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 Doncaster
Doncaster has a colourful history that dates back at least as far as the Romans, when it was served by an important road between London and the North. Nowadays the South Yorkshire town remains a well connected place, with the M18 an A1(M) passing the town and excellent rail connections to Sheffield an Leeds to the west and the docks of Hull to the east. The canals helped bring wealth to the town, particularly when vast coal seams were discovered nearby and the town boomed. There is also Robin Hood International Airport on the doorstep, although it is probably more famous for a mischievous tweet than for its global aviation repute!
Although coal mining has largely ended in the area, it is one of the few places that still has active mines. During the Industrial Revolution the place was a hotbed of industry, with steel manufacture, glassmaking, railway engineering and chemical manufacturing going on. In the 1930s tractors started being made in the town by International Harvester. This tradition survived right up until 2007 after several buy-outs and mergers.
Anyone looking for Demand Planning Analyst work in Doncaster should be greeted by a seam of opportunities as rich as the coal’s. As well as the airport and road links, it is home to Doncaster International Railport, a vast railway complex that distributes goods nationally and ultimately internationally. Many companies have recognised this sweet spot and set up distribution centres and warehousing facilities in the area. Names include B&Q, DFS, Next, Faberge, Tesco, IKEA, Exel and Amazon.
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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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