Analyst II, Demand Planner

Job Summary

Responsible for overseeing the forecasting process by analyzing historical data, market trends and other relevant factors to predict future demand.  Collaborate with Sales, Contracts, Marketing, Supply Planning and Pricing departments to gather necessary information and develop accurate forecasts to support business decisions, bid management and optimize inventory management.  Assists and supports the Demand Review Process for Integrated Business Planning, with the goal to drive revenue growth, improve profitability, and enhance the overall commercial performance of the product or product line

Job Responsibilities

• Gather and analyze customer sales forecasts, compare forecasts to actual customer demand and make appropriate changes using trend analysis and utilizing the SAP IBP forecasting tool.
• Analyze, track and maintain changes to forecasts based on customer awards and losses.
• Responsible for providing demand dynamics and recommendations to the Integrated Business Planning (IBP) processes to align strategic, operational, and financial business objectives.
• Engage in the IBP process by supporting Executives in gathering information and developing presentations.
• Participate in customer monthly meetings (internal and external) to align on forecast and order variances.
• Communicate forecast results, insights and recommendations to key stakeholders.
• Identify and mitigate potential risks to forecast accuracy, such as changes in market conditions or business operations.
• Support the transition of forecasting new product launch skus from Marketing to Commercial Operations.
• Act as the lead for cross functional team meetings by planning and developing presentations to ensure the most relevant topics are brought up for information sharing and decision making.
• Provide recommendations on unconstrained demand to optimize inventory levels, production schedules and other business decisions based on forecast results.
• Collaborate with the Marketing Team to convert new product launch forecasts to customer level forecasts.
• Coordinate cross-functional trend activities (Marketing and Financial information) to reconcile significant variances and refine the forecast model to reflect updated sales assumptions.
• Analyze wholesaler inventory levels utilizing customer portals or internal tools in order to evaluate stock and communicate to the Sales Team when necessary.
• Provide guidance to management on customer specific product allocation.
• Analyze inventory levels to ensure enough supply and recommend product allocation changes.
• Mitigate risks for failure to supply by analyzing daily sales orders and provide instructions for release, hold and offering alternate products.
• Drive customer compliance and promote short dated and risk inventory to Sales and Customer Service Teams.
• Provide guidance and recommendations on storage locations, target inventory levels, safety stock levels and maximum inventory levels.
• Work independently to manage the Bid Process prior to contracts for final decision.
• Analyze inventory for customer RFP’s and One Time Buys.
• Update and maintain Vistex and SAP with Supply results and bid results.
• Participate in monthly Commercial Operations Team meetings and One on One meetings with Management/Supervisor.
• Work closely with Managers and other departments throughout the company in order to resolve issues that could financially impact the organization.
• All other relevant duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

• Education
  • A BA/BS Degree or 3-5 years pharmaceutical or Supply Chain experience.
• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Strong and proven detail oriented individual with analytical and decision making skills .
  • Knowledge of the generic pharmaceutical industry.
  • Superior verbal and written communication skills.