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 Gloucester
Situated in the county town of Gloucestershire, Gloucester is located near the Welsh border and around 30 miles north-east of Bristol.
It's also situated on the River Severn, which eventually flows to the Bristol Channel and this, combined with an extensive canal network that was built in the 19th century, led the city to become an important place for international trade, particularly with Spain, France and Portugal.
Gloucester has long been an important site for banking and the financial industry, while manufacturing has also played a big part in the local economy. In fact, there are still factories and research and development facilities within the area for companies like BTR Permali, which makes water tanks and automotive mouldings, and Du Pont.
What's more, Gloucester is also known as a hub for the aerospace industry. Smiths Aerospace and Messier-Bugatti-Dowty are located here - the latter makes landing gear, braking systems and wheels.
Over the last 30 years, Gloucester has undergone significant regeneration, and it is now an ideal place for those seeking Demand Planning Analyst opportunities.
Many of the old warehouses in the port area having been converted or replaced with more modern structures. In addition, there are now a number of business parks - such as Ashville Industrial Estate and Waterwells Business Park - that house a number of IT and media companies, SMEs and businesses based in the service sector.
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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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