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 Wiltshire
Known for its sweeping Salisbury Plain and ancient stone circles like Stonehenge and Avebury, Wiltshire is a county in the south-west of England that shares borders with a number of counties like Somerset, Hampshire, Oxfordshire and Dorset.
For anyone seeking Demand Planning Analyst roles in Wiltshire, a number of options can be found in the region - in settlements such as Swindon, Salisbury, Trowbridge and Wilton.
Much of Wiltshire is situated around the M4 corridor, and this has given a significant boost to its economy, as businesses are attracted to the region's ease of access and lovely rural surroundings.
Manufacturing is an important part of the local economy, and products that are made here range from electrical goods to food and beverages, furniture, pharmaceuticals and plastics.
Just some of the companies that have set up regional or international offices in Wiltshire include WHSmith, Early Learning Centre, Dyson, Honda, Reckitt Benckiser, Intel and Motorola.
The National Trust's head office is also registered in Wiltshire and Oxford University's book depository for the Bodleian Library is also here - which contains over 150 miles of bookshelves. What's more, a number of military and defence establishments are also located in the region.
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.
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