Demand Planner

Demand planners work within various departments of an organization to perform revenue forecasting, inventory level alignment based on seasonal demands, material planning, and procurement forecasting. They also use an operational supply chain management (SCM) process to develop reliable forecasts.

Demand planners may need to work with various departments to monitor inventory and ensure the efficiency of supply-chain initiatives. A bachelor's degree or higher in business administration, computer science, or a related field and relevant work experience are generally required for this position, and they must also be able to use various software and computer applications, such as SAP, ECC, SAS, and APO and Microsoft Office programs. They may report to a procurement manager, product manager, or sales manager depending on the employer.

Strong communication and presentation skills are important in this position, and demand planners should also be detail-oriented and able to work independently as well as in a team environment. They must pay close attention to market trends when developing forecasts, and some may read relevant professional journals or attend training classes or workshops to keep their skills up-to-date.

As a Demand Planner with 3-6 years of experience in Singapore, your main responsibilities include:

• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop and maintain accurate demand forecasts for products and services. Analyzing historical sales data, market trends, and customer feedback to forecast future demand effectively.
• Strategizing and implementing inventory optimization strategies to minimize stockouts while reducing excess inventory. Working closely with suppliers and production teams to ensure adequate supply chain management.
• Conducting regular demand planning meetings and providing insights to drive improvements in forecasting accuracy. Identifying and addressing demand forecast deviations and proposing corrective actions.
• Monitoring and analyzing key performance metrics, such as forecast accuracy and inventory levels, to drive continuous process improvement.

For a Demand Planner job role, the following qualifications are required:

• Strong analytical skills to analyze sales data, market trends, and historical demand patterns to accurately forecast demand for products or services.
• Proficiency in using demand planning software and advanced Excel functions to create and maintain demand forecasts, inventory plans, and production schedules.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills to effectively interact with sales, marketing, production, and supply chain teams to ensure alignment and achieve demand planning objectives.
• Detail-oriented mindset with a focus on accuracy and ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines and adapt to changing business requirements.

The Demand Planner role in Singapore offers professionals with 3-6 years of experience an opportunity to explore various alternative roles within the industry. Here are following options to consider:

• Supply Chain Analyst: A position focused on optimizing supply chain processes, analyzing data, and identifying areas for improvement to drive efficiency and cost savings.
• Operations Manager: A role that involves overseeing day-to-day operations, managing teams, and ensuring smooth execution of supply chain activities to meet customer demand.
• Inventory Analyst: A position focused on inventory management, including forecasting demand, optimizing stock levels, and implementing strategies to minimize stockouts and excess inventory.
• Logistics Coordinator: A role that involves coordinating the movement of goods, managing transportation partners, and ensuring timely delivery while optimizing costs and maintaining service levels.

According to recent data, the demand planner role in Singapore is experiencing significant growth in the market. Over the past 10 years, there has been a steady increase in demand for professionals in this field. With the expanding market and increasing complexity of supply chains, companies are recognizing the importance of effective demand planning. As a result, more employment opportunities are expected to emerge in the future, providing a promising outlook for individuals seeking to pursue a career as a demand planner in Singapore.