Demand Planning Analyst

Role Purpose:

• To provide the organization with analytics which facilitate data driven demand planning and decision-making processes.
• Delivered through high degree of professional support and subject matter expertise related to Demand Planning Process, Systems, and Best Practices.
• This hands-on analytical expert must be able to identify, recommend, and co-lead continuous improvement initiatives which better Syngenta’s forecast performance and overall business results.

Accountabilities:

Demand Planning Improvements

• Validate and maintain data integrity inside SAP IBP (Actuals, Forecast, Master Data)
• Determine and assign Best-Fit Statistical Forecast Algorithm for all products & areas
• Support Demand Planners to utilize Stat. Forecast as baseline Sales Forecast when relevant
• Support countries in improving the quality of demand by review of unconstraint vs. constraint forecast, management of demand uncertainty
• Determine and Maintain Forecast-ability class (XYZ) and Stat. Forecast Reference attributes (ID3) in IBP System Data

Provide Analytics & Technical Expertise

• Serve as technical expert for IBP forecasting tool, process & systems integration
• Perform Forecast Performance & Root Cause Analysis’ deep dive (monthly) report findings and recommendations with local demand planning team
• Complete Forecast Value-Add (FVA) Analysis: Validate Statistical forecast fitness, alternate opinion line results, identify error trends, identify & recommend opportunities for greatest performance and efficiency gains in monthly SOP cycle.
• Set up and track exception flags to alert business for proactive error avoidance

Continuous Improvements

• Set up and maintain reporting tools for demand planning improvements and reporting using Power BI and Qlik sense
• Explore use of new, alternative, advanced statistical forecasting, and analytics techniques
• Implements improvement initiatives in coordination with Global & Local Demand Planning, Centers of Expertise, and Commercial functions
• Train Demand Planners in basic statistics, error detection, performance improvement, and IBP system functionality

Additional Activities, Capabilities & Deliverables Supported

• Provide prioritized list of forecasts for Local Demand Planners’ review, include targeted areas of focus (concerns, opportunities, horizon, what to look for and why)
• Execute changes per Demand Planner feedback, document commentary, future actions, and decisions as necessary
• Prepare Standard Monthly Packs and Reports used during Review with Demand Planners
• Maintain local trainings, process, and tool documentation to ensure up to date

Knowledge, experience & capabilities

Critical knowledge

• Bachelor’s Degree in Statistical Analytics, Data Scientist, Information Systems, Supply Chain Management or Finance
• Strong understanding of Sales forecasting, Demand Planning, and Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) processes
• Expertise in statistical forecasting (modeling, techniques, data-mining and advanced analytics) related to seasonal product forecasting for business is a strong plus
• IBF CFP / ACFP, IIF CIFP, and/or APICS CPIM certifications (or equivalent) are a strong plus
• Fluent in English (other languages are an advantage)

Critical experience

• Advanced skills in Excel, PowerPoint, Access, SAP BI and QlikView/Tableau/ Power BI reporting tools
• Experience in Sales forecasting, reporting, optimizer, and ERP systems (SAP, APO, CRM etc.)
• Experience with creating and facilitating training sessions & workshops
• Experience working remotely while connecting with users across time zones, countries, cultures, and functions in a complex matrix organization

Critical technical, professional, and personal capabilities

• Proficient Analytics skills
• Ability to analyse and interpret data and turn it into business meaning
• Excellent presentation and communication skills (both technical and non-technical vocabulary)
• Ability to work autonomously to deliver outcomes
• Ability to work remotely from central location and effectively connect to multiple users per month
• Able to improve current work processes to maximise planning efficiency and effectiveness
• Ability to problem solve while working across functions, groups and teams
• Seeks to continuously grow knowledge in area of Stat. forecasting, Reporting, Data & Analytics
• Highly organized, proactive, team player excellent change & process management skills
• Looks for new and innovative ways to add value for the company
• Results oriented, self-motivated, highly customer focused (both internal and external)
• Ability to develop network across organization, ability to influence, educate and motivate people

Critical leadership capabilities

Lead others

• Influence: Influences and motivates others, clearly communicates appropriate information on how associates can contribute to the goals of the organization and articulates a compelling position. Positions and explains ideas and proposals in ways that get support from others.
• Collaboration: Fosters a sense of collaboration and works effectively with others across the organization to achieve goals. Facilitates interaction of co-workers and external partners. Creates an environment for honest and open discussion to lead changes.

Lead self

• Establish trust: Gains the confidence and trust of others through principled leadership, sound business ethics, authenticity, and follow-through on commitments. Establishes open, candid, trusting relationships; treats all individuals fairly and with respect; maintains high standards of integrity.
• Learning agility: Responds resourcefully, flexibly, and positively when faced with new challenges and demands. Willingly and effectively deals with the stress and complexities of various situations. Moves forward productively under conditions of change or uncertainty.

Critical success factors & key challenges

• Ability to analyze and interpret data and turn it into business meaning
• Manages own performance to ensure high standards, steps beyond comfort zone
• Able to drive improvements in business and processes through others (non-direct reports)

Additional information

• Flexible work hours, able to work across multiple time-zones

Note: Syngenta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or any other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status

Follow us on: Twitter & LinkedIn

https://twitter.com/SyngentaAPAC 

https://www.linkedin.com/company/syngenta/

Syngenta is one of the world’s leading agriculture innovation companies dedicated to improving global food security by enabling millions of farmers to make better use of available resources. Through world class science and innovative crop solutions, our 28,000 people in over 90 countries are working to transform how crops are grown. We are committed to rescuing land from degradation, enhancing biodiversity and revitalizing rural communities.

A diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace environment are enablers of our ambition to be the most collaborative and trusted team in agriculture. Our employees reflect the diversity of our customers, the markets where we operate and the communities which we serve. No matter what your position, you will have a vital role in safely feeding the world and taking care of our planet.

To learn more visit: www.syngenta.com and www.goodgrowthplan.com