Job Title: Demand Planning Executive
Location:Dubai
Salary:Up to AED 10,000
Job Code:263/001/246
Industry:FMCG
Job Brief:
The Demand Planning Executive is responsible for ensuring accurate demand planning, inventory management, and timely purchase order execution across the assigned markets.
The role involves close coordination with cross-functional teams to maintain optimal stock availability, minimize wastage, and improve overall supply chain efficiency. This position also manages inventory shuffling based on slow-moving and non-moving product trends and oversees import and export activities for regional operations while ensuring strict compliance with supply chain processes.
Job Responsibilities:
1. Demand Planning
- Gather and analyze sales and market data to prepare accurate demand forecasts.
- Coordinate with Sales, Brand Managers, and the Supply Chain team to align forecasts with business objectives.
- Proactively adjust forecasts based on market changes, promotions, and updated sales inputs.
2. Inventory Management
- Monitor stock levels to ensure product availability and optimal stock rotation.
- Maintain balanced inventory levels to meet demand while avoiding overstocking or shortages.
- Track fast-moving, slow-moving, and near-expiry items and recommend corrective actions.
3. Order Management
- Prepare and validate Purchase Requisitions (PRs) and Purchase Orders (POs) in line with demand forecasts and inventory data.
- Liaise with suppliers to confirm order details and track shipments until delivery.
- Ensure strict follow-up on ETAs and promptly resolve any delays.
4. Wastage Control
- Implement effective stock control measures to minimize product wastage.
- Report discrepancies related to expiry, damages, or handling issues.
- Coordinate with warehouse and operations teams to ensure proper storage and handling practices.
5. Reporting & Analysis
- Prepare regular reports on stock status, overstock situations, demand forecasts, inventory turnover, and wastage.
- Maintain performance dashboards for management review.
- Track and report on order fulfillment rates, discrepancies, and missed ETAs.
6. Cross-Functional Coordination
- Collaborate with Sales, Brand Managers, Procurement, Warehouse, and Country Managers to ensure smooth supply chain operations.
- Follow up on supply chain disruptions and implement recovery measures.
- Coordinate timely order placements and stock adjustments based on market needs.
7. Process Compliance & Improvement
- Ensure PRs and POs use the correct Purchasing Unit of Measurement (UOM), such as CASE instead of EACH, to avoid ordering errors.
- Refer to and comply with the Import Checklist, ensuring all shipment details (Incoterm, mode of transport, payment terms, ETA, weights, pallets, temperature requirements) are included.
- Maintain a unified email subject line format and coding structure as advised.
- Ensure Food and Non-Food items are never mixed within the same order.
- Proofread all POs before sending them to suppliers.
- Keep the PRPO Tracking Sheet updated at all times.
- Identify opportunities for process improvement and recommend best practices.
8. Health, Safety, and Environmental Compliance
- Ensure a safe and healthy working environment by complying with the organization's Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) systems and policies.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):
- Accuracy of demand forecasts
- On-time PO placement and ETA adherence
- Inventory turnover rate and wastage reduction
- Maintenance of stock levels in line with agreed supply periods
- Accuracy of PR and PO data entry, including UOM compliance
- Timeliness and completeness of reports
- Compliance with import and order management protocols
Job Requirements:
- 5+ years of experience in demand planning.
- Strong analytical thinking with the ability to assess and optimize supply chain processes.
- High attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in purchase orders, shipping documents, and inventory records.
- Negotiation skills to coordinate effectively with suppliers and freight forwarders.
- Proactive problem-solving skills to manage logistical challenges and shipment delays.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work with internal teams and external partners.
- Strong time management skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Proficiency in ERP systems such as Oracle or similar supply chain management software.
- Knowledge of import/export regulations and HACCP standards.
