Description

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.

Roles & Responsibilities

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

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and maintain accurate demand forecasts based on historical data and market trends.
  • Analyze inventory levels and sales performance to identify potential risks and opportunities, and propose appropriate actions for optimizing inventory levels.
  • Monitor and communicate changes in customer demand patterns to ensure timely adjustments in production and supply chain activities.
  • Conduct regular demand planning meetings to review forecast accuracy, address issues, and align demand plans with sales and operations planning.

Qualifications & Work Experience

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.

Essential Skills For Demand Planner

1

Forecasting

2

Microsoft Excel

3

Data Analysis

4

SAP

Skills That Affect Demand Planner Salaries

Different skills can affect your salary. Below are the most popular skills and their effect on salary.

Forecasting

2%

Microsoft Excel

5%

Data Analysis

2%

SAP

8%

Career Prospects

The Demand Planner role in Australia, with 3-6 years of experience, offers professionals several alternative career paths. Here are four options to consider:

  • Supply Chain Analyst: A role that involves analyzing data, identifying trends, and optimizing supply chain processes to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
  • Inventory Manager: A position focused on managing inventory levels, forecasting demand, and implementing strategies to minimize stockouts and excess inventory.
  • Operations Manager: A role that involves overseeing the day-to-day operations of a business, ensuring smooth processes, and optimizing resource allocation.
  • Sales and Operations Planning S&OP Manager: A position focused on aligning sales forecasts with production plans, coordinating cross-functional teams, and optimizing supply chain performance.

How to Learn

The demand planner job role in Australia is expected to witness significant growth in the market. Over the past ten years, there has been a consistent increase in demand for professionals in this field. According to Google data, this trend is projected to continue in the future. The job market for demand planners is expected to expand, offering numerous employment opportunities. With its vital role in managing supply chain efficiency and meeting consumer demands, companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of this position. Therefore, individuals pursuing a career as a demand planner can anticipate a promising job outlook in Australia.