Executive Summary:
99This Demand Planning position is responsible for establishing robust foundation including process, system and S&OP management cycle and marinading it across the oraganization actively working with Sales, MKT, SCM and Finance, in addition to all forecasting activities associated with customers and products.
99The Demand Planner creates and maintains forecast models for their customers, incorporating business intelligence and forecast information gathered from Sales, MKT, SCM and Finance, retailer replenishment analysts, and other sources (i.e.: Nielsen or other syndicated consumer data).
99The Demand Planner is the integration point into the Sales and commercial organization.
99Basic forecast modeling is the responsibility of this position.
99This position leads the dialogue each month for their respective customers and products with key counterparts in Sales and MKT.
Basic Functions:
99Establish robust cornerstone and platform to accomplish efficient and effective demand planning/forecasting by implementing digital tools.
99Create solid S&OP processes and facilitate the meeting.
99Develop demand forecasts (operational forecasts) at multiple levels of aggregation for 99multiple time horizons as part of a demand planning function.
99Review historical sales trends, research demand drivers, prepare forecast data, develop statistical forecast models, and evaluate forecast results.
99Coordinate cross-functional research activities to reconcile significant variances and refine the forecast model to reflect updated sales and marketing assumptions.
99Interact with Sales, MKT, SCM and Finance to understand demand forecast drivers.
99Utilize a collaborative and consensus approach by working with Sales, MKT, SCM and Finance to obtain and ensure that current and accurate information is used for demand forecasts.
99Use and maintain the Demand Planning software as the primary forecasting system tool if needed.
99Provide input to the SCM Supply Planning organization in developing inventory strategies on existing items, new products, and product phase-outs.
99Closely coordinate and communicate customer action plans with supply planning.
Job Functions:
99Establish solid foundation/platform of demand planning and S&OP:
　Develop a valid and effective demand planning and forecasting processes.
　Create an efficient and comprehensive data pool to enhance the accuracy of demand planning.
　Facilitate S&OP meeting.
99Create statistical forecasts:
　Gather, analyze, and validate data.
　Execute statistical modeling software.
　Review resulting statistical forecast model.
　Apply error analysis techniques to improve forecasting.
　Summarize/aggregate statistical forecasts.
99Review sales plans, finance Budget Updates or latest estimates and demand drivers:
　Present, solicit, and assess feedback on the various forecasts from Sales, MKT, SCM and Finance.
　Recommend adjustments for operational forecasts.
　Review promotional plans with Sales and MKT.
99Achieve consensus for operational demand forecasts by facilitating a collaborative planning process with Sales, MKT, SCM and Finance:
　Prepare relevant material to facilitate research and discussion.
99Provide input to volume planning (Latest Estimates / annual process)
　Facilitate and manage demand planning and S&OP meetings.
　Achieve consensus with the business side and the demand chain.
99Maintain demand planning system and software (if needed)
　Enter and modify data and ensure the correctness of product hierarchy.
　Monitor trends in forecast error.
　Identify relevant market-related data and competitive intelligence.
99Prepare and maintain relevant reports pertaining to demand planning process.
Required Education / Experience / Specific Job-related Skills
Years of Experience:
99+5 years of experience in the FMCG industry.
Education/Training:
99BA/BS college degree or its equivalent. MBA preferred.
Licenses/Certificates:
99APICS (American Production and Inventory Control Society) or other forecasting Certification preferred.
Languages:
99Fluent in both Chinese and English
Other:
99Demonstrated proficiency in statistics, forecasting and forecasting methods with an understanding of their financial and operational impacts.
99Down-to-earth, can-do-attitude and doer with strong leadership.
99Knowledge of SAP/APO, Manugistics, or other software related to demand planning is preferred.
99Experienced with other software packages including Windows, and Microsoft Office.
99Strong analytical, organizational, decision making, and presentation skills.
99Strong interpersonal skills are also essential to effectively interact with all teams, areas and levels of business affecting the forecast process.