Demand Planner Job Opportunity in Nairobi

Job Type: Full-Time

Location: Nairobi

Job Field: Procurement / Store-Keeping / Supply Chain

A Demand Planner plays a crucial role in balancing supply and demand by making strategic decisions to ensure smooth operations. This role requires collaboration with multiple departments, including Procurement, Formulation, Pricing, Finance, Sales, and Production. In some cases, major decisions may need to be reviewed and approved by the Integrated Business Planning (IBP) Executive Team.

Key Responsibilities

1. Demand Planning Demand Planner

Develops demand forecasts using statistical data and inputs from commercial teams for both short-term (0-13 weeks) and long-term (4-15 months) planning.

Utilizes statistical forecasting models to create accurate baseline forecasts, regularly reviewing and refining historical data for better accuracy.

Analyzes market dynamics, including product launches, promotions, seasonal trends, tenders, and contracts, translating them into a reliable demand plan.

Provides alternative demand scenarios to optimize supply chain operations when required.

Addresses demand constraints due to supply limitations and communicates solutions to stakeholders, including sales and customer service teams.

Organizes account and demand review meetings while contributing to IBP discussions with commercial teams.

Ensures follow-ups on IBP cycle decisions, aligning planning with organizational strategies.

Acts as the primary contact for commercial teams regarding operational and tactical planning matters.

2. Supply Planning

Develops supply plans for assigned product groups within a 1-15 month planning horizon to efficiently meet demand requirements.

Conducts long-term (36-month) strategic supply planning to identify and mitigate potential constraints.

Creates supply plan scenarios to determine the most cost-effective and customer-centric options.

Sets strict deadlines with key stakeholders to ensure timely availability of supply chain data.

Prepares content for monthly Supply Review meetings, presenting strategies to bridge supply-demand gaps.

Highlights surplus supply concerns to senior management during IBP meetings.

Manages long-term capacity planning for raw materials in collaboration with Commercial, Purchasing, and Operations teams.

Monitors supply chain performance, liaising with production, material planners, and supply teams to address constraints and maintain optimal inventory levels.

Maintains close communication with Supply Network Planners and Customer Service teams, ensuring on-time delivery and inventory availability.

Ensures implementation of IBP cycle decisions within the organization and supply points.

3. Inventory & Working Capital Management

Defines and implements inventory targets and replenishment strategies based on demand patterns.

Manages inventory levels according to company policies, ensuring proper replenishment and minimal wastage.

Oversees aging and unallocated stock, working closely with Planning, Operations, and Logistics teams to minimize obsolescence and waste.

4. Planning Analysis & Performance Monitoring

Maintains demand planning data and software tools, continuously monitoring and analyzing trends to improve forecasting accuracy.

Works with commercial teams to enhance forecast accuracy, reducing errors and biases.

Evaluates commercial input on sales trends, risks, and opportunities to refine the demand plan.

Identifies potential sales risks and opportunities, proactively suggesting strategies to optimize stock utilization.

Coordinates demand-supply matching processes and oversees constraint management strategies.

Tracks key performance indicators (KPIs) such as forecast accuracy and bias, identifying areas for continuous improvement.

Stays updated on forecasting techniques and methodologies, incorporating advanced statistical tools into planning processes.

Collaborates with Supply and Commercial teams to prevent stockouts and minimize waste through preventive and corrective actions.

Identifies and implements process improvements to enhance overall supply chain efficiency.

5. Collaborative Planning

Prepares materials for demand meetings, ensuring sales and marketing inputs are thoroughly discussed.

Facilitates operational demand forecasting through cross-functional collaboration.

Engages with key customer planning teams to integrate and align demand forecasts.

6. Continuous Improvement & Project Involvement

Suggests and implements process improvements to enhance forecasting reliability.

Participates in projects aimed at optimizing demand planning processes and overall supply chain efficiency.

Conclusion

A Demand Planner is essential for maintaining a seamless supply chain by balancing demand forecasts with supply constraints. This role requires a strategic mindset, analytical expertise, and the ability to work collaboratively with multiple teams. If you have a strong background in demand and supply planning, this role offers a great opportunity to make a significant impact in the supply chain industry.

Method of Application for Demand Planner position