Senior Demand Planning Specialist
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Job Summary
In partnership with our client a fast-growing automotive trading and distribution company based in Dubai we are seeking a Senior Demand Planning Specialist to lead forecasting inventory management and procurement coordination across a dynamic and fast-moving operation. If you are analytical organised and ready to own the planning function at a senior level we want to meet you.
Who are we looking for
- You are an experienced demand planning and supply chain professional with 5 to 8 years of hands-on experience in forecasting inventory management and procurement coordination.
- You are deeply analytical comfortable working with large datasets ERP systems and Excel to drive accurate data-informed decisions.
- You are a natural problem solver who spots supply chain gaps before they become operational headaches and moves quickly to resolve them.
- You are a confident leader who can guide a team of planning coordinators allocate work effectively and hold people accountable to deadlines and standards.
- You are a strong communicator and cross-functional collaborator able to align Sales Finance and Operations around a shared planning view.
- You are proactive and detail-oriented ensuring procurement documentation pricing updates and supplier timelines are always accurate and up to date.
Your Responsibilities
Demand Planning and Forecasting
- You will develop and manage demand forecasts based on historical data market trends and sales inputs continuously monitoring accuracy and implementing improvements.
- You will collaborate with Sales and Finance teams to align forecasts with business targets and budget plans ensuring planning decisions are grounded in commercial reality.
Inventory and Stock Management
- You will monitor stock levels aging inventory and replenishment cycles to ensure optimal inventory health across the business.
- You will identify slow-moving stock and recommend corrective actions including pricing or procurement adjustments to minimise risk and improve stock turnover.
- You will ensure vehicle availability meets customer demand and operational requirements at all times.
Procurement Coordination
- You will oversee end-to-end procurement processes including PFIs POs DNs and related documentation ensuring accuracy and compliance at every stage.
- You will coordinate with global and local suppliers to ensure timely procurement and delivery proactively tracking timelines and resolving delays before they escalate.
- You will lead and support commercial negotiations with suppliers to secure competitive pricing and favourable terms.
Supplier and Pricing Coordination
- You will maintain strong relationships with core suppliers monitor their performance and escalate issues when required.
- You will ensure pricing updates are accurately reflected across systems and communicated clearly to internal stakeholders with timely approvals secured.
Team Leadership
- You will lead and support a team of demand planning coordinators and executives allocating tasks monitoring performance and guiding best practices in process compliance and system usage.
Reporting and Analysis
- You will track KPIs related to demand planning accuracy inventory performance and procurement efficiency preparing regular reports and dashboards for management review.
- You will provide insights and recommendations that improve planning and procurement strategies over time.
- Process Improvement and Compliance
- You will ensure adherence to company SOPs internal controls and procurement policies identifying process gaps and driving workflow improvements.
- You will support audits and ensure proper documentation and audit trails are maintained at all times.
What Success looks like
- Consistently high forecast accuracy that minimises stock-outs overstocking and unplanned procurement costs across the operation.
- A well-managed inventory with healthy stock turnover minimal aging vehicles and replenishment cycles that stay ahead of demand.
- Supplier relationships that deliver competitive pricing reliable timelines and proactive issue resolution with minimal operational disruption.
- A high-performing planning team that operates with discipline accuracy and a clear understanding of its priorities and deliverables.
- Regular insightful management reporting that supports confident decision-making at a senior level.
To be considered for this role you should have
- A Bachelors degree in Supply Chain Business Administration or a related field. An MBA or relevant certification is preferred.
- 5 to 8 years of experience in demand planning supply chain or procurement roles.
- Prior experience in the automotive trading or distribution industry is a strong advantage.
- Strong proficiency in ERP systems such as NetSuite SAP or similar platforms.
- Advanced Excel and data analysis skills with strong reporting and dashboarding capability.
- Experience in team handling or leading projects is highly desirable.
Challenges you may face in this role
- Maintaining forecast accuracy in a market where demand can shift quickly and supplier timelines are not always predictable.
- Balancing the demands of strategic planning with the day-to-day urgency of procurement coordination and supplier management.
- Managing a team while simultaneously owning senior-level deliverables across forecasting reporting and cross-functional alignment.
- Navigating complex global supply chains where delays pricing changes and documentation issues require fast and effective resolution.
The Goodies
- A senior-level mandate with real ownership over the planning and procurement function in a growing international business.
- Exposure to global supply chains cross-border procurement and a dynamic automotive trading environment.
- A collaborative and performance-driven team culture with genuine opportunities for growth and impact.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
