Demand Planner

Job SummaryResponsible for modeling demand, planning replenishment and managing inventories with an emphasis on ensuring service level goals are achieved at the lowest possible cost on all products within a specified area of responsibility. Work on building product level forecasts across VWR product offerings. Support Operations’ initiatives in the areas of inventory and financial analysis. Participate in business planning and tracking team performance relative to goals. Develop proactive reporting tools that enable informed sourcing and purchasing decisions. Collaborate with customers, Sales and/or suppliers to improve service level and fill rates to VWR and our customer, through the S&OP (Sales & Operation Planning process.MAJOR JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (List in order of importance)Apply analytical and statistical techniques to develop a tactical demand forecast and replenishment plan supporting key product lines and/or specific customer requirements.

Determine optimal inventory position for each SKU/stocking location. Maximize VWRs investment in inventory. Analyze data and make recommendations on increasing/decreasing inventory targets; establish ideal safety stock targets. Collaborate with Sales and/or customer for support of recommendations.

Participate in inventory planning activities including, but not limited to, ownership and maintenance of supply planning models and/or ERP planning system.

Support Sales and Operations Planning process efforts.

Partner with Finance, Marketing and Purchasing Teams to project, track and control Excess and Obsolete Inventory levels. Prepare purchasing and inventory forecasts and financial projections. Analyze variances between actual and budgeted/forecasted activity.

Partner with inventory management team to reduce inventory write-offs

Partner with Marketing, Strategic Sourcing and Portfolio in the forecasting and coordination of new product launches. Analyze the predicted impact of new supplier/product launches, product promotions, or discontinuations.

Proactively adjust forecast and replenishment strategies to optimize inventory investment.

Commit company resources to support stocking request, new launches and initiatives.

Negotiate changes with suppliers as needed.

Identify and correct Supply Chain constraints by acting as liaison between Sales, Customer Service and suppliers.

Establish, maintain, report and analyze trends for Key Performance Indicators for forecast accuracy, demand variability, inventory, and backorder.

Develop an understanding of product family life cycles and perform trending analysis to determine proper inventory levels.

Drive process standardization.

Monitor inventory data integrity (e.g., receiving/inspection, cycle count accuracy).

Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS (Education/Training, Experience and Certifications)Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management, Commerce, or other applicable discipline or equivalent experience

2-3+ years procurement experience with enterprise level planning

Bilingual in English and French an asset.

APICS/CPIM certification preferred

Global Supply Chain experience a plus

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES (Those necessary to perform the job competently)Knowledge of forecasting methods is highly desirable

Formal problem-solving training desirable, i.e. Six Sigma

Proficient in MS office suite (Excel, Access, Word).

Demonstrated ability to analyze large data sets; Strong system aptitude required

Solid written and verbal communication skills, experience in a matrix environment desirable

Strong analytical skills

Solid knowledge and practical use of forecasting and inventory planning tools; i.e. SAP, QlikView or equivalent

ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL EFFORT (Under Typical Positions)Typically works in an office environment with adequate lighting and ventilation and a normal range of temperature and noise level.Work assignments are diversified. Examples of past precedent are used to resolve work problems. New alternatives may be developed to resolve problems.A frequent volume of work and deadlines impose strain on routine basis.Minimal physical effort is required. Work is mostly sedentary but does require walking, standing, bending, reaching, lifting or carrying objects that typically weigh less than 10 lbs. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with a job.DISCLAIMER:The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position.Avantor is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.EEO StatementWe are an Equal Employment/Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/province, or local law. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at TalentManagement@avantorsciences.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.For more information about equal employment opportunity protections, please view the Equal Employment Opportunity is THE LAW Poster, EEO is the Law Poster Supplement, and Pay Transparency Non-Discrimination Provision using the links below.EEO is the LawOFCCP EEO SupplementPAY TRANSPARENCY NONDISCRIMINATION PROVISION3rd party non-solicitation policyBy submitting candidates without having been formally assigned on and contracted for a specific job requisition by Avantor, or by failing to comply with the Avantor recruitment process, you forfeit any fee on the submitted candidates, regardless of your usual terms and conditions. Avantor works with a preferred supplier list and will take the initiative to engage with recruitment agencies based on its needs and will not be accepting any form of solicitationAvantor® is a leading global provider of integrated, tailored solutions for the life sciences and advanced technology industries. Strengthened by the recent acquisition of VWR, the Company is a trusted partner to customers and suppliers from discovery to delivery. With operations in more than 30 countries and a diverse portfolio that includes more than four million products, Avantor enables customer success through innovation, cGMP manufacturing and comprehensive service offerings. Collectively, we set science in motion to create a better world.Learn more at www.avantorsciences.com