Demand Planning Executive

Agile Consultants; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Agile Consultants in Dubai seeks a Demand Planning Executive to support our client’s supply chain and forecasting operations within the GCC, including Qatar, UAE, Oman, and KSA. You will forecast demand, manage inventory, and ensure timely issuance of purchase orders across markets.

The role requires coordinating with Sales, Brand Managers, Procurement, and Warehouse teams, analyzing data, and driving process improvements while maintaining compliance with UOM standards and HACCP guidelines.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years of experience in demand planning.
• Experience in food distribution or FMCG supply chains.
• Strong analytical capabilities.
• Proficiency with ERP systems (Oracle or similar).
• Knowledge of import/export regulations.

Responsibilities

• Gather and analyze sales data, market trends, and historical performance to develop accurate demand forecasts.
• Coordinate with Sales, Brand Managers, and Supply Chain teams to align forecasts with objectives.
• Proactively adjust forecasts based on market conditions, promotions, seasonal demand, and updated inputs.
• Monitor stock levels across markets to ensure availability and proper rotation.
• Maintain balanced inventory and minimize overstock/shortage risks.
• Track fast-moving, slow-moving, and near-expiry inventory; recommend corrective actions.
• Prepare and validate PRs/POs based on forecasts and inventory needs.
• Liaise with suppliers to confirm order specs, quantities, delivery schedules, and shipment details.
• Monitor shipments and ETA; resolve delays or issues promptly.
• Coordinate with warehouse/operations to ensure proper storage and inventory practices.
• Support reporting with stock status, turnover, wastage trends, and order fulfillment metrics.

Skills

Demand Planning

Data Analysis

Forecasting

Inventory Management

Cross-functional Collaboration

ERP Proficiency

Negotiation

Problem-Solving

Attention to Detail

Time Management

Tools

Oracle ERP

Job description

Job Code: 263/001/374

Industry: Food Distribution

We are hiring for a Demand Planning Executive job in Dubai to support our client’s supply chain and forecasting operations within 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.

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 correctPurchasing Unit of Measurement (UOM), such asCASE instead of EACH, to prevent ordering errors.
• Refer to and comply with the Import Checklist, ensuring all critical shipment details, includingIncoterms, 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.
• EnsureFood 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 thePR-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.

• Accuracy of demand forecasts.
• Timely placement of purchase orders and adherence to ETAs.
• Inventory turnover rate and reduction in wastage.
• Maintenance of stock levels aligned with the agreed supply period to ensure availability while preventing overstocking.
• Accuracy of PR and PO data entry, including compliance with Unit of Measurement (UOM) standards.
• Timeliness and completeness of operational reports.
• Compliance with import procedures and order management protocols.

• Analytical Thinking: Ability to evaluate supply chain processes and improve operational efficiency.
• Attention to Detail: Ensuring accuracy in purchase orders, shipping documents, and inventory records.
• Negotiation Skills: Ability to negotiate effectively with suppliers and freight forwarders to optimize costs.
• Problem-Solving: Proactive approach to resolving logistical challenges and shipment delays.
• Communication and Collaboration: Strong coordination with suppliers, freight forwarders, and internal departments.
• Time Management: Ability to manage multiple shipments and operational tasks within strict deadlines.
• ERP Systems Proficiency: Experience using ERP systems such as Oracle or similar supply chain management platforms.
• Regulatory Compliance Knowledge: Familiarity with import/export regulations and HACCP standards.

• Minimum5+ years of experience in demand planning, preferably within food distribution or FMCG supply chains.
• Strong analytical capabilities with the ability to assess and optimize supply chain processes.
• Proficiency inERP systems such as Oracle or similar supply chain management software.
• Knowledge ofimport/export regulations and international trade procedures.
• Strong coordination, communication, and problem-solving skills.