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 9+ years of experience in Canada, your main responsibilities include:

• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to gather and analyze data on customer demand, sales trends, and market conditions. Use data analysis to forecast future demand, ensuring optimal inventory levels and minimizing stockouts.
• Developing and implementing demand planning strategies to support the sales and operations planning process. Monitor and adjust forecasts based on market dynamics, product life cycles, and promotional activities.
• Conducting regular demand reviews to identify demand patterns, forecast accuracy, and opportunities for improvement. Continuously refine forecasting models and demand planning methodologies.
• Coordinating with suppliers, production, and logistics teams to ensure timely delivery and fulfillment of customer orders.

For a Demand Planner, 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 is crucial for effective supply chain management. With 9+ years of experience in Canada, professionals in this field can explore alternative roles. Here are four options to consider:

• Supply Chain Manager: A role that involves overseeing end-to-end supply chain operations, including demand forecasting, inventory management, and logistics coordination.
• Operations Manager: A position focused on optimizing operational efficiency, streamlining processes, and ensuring smooth execution of day-to-day activities.
• Sales and Operations Planning Manager: A role that combines demand planning with sales forecasting and production scheduling to align supply with demand effectively.
• Business Analyst: A position focused on analyzing market trends, conducting data-driven research, and providing insights to support strategic decision-making and improve business performance.

Demand planner role in Canada is expected to experience steady growth in the market. According to a 10-year analysis, the position has shown consistent demand, indicating its significance in various industries. With the increasing complexity of supply chains and the need for efficient inventory management, the demand for qualified demand planners is projected to rise. Google data suggests that this trend will likely persist in the future, creating a range of employment opportunities. The demand planner role is anticipated to see a positive outlook in terms of job prospects, making it an attractive career choice in Canada.