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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage demand planning and forecasting to optimise supply chain efficiency.
- Company: Join AFL, a global leader in optical fibre network solutions since 1984.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Be part of a sustainable company making a real impact across 130+ countries.
- Qualifications: Degree in Business Administration or Supply Chain Management preferred; experience with Salesforce and Oracle is a plus.
- Other info: Work from our Milton Keynes office and collaborate with teams globally.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Milton Keynes Office & WHDavy Avenue Knowlhill Milton Keynes, MK58HJ, GBR
Founded in 1984, AFL is an industry-recognized global leader in optical fiber network infrastructure. Our customer-first, high-speed fiber network solutions serve various markets – including energy, enterprise, and hyperscale – across 130+ countries. Products and services include single- and multi-mode optical fiber cable, test and inspection equipment, and our award-winning Data Center Interconnect solution, enabling centralized resource management for enhanced performance across multiple data center facilities. Our recent European expansion brings end-to-end, sustainable optical fiber solutions closer to our valued EMEA customers, prioritizing customer satisfaction while lowering emissions in line with our Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy.
AFL is headquartered in Spartanburg, South Carolina, United States, with facilities in multiple global locations, including the UK, Canada, India, China, Mexico, and Australia. AFL is a subsidiary of Fujikura Ltd.
Demand Planning and Forecasting
- Proactively troubleshoot cost, quality and delivery concerns.
- Produce regular reports on purchase commitments, costs and delivery performance and share them at an established cadence with stakeholders.
- Manage risk relating to quality, cost, delivery and supply of purchases.
- Serve as key point of contact between demand and supply planning functions.
- Support forecasting for projects and new product introduction initiatives.
- Develop and implement demand planning and sales forecasting processes, data collection and reporting, tracking and reporting of KPI’s.
- Contribute to future development of Sales and Operations Planning process.
- Manage demand planning files to ensure accuracy; activity monitor and adjust.
- Model % allocation as needed based on current trend analysis.
- Drive the SOIP monthly demand review meetings with recommended changes to forecast.
- Using demand planning methodology and trend/variance root cause analysis - make demand planning corrective actions and improvements.
- Liaise with Product Management and Marketing teams relating to New Product forecasting, including updating demand file with current projections.
- Knowledge of Oracle or similar forecasting system preferred.
- Use and maintain the Demand Planning Excel models as the primary forecasting system tool.
- Work with both Marketing and Sales on SKU level transition plan, track execution and call out risk and drive agreement when off-track.
- Manage portfolio productivity with Marketing by target setting and driving necessary action.
- Lead coordination efforts with Operations, Product Management, Finance, Customer Service, for product families within the business.
- Develop multiple metrics to validate forecasting accuracy, as per industry standards and communicate corrective action(s) to ensure timely resolution within the Integrated Business Planning cycle.
- Interact with Sales, Marketing, and Customer Service to understand demand forecast drivers.
Preferred qualifications & experience
- Strong understanding of demand planning processes.
- Degree in Business Administration/ Supply Chain Management.
- Experience with Salesforce and Oracle desirable.
- Integrated Business Planning experience would be highly advantageous.
Demand Planning Manager employer: AFL Telecommunications, LLC
Contact Detail:
AFL Telecommunications, LLC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Demand Planning Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with demand planning methodologies and tools, especially Oracle or similar forecasting systems. This knowledge will not only help you understand the role better but also demonstrate your commitment to mastering the necessary skills.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the supply chain and demand planning fields. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who can provide insights into the role and potentially refer you to opportunities at AFL.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on trends in the optical fibre and telecommunications industries. Understanding market dynamics will enable you to speak knowledgeably about how demand planning impacts business success during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed demand planning processes in the past. Highlight your experience with forecasting accuracy and collaboration with cross-functional teams, as these are key aspects of the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Demand Planning Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in demand planning and forecasting. Emphasise any specific achievements or projects that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of AFL's operations and how your skills can contribute to their goals. Mention your familiarity with tools like Oracle and Salesforce, as well as your experience in Integrated Business Planning.
Highlight Key Skills: In your application, focus on key skills such as data analysis, risk management, and cross-functional collaboration. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've successfully applied these skills in previous roles.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a Demand Planning Manager role.
How to prepare for a job interview at AFL Telecommunications, LLC
✨Understand Demand Planning Fundamentals
Make sure you have a solid grasp of demand planning processes and methodologies. Be prepared to discuss how you've applied these in previous roles, especially in relation to forecasting and managing supply chain risks.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Since the role involves data collection and reporting, be ready to demonstrate your analytical skills. Bring examples of how you've used data to drive decisions or improve forecasting accuracy in past positions.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Tools
Knowledge of Oracle or similar forecasting systems is preferred. If you have experience with these tools, be sure to highlight it. If not, consider brushing up on their functionalities to show your willingness to learn.
✨Prepare for Cross-Functional Collaboration
This role requires liaising with various teams like Marketing, Sales, and Customer Service. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated across departments to achieve common goals, and be ready to share those stories.
