About the job
Who We Are
We help to create icons. We help to build marvels. Our products feature in some of the most iconic buildings in the world.
RAK Ceramics is one of the largest ceramics brands globally, specializing in ceramic and gres porcelain wall and floor tiles, sanitaryware, faucets, and tableware. Headquartered in the United Arab Emirates, we serve clients in over 150 countries through operational hubs in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, Asia, North & South America, and Australia.
With over 12,000 employees from 40+ nationalities, we are a truly global and diverse organization. RAK Ceramics is publicly listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) and the Dhaka Stock Exchange.
The Role
The Demand Planning & Pricing Executive is responsible for managing unconstrained demand forecast and the flow of products from forecasting to delivery, ensuring optimal stock levels, maximizing sales opportunities and contributing to profit through pricing strategies and controls. This role requires a highly analytical and collaborative individual who can translate data into actionable insights and drive continuous improvement across the supply chain.
What You Will Be Doing
Demand Planning & Forecasting:
- Develop, implement, and maintain accurate demand forecasts for diverse Tiles product portfolio using statistical models, historical data, market trends, promotional activities, and input from sales, marketing, and product development teams. Provide a demand plan to production teams for short term and long-term planning.
- Conduct regular forecast reviews with cross-functional stakeholders, highlighting variances, risks, and opportunities, and driving consensus on the demand plan.
- Utilize and optimize forecasting software/tools (e.g., ERP modules, specialized planning systems) to enhance accuracy and efficiency.
- Monitor and report on key forecast accuracy metrics (e.g., MAPE, WMAPE), identifying root causes of errors and implementing corrective actions.
Inventory Management- MTS SKUs:
- Manage inventory levels of our Make to Stock SKUs collaborating with production planning team on product availability.
- Develop and implement inventory strategies, including safety stock levels, reorder points, and order quantities, based on demand forecasts, lead times, and business objectives for out MTS SKUs
- Monitor inventory performance through key metrics (e.g., inventory turnover, days of supply, fill rate) and provide insights to management.
- Identify and manage slow-moving, obsolete, and excess inventory, developing strategies for reduction or liquidation.
Pricing Management:
- Manage pricing in the SAP system
- Identify the gaps in pricing control and implement.
- Work closely with Sales, Marketing, and Product Management to analyse market dynamics, competitor pricing, and cost structures to develop and recommend optimal pricing strategies.
- Support the implementation and maintenance of pricing models and tools.
- Monitor pricing effectiveness, market acceptance, and profitability, making recommendations for adjustments as needed.
- Participate in new product introduction (NPI) processes, ensuring appropriate pricing and launch strategies.
- Analyze promotional effectiveness and its impact on demand and pricing
Product Portfolio Management:
- Support Marketing team to finalize the yearly product range by data analysis, sales inputs , collaboration with sales and production teams.
- Ensuring operational readiness by managing product inventory SLAs for those products
- Acting as the product expert, providing in-depth knowledge and support across all functions.
- Analyzing product performance to optimize profitability and market fit throughout the lifecycle.
Cross-functional Collaboration & Process Improvement:
- Act as a key liaison between Sales, Marketing, Operations, Finance, and Product Development to ensure alignment on planning and inventory strategies.
- Lead or participate in continuous improvement initiatives related to demand planning, inventory management, and pricing processes.
- Stay informed about industry best practices and emerging technologies in supply chain planning.
What We Are Looking For
Some of the key competencies required for the role include:
Functional
- Detail-oriented with a high level of accuracy.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
Behavioral
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Our Ideal Match
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Statistics, Economics, Engineering, or a related field. A Master's degree in Business Administration or relevant certifications in Operations or Supply Chain Management is required.
- 46 years of experience in Demand Planning
- Proven experience with statistical forecasting methodologies and demand planning software/ERP systems
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data sets, identify trends, and draw actionable conclusions.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
RAK Ceramics is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, gender, nationality, disability, age, or marital status.
