Parts Demand Planner II

Company:

Finning Canada

Number of Openings:

1

Worker Type:

Permanent

Position Overview:

Reporting to the Demand Planning Manager, the Parts Demand Planner 2 will lead and execute the organizations sales and operations planning strategy. They will be integral in consolidating and validating the demand signals from business stakeholders and triangulating with financial sales plans. The Parts demand Planner 2 directly works with stakeholder in product support sales, marketing and finance to improve forecasting and demand planning of Caterpillar parts.

Job Description:

• Sales & Operations Planning
  • Candidate in this role will lead and execute the organization’s sales and operations planning strategy. Accountabilities for this role will include conducting monthly S&OP meetings with responsible branches and stakeholders to propose and implement solutions to improve demand and supply forecast accuracy. The purpose of this role is to improve tools, capabilities & processes within the organization related to Sales and Operations Planning.
  • This role will provide clear signals to management on upcoming demand & demand pattern changes and will develop risk assessments and mitigation activities. - This role will be accountable to providing inputs to monthly purchases plan, and monitor and report on important changes in sales forecasts, budgets, and business strategies. Responsibilities will include balancing timely supply of forecasted demand, assigning confidence factor to upcoming demand helping to drive inventory turns and OTIF improvements.
  • Establish regular update meetings with stakeholders to monitor performance, results and provide timely feedback; Identify performance drivers and limitations

• Demand Planning
  • The role will be responsible for development and deployment forecasting models to understand the demand signals of various product groups, branches and accordingly optimize the value chain relationships within the organization and provide transparency to the organization on constraints, opportunities, etc.                         
  • Develop, implement, and maintain a robust demand forecasting model. this will be accomplished through continuous conversations/touchpoints with sales force to understand upcoming demand, and changes to demand signal. Consolidating this data into a demand forecast (development). Once this data is consolidated implement the forecasting model to all industries (Product Group) and maintain integrity of forecast.
  • Develop and run reports to update forecast Accuracy and perform root cause Analysis to identify key drivers.

• Business Process
  • Capability to lead the development and enhancement of new tools needed for benefit of the group. Includes working with our Global Supply Chain – Center of Excellence team on creation and deployment of business tools such as demand sensing, PSI (Purchase, sales, inventory) and MRP (Material resource planning), to improve available and accuracy of data.
  • Develop junior staff through coaching and mentoring and acts as a change champion to support process improvements in an efficient and effective functioning supply chain department.
  • Active role in department projects that result in improved customer service levels and/or reduced operational costs.

• Allocation of time and resources approximately 40% tactical activities and 60% strategic improvements..
• Foster a work environment which successfully contributes to the achievement of the business goals and objectives for Finning (Canada), implementation and effective change management Maintain strong working relationships with stakeholders, customer facing branches and inter-departmental personnel. 10%

Specific Skills:

• Strong understanding of and fluency in Supply Chain and forecasting Systems
• Strong leadership, coaching and mentorship skills
• Ability to adapt to changing requirements and provide necessary support to direct reports and stakeholders
• Expert level in Excel and other MS Office programs (PowerBI).
•  Ability to automate reports using macros would be an asset.
• Experience in influencing or motivating people from diverse backgrounds and differing customer background.
• Highly collaborative with the ability to positively influence stakeholders at all levels
• Strong verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to handle complexity and balance with big picture
• Results-oriented with a bias for decisive action
• Must be analytical, detailed and results-oriented
• Proven ability to implement, drive and manage change
• Able to plan and prioritize work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals
• Demonstrates problem solving skills.
• Self-motivated with ability to work independently while also enjoying collaboration with cross-functional teams and other analysts.
• Strong analytical capabilities to analyze and synthesize information to understand issues, identify options, and support sound decision making
• Going the extra mile to get the job done

Knowledge:

• Advanced user of MS office programs (Excel, PowerBI)
• Experience of demand Management is a must.
• Knowledge of forecasting tools
• Understanding of forecasting, demand Planning & inventory management
• A deep understanding of a diverse customer base
• Comprehensive understanding of ERP system process and key system functions related to demand planning, and inventory management
• Knowledge Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) processes
• Knowledge in working with data connections across platforms
• Experience of demand Management would be an advantage.
• Knowledge and an understanding of customer, branch and industry requirements
• Knowledge of Caterpillar and other vendors inventory processes
• Understanding of Finning culture & systems
• Proficient in MS Office applications, advanced level in excel and internal systems
• Excellent understanding of CAT product, Industries
• Understands and adheres to Finning policies and procedures, including safety
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of broad or deep experiences in end-to-end supply chain management within heavy equipment, automotive, utilities, mining, parts or retail industry would be preferred;

Education & Experience:

• Extensive knowledge of Finning and Caterpillar Demand planning practices
• Minimum 3 years of Experience in supply chain; Experience in Finning Parts Department roles, including warehouse, front counter and inventory control will be of significant value or comparable industry knowledge
• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in business, supply chain, logistics or equivalent focus
• Experienced in the preparation and presentation of business cases
• Proven project management experience
• 3-5 years’ experience in an Inventory Management, Purchasing, or Supply Chain role. MRP/ERP experience is preferred
• Professional Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP) designation, or American Production and Inventory Control Specialists (APICS) designation is preferred

At Finning, we prioritize creating a diverse and inclusive environment. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and we actively encourage all individuals to express themselves and achieve their full potential. As a company, we continuously strive to enhance our outreach to individuals of all backgrounds and identities. We do not discriminate against applicants based on gender identity, race, national and ethnic origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, marital and family status, and/or mental or physical disabilities. Furthermore, Finning is committed to collaborating with and providing reasonable accommodations /adjustments to individuals with disabilities. If you require an adjustment/accommodation at any point during the recruitment process, please inform your recruiter.