Demand Planner

Role Overview

Demand Planner at Alghanim Industries. The role manages demand planning processes at category and item level, creating and maintaining accurate Open-to-Buy data to maximize sales while maintaining planned stock and inventory.

Role Purpose

Manage the demand planning process by developing accurate forecasts and maintaining inventory levels that balance sales maximization with planned stock availability. Ensure orders are placed timely, stocks are available when needed, and forecasting accuracy is continuously monitored and improved.

Key Responsibilities

Forecasting & Planning

• Maintain accurate monthly stock, sales, margins and intakes by category, available to the business by the start of every month, incorporating actual data from the previous month.
• Facilitate monthly departmental meetings to reforecast sales, margins and orders at category and item level.
• Prepare monthly item-wise orders taking into account supplier production time, transit and clearance time, store promotions, sales history, pricing and seasonality.
• Conduct monthly meetings with key stakeholders to agree on future orders.
• Create and share Forecast Accuracy reports to all departments based on Sales Forecast vs Actual Sales on a monthly basis.

Monitoring & Analysis

• Conduct weekly analysis of forecast vs actual sales of items to identify gaps and highlight to relevant stakeholders to take corrective action and maximize sales.
• Ensure stock availability on all best sellers and continuous lines throughout the year.
• Focus on maximizing sales by ensuring stock availability at all times.

Order & Inventory Management

• Review every Purchase Order before its release to evaluate its impact on stock and ensure orders are as per the order forecast agreed during forecasting meetings.
• Proactively alert key stakeholders and department heads if orders are not placed on time or if overstock or out-of-stock situations arise.
• Manage prioritization of shipments and interact with logistics team to prioritize clearance from port.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum 3 to 5 years' experience in stock management and sales forecasting, preferably in a retail merchandising environment.
• Thorough working knowledge of retail procurement in both local and overseas markets.
• Bachelor's Degree.
• MBA preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Very strong Excel and Reporting skills.
• Good proficiency in developing reports and providing insights to the business.
• Strong skills in Business Objects, SAP and MS Office.
• Well-developed analytical, reasoning and data interpretation skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Positive attitude with a 'can do' approach when working under pressure or to tight deadlines.
• Able to work with other support functions and be a team player.