SENIOR DEMAND PLANNER

Asahi Europe & International (AEI) is part of Asahi Group Holdings (AGH), a global beer, spirits, soft drinks, and food group with leading positions in European and Asia-Pacific markets, listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, Japan. As of November 2020, Asahi Europe & International Group runs 19 production facilities in 8 countries across Europe and is the custodian of some of the best beer brands in the world, including Asahi Super Dry, Pilsner Urquell, Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Grolsch and Kozel. Within the Asahi Group, the remit of Asahi Europe and International is also to develop and manage all export markets globally, outside of Japan and Oceania. Covering 90 markets and with over 10,000 passionate colleagues on board, the business is well positioned to inspire people around the world to drink better.

Ursus is made with people, and we care about our people!

Role Overview:

A Senior Demand Planner ensures the delivery of reliable demand forecasts, serving as a key reference for supply, financial, and commercial planning. This role involves detailed analysis of historical sales data and validation of commercial inputs, integrating them into forecasts that accurately reflect market trends. The Senior Demand Planner coordinates cross-functional alignment processes to achieve a timely consensus forecast, while proactively identifying and escalating risks and opportunities through scenario planning. This integrated and adaptive approach enables other functions to provide effective and timely input, supporting informed decision-making across the organization.

Responsibilities:

• Develop Accurate Demand Forecasts:
  Analyze historical sales data, marketing trends, and internal/external factors to generate baseline forecasts with various time granularities (monthly and weekly).
• Facilitate Cross-Functional Alignment:
  Lead monthly and weekly discussions with Sales, Insights, Trade Marketing, and Brands to integrate future commercial plans into the consensus demand plan for the S&OP process.
• Identify Risks and Opportunities:
  Perform gap analyses, identify risks and opportunities affecting the demand plan, and present corrective recommendations to key stakeholders.
• Refine Forecast Methodologies:
  Continuously validate and refine demand plans and methodologies, providing reports on forecast accuracy and proposing improvements for better predictions, inventory levels, and product availability.
• Align Demand Plan with Strategic Goals:
  Ensure the demand plan aligns with the company’s strategic objectives across mid- and long-term planning horizons.
• Support Strategic Planning:
  Provide data-driven insights on sales evolution and market demand to inform the strategic planning process.
• Collaborate with Customers:
  Engage in collaborative forecasting processes when required and promote a customer-centric mindset across the organization.
• Mediate Between Functions:
  Identify facilitators and blockers across the supply chain, enhancing communication between commercial and operational teams to ensure customer requirements are met.
• Analyze and Address OOS Issues:
  Investigate out-of-stock root causes, forecast accuracy failures, and delivery issues. Implement corrective actions to optimize stock levels and improve forecast accuracy.
• Act as Deputy:
  Represent the Demand Planning Manager in their absence, ensuring continuity in decision-making and operations.

Requirements (must have):

• Educational Background:
  Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Business, or equivalent experience.
• Technical Proficiency:
  Strong experience with Microsoft products, database-oriented software, or other planning tools.
• Language Skills:
  Proficiency in English.
• Professional Experience:
  Minimum of 4 years of experience in FMCG, particularly in Commercial or Demand Planning roles.
• Supply Chain Knowledge:
  Solid understanding of inventory management and supply chain processes.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
  Extensive experience working with commercial functions and key stakeholders in the planning process.

What we offer

• Working for the Beer Industry Leader, where the passion for what we do, the friendships we develop and the growth opportunities we have are the main ingredients of our success
• Comprehensive Medical Subscription: Health coverage to keep you in good shape.
• Life Insurance: Peace of mind with a secure life insurance plan.
• Bonus for special events: Additional incentives for special life events.
• Annual Bonus Scheme: Reward for your contributions with an engaging bonus program.
• Access to Benefit Platform: A wide range of perks that you can tailor flexibly to your needs.
• Extensive Training & Development: Grow your skills with various training sessions and development programs.
• Wellbeing programs: Access to an Employee Assistance Program.
• Monthly beer quota

We are committed to nurturing a workplace where we celebrate and respect difference, and support everyone to be true to who they are! At Ursus Breweries, part of Asahi Europe and International, we believe you can SHINE AS YOU ARE - no matter your age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disabilities, religion, or beliefs.  We want to support you to be courageous in your individuality and to know that whoever you are and whatever your circumstances, you can belong with us without having to conform.