SAO Demand Specialist

Toronto, ON

Demand Forecast Specialist

Demand Planning – Metro Supply Chain

Summary:

The position is responsible for the development of sales/order forecast at the Store/SKU level. The Demand Specialist establishes Store/SKU clustering, seasonal selling profiles and exception reporting criteria for their assigned product categories - while making appropriate adjustments as dictated by forecast accuracy. This individual will be responsible for future product demand, analyzing inventory flow and developing forecast models.

Demand Specialists work collaboratively with other Supply Chain teams to review and resolve forecast exceptions and ensuring business strategies are appropriately implemented and maintained in the system. This includes load balancing to facilitate labour management and efficiencies at Store and at Distribution Centre level.

This role requires the ability to interpret data based on specific statistical criteria and to synthesize the findings from the analysis. Knowledge and experience of retail forecasting and experience with SAP forecasting systems or other "best in class" platforms is a definite asset.

Specific Responsibilities:

Track and maintain forecast accuracy and system parameters (business rules) for all products within assigned departments/stores
Review and manage the flow of goods from Distribution Centre to Stores
Identify and mitigate sources of forecast variance through collaboration with Replenishment Analysts and other members of the Supply Chain team
Coordinate cross-functional research activities to reconcile significant variances and refine the forecast model to reflect updated sales and marketing assumptions
Support management with risk assessments and mitigation activities
Utilize statistical forecast modeling software to review & analyze historical data and trends to forecast the high-level store demand
Utilize financial and quantitative analytics to review sales (turns, sales, gross margin, etc.) to assist in making key forecast and replenishment decisions
Maintain key reporting metrics to various business units
Build strong relationship with other business units to support business processes execution – as well as contribute to providing them with tangible/effective key periods suggestions and strategies
Identify and report on significant changes in sales forecasts, budgets and business strategies

Qualifications:

1-3 years’ experience in demand forecasting or supply chain replenishment in an environment with high numbers of store/sku records
University Degree in Supply Chain Management/Economics/Business/Engineering/Business Technology
Prior experience using forecasting software or a similar advanced demand forecasting tool (SAP or other best in class forecasting systems; Retail or Manufacturing
Advanced proficiency in Excel and/or SQL Server/Postgre SQL
Intermediate knowledge on Alteryx or equivalent modelling tools, and on graphic tool such as Power BI
Strong analytical skills with the ability to use statistical software to manipulate, analyze and interpret data from multiple sources for recommendations
Ability to understand and foresee implications of new information for current and future problem solving.
Good presentation skills and capable of delivering key messages to various audiences
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; able to work across departments
Strong customer focus with business acumen, problem solving skills and results orientated
Weekend and evening work as required on an occasional basis