.
- The salary depends on the industry, employer, customers and experience (25000 S.P). Those hired full time, they may receive benefits packages
Getting the job
- A bachelor’s degree in business is often required. Many demand planners continue their education to obtain master’s degrees or doctorates(Business, engineering or related field).
- Two to three years of experience in the industry.
- Job training is provided by the employer on the job
- Demonstrated proficiency in statistics, forecasting and forecasting methods with an understanding of their financial and operational impacts.
- Experienced with other software packages including Microsoft Office.
- Background in master scheduling, forecasting, and planning.
- Experience in managing.
Skills
Demand planners should have major personal skills:- Strong interpersonal skills are essential to effectively interact with all teams.
- This position requires strong analytical, decision-making, and presentation skills.
- Knowledge of SAP/APO/SPSS, or Oracle Demand Planning or other software related to demand planning is preferred.
- Strong mathematical abilities.
- Experience in DRP/MRP functionality.
Demand planners should have general skills as following:
- Collaborative skills in resolving long and short positions in inventory.
- Knowledge in key inventory performance metrics, turns, margin contributions, etc.
- Extreme accuracy.
- Detail oriented.
- Experience is critical with sales forecasting process.
- Good ability in numeracy and analysis.
Sources and references
- Arab standard Classification of Occupations 2008
- www.prospects.ac.uk