Senior Demand Planner

Welcome to Made!

Made is a hugely successful purpose-driven Australian business with an extensive portfolio of better-for-you food and beverage products. Since 2005 health-conscious Australians have shown their love for our core brands - Cocobella (coconut water and yoghurts), Rokeby Farms (functional dairy), Impressed (plant-based products) and NutrientWater (enhanced water). The culture at Made is dynamic, inclusive and fun. We are all about Making Healthy Happy and we live and breathe this ethos in all that we do. Together we continue to achieve greatness, from our delicious products to our people and everything in between.

www.madegroup.com

The Role

Based in Dandenong, an exciting opportunity has opened for a Senior Demand Planner position in a fast-growing, vertically integrated FMCG organisation, playing a pivotal role in driving our demand planning strategies to greater success!  product lines

This key position involves estimating future short-shelf-life and perishable product demand, analysing inventory flow, and refining forecast models. Collaborating closely with our dynamic sales and supply chain teams, you'll leverage demand planning software to review and enhance forecast models. Your work will integrate vital business intelligence and forecast data from sales, retailer replenishment analysts, and other sources, ensuring our inventory levels are finely tuned to meet future demand. If you're ready to make a significant impact and thrive in a fast-paced environment, this opportunity is perfect for you!

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop demand forecasts to determine the purchasing and production requirements of the business;
• Review 12 month rolling forecast to assist with capacity planning and develop strategies to assist production scheduling;
• Review historical sales trends, research demand drivers, prepare forecast data, develop statistical forecast models, and evaluate forecast results;
• Reconcile significant variances and refine the forecast model to reflect updated sales and marketing assumptions incorporating baseline, promotional and seasonal activities;
• Anticipate demand-related issues in a timely and effective manner including driving actions to correct under and overstocks;
• Work collaboratively with the sales team to understand demand drivers and obtain current and accurate forecast sales information;
• Work closely with operations and finance teams to gather input and align on demand forecasts. Lead discussions to ensure consensus and understanding of demand drivers and assumptions;
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and collaborate with stakeholders to align on demand planning strategies and initiatives;
• Review internal & external forecasts, identifying any discrepancies and discussing these with relevant stakeholders;
• Assist to develop inventory strategies for existing products, new products and product phase-outs, and to optimise stock levels and minimise excess or obsolete inventory. Collaborate with procurement and production teams to align inventory levels with demand forecasts;
• Closely coordinate and communicate demand requirements with production and purchasing to ensure inventory levels are appropriately managed;
• Continuously monitor forecast performance metrics and identify opportunities to improve accuracy. Implement corrective actions and process improvements as needed;
• Successfully communicate forecast and inventory estimations to management;
• Lead initiatives to enhance demand planning processes, tools, and methodologies. Identify opportunities to automate tasks and improve efficiency;
• Identify and mitigate potential risks to the demand plan, such as supply chain disruptions, market fluctuations, and regulatory changes. Develop contingency plans to address these risks;
• Analyse demand data, market trends, and business performance metrics to provide insights and recommendations to senior management. Prepare and present regular reports on demand forecast accuracy and key performance indicators; 
• Lead weekly S&OP meetings across the business;
• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior members of the team. 

What's on Offer

• A competitive salary package aligned to your level of experience and suitability for the role,
• Participation in company’s Performance Bonus plan
• Support provided for professional development and training,
• IT tools provided (laptop, monitor),
• Great breakout / kitchen area with cooking facilities;
• Onsite car parking is provided;
• A healthy & happy culture:
  • Hybrid style flexible working from home, and our state-of the-art production facility and office; 
  • On-site gym;
  • Healthy products to enjoy;
  • Winning culture and amazing team;
  • Access to exclusive offers and discounts;
  • Access to discounted health insurance;
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Required Experience and Attributes

Your previous experience and qualifications will include:

• Bachelor degree in engineering, accounting, business, commerce, supply chain or other relevant fields;
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in a demand analyst or forecasting role within FMCG; 
• Demonstrated proficiency in inventory management practices, reporting tools, statistics, forecasting methods, strategic analysis and stakeholder management;
• Expert in the use of Microsoft Office Excel;
• Experienced using ERP systems, an advantage;
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data sets, identify trends, and make informed decisions;
• Strong mathematical and statistical knowledge;
• Ability to think strategically and translate business objectives into actionable demand planning strategies, with a proven track record of developing and implementing successful demand forecasting strategies;
• Experience leading and mentoring a team, motivating achievement of goals and driving continuous improvement;
• Capability to multitask in a fast-paced environment;
• High level of attention to detail, effective communication and interpersonal skills are essential;
• Strong organisational and time management skills;
• Strong personal initiative and proactive approach to your work;
• Proven ability to thrive in and adapt to fast-paced, dynamic environments with changing priorities and business needs;
• Good practical understanding and experience of operations in a FMCG business will be highly regarded.

If you meet the above criteria and are interesting in joining our dynamic and purpose driven team, please send through your current resume and a cover letter addressing why you are our next Senior Demand Planner.

We accept applications from all people with the right to live and work in Australia.