Demand Planning Analyst jobs
There are countless factors that can influence demand on a product you are supplying to customers. They can be as predictable as the summer and winter demands for ice cream or as frantic as a sudden and unexpected shortage of a product due to adverse weather or transport issues. The job of the demand planning analyst will be to ensure that demand is fulfilled by a mixture of effective forecasting and an ability to crisis manage demand.
Good analysts will not simply take stats as read, of course – they will try to delve deeply into as many influencing factors as possible and come up with more precise results in order to improve efficiency of ordering and cut down on warehousing and distribution costs. The calculations will also need to be presented to senior management in a regular reporting schedule that can help them with the company’s finances.
Modern demand planning uses technology to automatically communicate demand from retailers and manufacturers, using their own databases to collaboratively predict and respond to demand. Part of the demand planning analyst’s job will be to liaise with customers to set up and optimise these automatic channels. Automation is only as good as the analysis that goes into the system, so this role will be an essential part of further increasing its value to the supplier.
The skills required
Analysis of any kind will require a mathematical mindset, and demand planning analysis is no exception. The figures you come up with will need to be bulletproof within the natural limitations of any predictive speciality. Not only that, but you might be required to argue your case, based on your figures, with senior management, who might have been doing things their way for many years. If you have the confidence to challenge their assumptions and are proved right in the long run, your personal stock will be greatly improved – not to mention your employer’s.
As some demand planning analysis, particularly for a large, complex company, might involve a team of analysts, a personable nature and team ethic will be essential qualities. Should you be in charge of a team of analysts, people management skills will be a must.
Demand Planning Analyst Jobs in Derbyshire
Situated in the East Midlands, Derbyshire is a county that shares a border with Greater Manchester, as well as Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire, Cheshire and Leicestershire.
Much of the Peak District is located within Derbyshire and just some of the towns in the region include Derby and Chesterfield, meaning there are many opportunities for those seeking Demand Planning Analyst positions.
For most of its history, Derbyshire's economy has been based on agriculture, while the mining of natural resources such as coal, iron, lead and limestone were of particular importance during the Industrial Revolution. Of these, only the limestone quarries are still in operation.
The chocolate company Thorntons was established near Alfreton in 1911 - its headquarters are still based there today.
After the second world war, the first diesel-electric mainline passenger train was unveiled at the Locomotive Works in Derby and the British Rail Research Division was opened in 1964 with an aim to improve the country's train network. This eventually became the DeltaRail Group, which currently provides software and other technology for signalling and control systems.
JBC-Power Systems manufactures engines in the south of the county, Buxton Water is bottled here and Bombardier Transportation builds the rolling stock for the London Underground network.
Other companies with manufacturing facilities or an otherwise large presence include Rolls-Royce, Toyota and Trebor Bassets.
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Cast UK’s supply chain opportunities
People approach Cast UK for many reasons, whether seeking more job fulfilment or simply relocating for personal reasons, so it’s good to know that we always have the complete range of positions available nationwide. Please see what’s available in your region and if you’ve seen something you’re interested in, do get in touch – whether it’s today or tomorrow, we might have the ideal position for you.
Cast UK’s founder members and consultants all come from the logistics, procurement and supply chain sectors, so we know what employers and candidates are looking for in their staff and careers respectively. Cast UK is growing in this part of the UK recruitment industry, mainly because these are the only sectors we deal with, which means that many employers come to us first to create a candidate shortlist because they know we’re tightly focused on delivering the best people to them.
To find out more about how Cast UK can help you recruit a Demand Planning Analyst for your business or find you a job as a Demand Planning Analyst then contact one of our consultant team on 0333 121 3345.
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