Demand & Supply Planner

Al-Futtaim Group; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading retail and distribution company in Dubai is looking for a Demand & Supply Planner to manage supply chain operations. The role involves demand forecasting, inventory planning, and cross-functional collaboration. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree, a minimum of 3 years of planning experience, and advanced proficiency in planning systems like SAP. This position offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic environment focused on continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of planning experience.
• Knowledge of demand & supply planning processes.
• Experience with ERP systems preferred.

Responsibilities

• Forecast demand, inventory, and sell-through.
• Conduct monthly forecast maintenance.
• Lead supply planning process and analyze trends.

Skills

Advanced proficiency in planning systems

Proven analytical skills

Experience with planning software/tools

Ability to work in a matrix environment

Strong team player

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

SAP

JDA

Job description

Demand & Supply Planner Jobs in Dubai, UAE

Overview of the role

The Demand & Supply Planner manages, balances, and analyzes all demand and supply in the supply chain using advanced analytical, statistical, and optimization techniques. They develop, communicate, and execute end-to-end product demand and supply plans across all distribution channels in the GCC Region, collaborating with Commercial, Marketing, Finance, and Store Operations. The role involves measuring, optimizing, and continuously improving forecast accuracy, planning inventory flows, minimizing errors, and driving process improvements. The planner also implements and utilizes the Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) process to harmonize efforts and drive global improvements with common targets for ACE and Homeworks.

What you will do

• Forecast demand, inventory, and multi-channel sell-through; generate weekly, monthly, and yearly supply plans aligned with financial objectives; evaluate risks and implement contingency plans.
• Create baseline forecasts, maintain data and forecast integrity in forecasting tools and communicate forecasts to internal stakeholders.
• Conduct monthly forecast maintenance and address demand-related issues promptly.
• Utilize AI and ML techniques for forecasting and demand planning.
• Plan and monitor replenishment across distribution centers, stores, and online channels, maintaining replenishment parameters for accuracy.
• Maintain capacity plans to ensure efficient inventory delivery, service, and cost objectives in collaboration with Logistics and Store Operations.
• Adjust replenishment parameters and lead times to conform to business needs.
• Lead the supply planning process, analyzing trends affecting product launches, promotions, customer behavior, and commercial decisions.
• Define forecast and replenishment processes for new product introductions to prevent over-buying, under-buying, and stockouts.
• Provide supply planning expertise for new product commercialization and resolving inventory shortages.
• Build Power Users in supply planning practices to optimize inventory, replenishment, and capacity planning policies.
• Implement and conduct monthly S&OP cycles, including performance measurement, corrective actions, and stakeholder meetings.
• Monitor monthly aging stock levels and develop liquidation strategies with the Buying team through transfers, clearance, and promotions.
• Assist in developing annual budgets and cost-efficiency initiatives.
• Maintain training materials and organize team training sessions.
• Follow and enforce company rules and regulations.

Required skills to be successful

• Advanced proficiency in planning systems; SAP & JDA experience is advantageous.
• Proven analytical skills.
• Experience with planning software/tools and merchandise management systems preferred.
• Ability to work and influence in a matrix environment across multiple functions.
• Strong team player with the ability to collaborate with cross-functional partners and senior management.

What equips you for the role

Education: Bachelor’s Degree required with at least 3 years of planning experience; Master’s degree preferred.

Minimum Experience and Knowledge:
• Knowledge of demand & supply planning processes and general supply chain understanding.
• Experience in product planning, production control, inventory management, or manufacturing operations is a plus.
• Experience with ERP systems (preferably SAP) and advanced planning tools with statistical modeling.