Demand Planning Executive

Job Code: 263/001/374
Industry: Food Distribution

Job Brief:
We are seeking a Demand Planning Executive to support supply chain operations for a leading organization in the food distribution industry. The role is responsible for ensuring accurate demand forecasting, effective inventory management, and timely execution of purchase orders across multiple GCC markets, including Qatar, UAE, Oman, and KSA.

The Demand Planning Executive will maintain strict follow-up on shipment ETAs, coordinate with cross-functional teams, and ensure compliance with established supply chain processes. The objective is to maintain optimal stock availability, minimize wastage, and improve operational efficiency across the organization’s distribution network.

Additionally, this role involves monitoring product movement trends, managing inventory adjustments for slow-moving and non-moving products, and supporting import and export activities for GCC operations.

Job Responsibilities:
Demand Planning

• Gather and analyze sales data, market trends, and historical performance to develop accurate demand forecasts.
• Coordinate closely with Sales, Brand Managers, and Supply Chain teams to align demand forecasts with business objectives and sales strategies.
• Proactively adjust forecasts based on changing market conditions, promotions, seasonal demand, and updated sales inputs.

Inventory Management

• Monitor stock levels across markets to ensure continuous product availability and proper stock rotation.
• Maintain balanced inventory levels to meet demand requirements while minimizing risks of overstocking or stock shortages.
• Track fast-moving, slow-moving, and near-expiry inventory and recommend corrective actions to optimize stock utilization.

Order Management

• Prepare and validate Purchase Requisitions (PRs) and Purchase Orders (POs) based on demand forecasts and inventory requirements.
• Liaise with suppliers to confirm order specifications, quantities, delivery schedules, and shipment details.
• Monitor shipments closely and ensure strict follow-up on Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA), resolving delays or supply issues promptly.

Wastage Control

• Implement inventory control measures to reduce product wastage and maintain product quality.
• Identify and report discrepancies related to expiry, damages, or handling issues.
• Coordinate with warehouse and operations teams to ensure proper storage, handling, and inventory management practices.

Reporting & Analysis

• Prepare periodic reports covering stock status, demand forecasts, inventory turnover, overstock situations, and wastage trends.
• Maintain dashboards and operational reports for management review and decision-making.
• Track order fulfillment rates, shipment discrepancies, and missed ETAs, providing insights for operational improvements.

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Collaborate with Sales teams, Brand Managers, Procurement, Warehouse operations, and Country Managers to ensure smooth supply chain execution.
• Follow up on supply chain disruptions and support the implementation of recovery measures.
• Coordinate timely order placements and stock adjustments to meet market demand.

Process Compliance & Improvement

• Ensure Purchase Requisitions and Purchase Orders use the correct Purchasing Unit of Measurement (UOM), such as CASE instead of EACH, to prevent ordering errors.
• Refer to and comply with the Import Checklist, ensuring all critical shipment details, including Incoterms, mode of transport, payment terms, ETA, weight, pallets, and temperature requirements are accurately captured.
• Maintain standardized email subject line formats and coding structures as advised by internal processes.
• Ensure Food and Non-Food items are never combined within the same purchase order.
• Proofread all Purchase Orders before sending them to suppliers to ensure accuracy.
• Maintain and regularly update the PR-PO Tracking Sheet.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and recommend best practices to enhance operational efficiency.

Health, Safety, and Environmental Compliance

• Ensure a safe and healthy working environment by complying with the organization’s Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) systems and guidelines.