Manager Operational Demand Planning

PURPOSE OF ROLE

To provide an accurate forecast of future demand (RDP) which maximizes the sales opportunity while minimizing the risk of creating excess inventory. The primary focus is to create alignment between Financial (Sales Planning – IBP), Channel, Brand and Supply Planning using the SAP APO environment to harmonise and house this single source of truth.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Pre-Seasonal Planning Preparation

Review and consolidate RMA article forecast post ranging sign-off (Brand/Channel alignment) across articles and channels.

Review and maintain the Rolling Demand Plan (RDP) as consolidated Merchandise Plans (DTC) and Sales Orders (B2B) are captured.

• Seasonal Consolidation of Demand/In Season Maintenance of Demand

Maintain Demand Plan (RDP) on a rolling basis (monthly) and manage phasing of demand.

Review monthly Buying Volumes and be accountable to ensure Purchase Requisitions (PRs) are correctly maintained to support Demand phasing and correctly converted into Purchase Orders (POs).

Oversee Inventory simulation on a monthly basis to assist in decision support on buying and conversion discussions (Demand Review + MPBR).

Participate in MPBR (Management Planning & Buying Review) sessions to align Demand to constrained Supply and ensure all channels are updated on operational execution (timing and volumes) in the mid term.

Supporting In Season Creation (ISC) & Hype Demand management in conjunction with CTC & Channels

Be the key driver in Responsiveness programs (Never Out of Stock, Planned Responsiveness, Near Shoring) supporting active weekly maintenance of Plans based on Read & React Analytics (vs Targets)

Facilitate discussions on stock sharing with channels, should supply constraints be applied.

• Business Decision Support
• Creation of Reporting Suits to support Business
• Data Maintenance
• Contribute to Continuous Improvement of Operational Demand Planning Process

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

• CTC Team (Brand) on Range guidance and RMA
• DTC Merchandising Teams, B2B Sales Teams
• Global/Local Supply Chain (PSI, PSC)
• Emerging Markets Demand Planning
• Global Demand Planning

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to manage and influence multiple cross-functional stakeholders.
• Strong cross functional process knowledge or willingness to learn
• Pro-active, collaborative and positive attitude even in changing environments.
• Ability to think tactically but also focus on details.
• Used to multi-task, solve challenges independently and work against deadlines to deliver high-quality work on time in full.
• Proven methodological skills (e.g. data analysis, trend forecasting).
• Simplification and efficiency.
• Good attention to detail and high level of accuracy
• Global mind-set and ability to work cross-culturally; experience within different countries and/or different cultures an advantage.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree or related field required, higher degree preferred in management/accounting.
• 5 years of cross-functional experience in Marketing Operations, Merchandising, Demand Planning, Sales/Retail or finance.
• Excellent Project Management Skills.
• Excellent Presentation Skills.
• Fluent in English (writing and verbal).
• IT skills: Outlook and Word: Basic; Excel and PowerPoint: advanced.
• MSTR/PowerBI/SAP knowledge preferable.