Operations Specialist (Demand Planner)

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

The Demand Planner is responsible for creating and maintaining the consensus demand plan at multiple levels of aggregation for finished goods, using statistical models within APO, internal forecasting tools, and utilizing insights from Sales, Marketing, and Finance.

Complex role with multiple facets and both highly analytical, transactional, and operational in nature. Multiple stakeholders and focus on collaborative and cross functional working with both local and global stakeholders.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

DEMAND PLANNING

• Using multiple relevant data sources (such as historical sales data, trends, base growth, distribution, market share) you will develop a robust statistical forecast and associated Operations Demand Plan.
• In collaboration with Sales and Top accounts, you will challenge the latest sales plan against past performance of sales and highlight inconsistencies in the latest plan. You will also challenge the latest sales demand plan, to understand underlying assumptions and compare with the Operations Demand Plan.

S&OP PLANNING

• Supporting Regional Operations Manager in the S&OP process/IBP. Align on the consensus demand plan during the monthly S&OP cycle and update/fill out/adjust the demand plan in the planning tool in accordance with the consensus.
• Ensure monthly Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process is effective and defining the meetings (structure), deadlines for Finished Goods products according to the Global Guidelines
• Maintaining and ensuring master data integrity across SAP, IBP, and relevant systems Support, analysis, and reporting for S&OP Process, specifically Demand review meetings KPI reporting and compiling presentation decks to relevant stakeholders

REPORTING & IMPROVENT PROCESSES

• You will support the achievement and reporting of forecasting (accuracy) targets, SMAPE, bias etc. and present back to ROM monthly to continuously improve the demand forecast and drive forecast accuracy improvements. 
• You will provide insights to the ROM and GM to conduct fact-based portfolio management and to implement a yearly SKU portfolio review cycle.
• Support to ensure not out of stock in any warehouse nationally.

SUPPLY PLANNING / EXECUTION:

• Translate monthly (globally balanced) supply plan to a weekly planning according to the guidelines.
• Establish and manage inventory levels to ensure no out of stocks, inventory levels according to business plans. Alert to the Operations Manager in case of risks in inventory management and provide plan to reduce risks.
• Manage product transitions of new and phasing out SKUs.
• Understand Red Bull values and role model these behaviors within the organization.
• Support the Operations department’s objectives and the team and broader business when necessary. 
• Continually strive for going from good to great in all tasks, projects and communication while maintaining a growth mindset.

 Experience, Knowledge & skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business/Finance or related field with undergraduate statistical analysis or engineering focus
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 
• Ability to contribute at strategic level
• Results focused
• Influencing skills
• Developed problem solving and analytical skills
• ERP Knowledge. Preferably SAP/APO (minimum 2 years)
• Microsoft excel (advanced level), Power BI, Forecasting Tools
• Interest in Logistics / Supply Chain issues and Trends
• Ability to think outside the box when searching for solutions to problems
• 2 plus years of experience in a consumer goods manufacturing environment with an understanding of major retail accounts and forecasting supply chain management
• Comprehensive knowledge of high-level retail operations, forecasting technology, systems, market research data, and supply chain management 
• Proven ability to conduct complex, quantitative and statistical analyses complimented with qualitative inputs from multiple sources to draw conclusions and make recommendations
• High caliber of professional interpersonal skills, with excellent analytical, conceptual, and communication skills (both oral and written) 
• Strong Project Management Skills - Managing numerous projects at once, in a high paced environment
• These are the initial specifications of the job, a true collaborative business partnering role, that will develop as the Planning maturity of our local organization increases
• Fluent English skills, further languages will be to your advantage
• Potential international travel in the event of business opportunity / project / training, etc