At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead demand planning processes and ensure accurate forecasts for our innovative products.
- Company: Join AFL, a leader in fiber optic technology with a commitment to employee growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible time off, 401K matching, and comprehensive health insurance.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for professional development and mentorship.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a dynamic environment while advancing your career in supply chain management.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and 5-7 years of experience in demand planning required.
The predicted salary is between 54450 - 66550 £ per year.
AFL manufactures industry-leading fiber optic cable, connectivity and accessories and provides engineering and installation services for some of the largest telecom customers in the world.
Our company was founded in 1984 with a single fiber optic cable and today, we manufacture thousands of products, generate an excess of $5B in revenue, and employ approximately 12,000 associates worldwide.
At AFL, we recognize that our employees are our greatest asset.
We hire and train each individual, investing in them to ensure success in their careers.
With a commitment to professional development and growth, let us connect you to your next career opportunity.
What We Offer
- A hybrid in office schedule for qualifying employees
- Flexible time off policy
- 401K Company match (up to 4% - dollar for dollar)
- Professional development, training, and tuition reimbursement programs
- Excellent medical, dental, vision, and life insurance policy options
- Opportunities for career advancement with an industry leading company!
- Job Summary
Demand Planners are responsible for supporting the demand planning process within the S&OP framework, culminating in the coordination and execution of the monthly Demand Review meeting to gain agreement on the latest 24-month rolling forecast.
If the organization cannot reach consensus, recommends final decision.
- Achieve 95% forecast accuracy at the Finished Good (FG) level on a rolling 3-month basis
- Reduce forecast bias to +/- 2% across all product categories
- Ensure 100% compliance with data entry standards in Salesforce
- Maintain a 98% accuracy rate in the demand funnel
Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the demand planning process within the S&OP framework, culminating in the coordination and execution of the monthly Demand Review meeting to gain agreement on the latest 24-month rolling forecast.
If the organization cannot reach consensus, recommends final decision.
- Oversee the development and maintenance of statistical forecasting models for all product lines in $/units which become the basis for Latest Estimates, Operating Plans, and Financial projections.
- Collaborate with the Customer Operations Analyst in maintaining the demand funnel and ensuring data accuracy in Salesforce
- Work closely with the Global Planning function to communicate forecast, commercial drives, risks and resolves any questions regarding the demand forecast data.
- Collaborate with sales and marketing teams to incorporate promotional activities and market intelligence into demand forecasts
- Analyze market trends, seasonality, and historical data to identify patterns and improve forecast accuracy
- Manage the consensus demand planning process, facilitating meetings and resolving conflicts between different functional areas
- Continuously monitor forecast accuracy and bias, implementing corrective actions as needed
- Provide regular reporting on key demand planning metrics to senior management
- Identify and manage risks related to demand volatility
- Drive continuous improvement in demand planning processes and systems
- Mentor and develop the Demand Analyst(s), ensuring their growth and performance
- Decision Rights
• Forecast Approval
- Approval authority and accountability for demand forecasts before they are presented to senior management or incorporated into the S&OP process.
• Process Changes
- Can implement changes to the demand planning process within the team.
• Technology and Tools
- Recommends new demand planning technologies or tools for approval by VP Supply Chain.
• Stakeholder Management
- Decides how to manage relationships with key stakeholders, including which meetings to attend and how to present demand planning insights.
- Key Competencies (Technical)
- Advanced proficiency in statistical forecasting techniques and software (e. g., SAS, R, Python)
- Strong understanding of supply chain management principles and S&OP processes
- Expertise in inventory management and optimization techniques
- Proficiency in data analysis and visualization tools (e. g., Tableau, Power BI)
- Advanced Excel skills, including pivot tables, macros, and VBA
- Knowledge of ERP systems and their integration with demand planning tools
- Proficiency in Salesforce CRM and its reporting capabilities
- Key Competencies (Behavioral)
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
- Strong communication and presentation abilities
- Leadership and team management skills
- Ability to mentor and develop direct reports
- Strong influencing skills to drive cross-functional collaboration
- Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
- Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy
- Adaptability and willingness to learn in a fast-paced environment
- Strategic thinking and ability to see the big picture
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Statistics, Engineering, or related field; MBA preferred
- Minimum 5-7 years of experience in demand planning or related roles within manufacturing organizations, including at least 5 years in a manufacturing or supply chain role
- Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) or other relevant professional certifications (e. g., APICS) preferred
- Demonstrated experience in building and leading a high-performance demand team with proven track record of developing team members
- Strong track record of improving forecast accuracy and inventory performance
- Experience with leading demand planning software (e. g., SAP APO, Oracle Demantra, JDA)
- Proficiency in Salesforce CRM and its integration with demand planning processes
- Working Conditions
Normal office and manufacturing facility environment. Some travel may be required, but not frequent (
Demand Planner in Scotland employer: AFL
AFL is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises innovation and collaboration in the fast-paced field of optical fiber network infrastructure. With a strong commitment to employee growth, AFL provides ample opportunities for professional development and career advancement, all while enjoying the flexibility of a hybrid working model in Milton Keynes. Join a team that values your contributions and supports your journey towards meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Demand Planner in Scotland
✨Join Supply Chain Meetups
Get yourself out there by attending supply chain meetups and industry events. It's a great way to meet fellow professionals, learn about trends, and maybe even hear about job openings before they’re posted online.
✨Show Off Your Skills on LinkedIn
Don’t just sit back and wait for opportunities! Post insights or articles on LinkedIn about supply chain challenges or solutions you’re passionate about. This not only showcases your expertise but can catch the eye of recruiters looking for someone like you.
✨Engage with Supply Chain Communities
Dive into online communities related to supply chain operations like forums or groups on Reddit and LinkedIn. Engaging in discussions can help you network, get advice, and you might even stumble upon some hidden job opportunities.
✨Apply through Our Website
When you spot a position at AFL, make sure to apply through our website directly. It's often the quickest way to get your application in front of the right people and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role of Demand Planner.
We think you need these skills to ace Demand Planner in Scotland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in supply chain operations. Whether it’s managing logistics or coordinating with suppliers, we want to see examples of how you've navigated the complexities of the supply chain. Concrete achievements, like reducing costs or improving delivery times, will definitely catch our eye!
Quantify Your Impact:When listing your previous roles on your CV, go for numbers! Mention percentages or actual figures where possible—like how much you've improved efficiency or reduced waste. It's all about showing us the tangible impact you've made in your past positions in supply chain operations.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:In your cover letter, don’t just regurgitate your CV. Instead, connect your experiences specifically to the role at AFL. Share why you're passionate about supply chain operations and how this full-time role aligns with your career goals—I mean, who wouldn’t want to hear that!
Research and Reflect:Before you apply, take some time to research AFL and its supply chain operations. Reflect on how your skills and experiences can fit into their operations. Being able to discuss their challenges and how you can contribute to solving them in your application will really make you stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at AFL
✨Know Your Basics in Supply Chain Management
Make sure you've got a solid grasp of key supply chain concepts like demand forecasting, inventory management, and logistics. We could be quizzed on these during technical rounds, so brush up on any software tools commonly used in the industry like SAP or Oracle. This knowledge will help us show we can hit the ground running!
✨Show Off Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss real-world scenarios where you've used data analysis to solve supply chain challenges. If you've got experience with tools like Excel or Tableau, get ready to talk about how you've used these to optimise processes or improve efficiencies. Employers love seeing that we can turn data into actionable insights!
✨Highlight Your Teamwork and Project Management Skills
In a full-time role, collaboration is key. Think of examples where you've worked on cross-functional teams or managed projects. Sharing how you navigated challenges while working with diverse groups will show that we can thrive in a dynamic environment like at AFL.
✨Research Specific Challenges Faced by AFL
Look into any unique supply chain challenges AFL might be facing, whether it's sustainability, supplier relationships, or global disruptions. Being prepared to discuss these topics shows that we're not only informed but also genuinely interested in how we can contribute to their success. That’s a big plus in any interview!
