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 Stourbridge
If you love the Birmingham conurbation and you’re travelling west, you’d better stop when you see signs for Stourbridge, because after the town you’ll be hit quite abruptly by the spread of green Shropshire countryside as far as the eye can see. The Bull ring, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Jasper Carrott will be distant memories.
If you stick around, though, you’ll be treated to a pleasant enough town, part of Birmingham’s commuter belt, with Wolverhampton to the north, Dudley to the north east and the centre of Birmingham 10 miles (16 km) to the east. Kidderminster is the next distinct town, 7 miles (12 km) south west. Stourbridge has a distinct suburban feel about it that somewhat hides the fact that it does have quite a strong industrial past, with a particular emphasis on glassmaking, which has all but shattered to nothing, albeit recently. The town still has a Festival of Glass every two years. Stourbridge does have its own shopping area, but it’s largely for everyday essentials, with a few bars and restaurants dotted around. Serious shoppers are still more likely to head into Birmingham.
Although not particularly industrialised, there are a few trading estates around the outskirts, and the town is well enough connected to the South West (via the M5 and rail links) and the rest of Birmingham for it not to matter. If you’re looking for Demand Planning Analyst work and you live in Stourbridge, there are occasional related jobs in the town, but looking north and east will probably produce better results.
Popular locations
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.
Contact us