Supply and Demand Planner

Griffin Resources is recruiting for a Supply and Demand Planner on behalf of Heinemann Americas, Inc. located in Coral Gables, FL.

Founded in 2014 as a subsidiary of Germany-based Gebr. Heinemann, Heinemann Americas has grown into a key player in cruise retail and distribution, backed by over 140 years of expertise in Travel Retail. Serving cruise lines, airports, airlines, border shops, free trade zones, and crew shops across North, Central, and South America as well as the Caribbean, Heinemann Americas is dedicated to close collaboration with clients, partners, and suppliers. Our focus extends beyond product offerings, delivering pioneering store concepts, unique services, and innovative solutions that adapt to the evolving demands of the market.

The Supply and Demand Planner will be responsible for overseeing the demand and supply planning for assigned product categories. This includes preparing accurate forecasts for both internal use (via SAP Planning) and external use (by suppliers) at the category, supplier, or article level, and within appropriate time buckets such as weekly, monthly, quarterly, and yearly.

The Supply and Demand Planner will analyze actual demand versus forecasts and work to improve forecast accuracy through enhanced forecasting processes. They will also manage supply from vendors and inventory levels in the warehouse to ensure consistent product availability for all customers.

Additionally, this role is accountable for ensuring merchandise arrives on time and in full by effectively managing purchase orders with vendors and optimizing inventory levels. A key focus will be on the continuous improvement of forecasting and supply processes, as well as the systems that support them.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Prepare background information to support sales forecasting
• Prepare Sales Forecasts for Suppliers and also for internal use (SAP Planning)
• Plan and execute purchase orders to global suppliers
• Maintain Purchase Order Status within the SAP System
• Report proactively product availability issues and work on solutions
• Analyze inventories to determine how to increase inventory turns, reduce waste, or optimize customer service
• Analyze and optimize lead time & sourcing cost
• Lead root-cause analysis into major forecast variances
• Lead initiatives to improve forecast accuracy and monitor and report Supplier Performance : On Time In Full (OTIF), lead root-cause analysis into major forecast variances
• Lead and maintain Open to Buy process for assigned Categories with alignment on receipts and inventory levels that support and drive forecast sales
• Present business results and forecasts during monthly OTB meetings
• Provide continuous improvement to reporting, interpreting data and developing actionable strategies based on results
• Collaborate with Logistics on inbound and outbound product flow for enhanced speed-to market initiatives
• Monitor, report and analyze significant variances between customer ordering and sales forecast
• Maintaining relationships with suppliers, consistently discussing performance metrics to provide performance feedback and forecasts.
• Implement new or improved supply chain processes and continuously look for improvements within operations
• Utilize and optimize available tools to deliver product in line with forecast demand – including but not limited to data analysis, promotional activity and collaboration with sales/operations, commerce/marketing and category management teams
• Work with vendor partners to improve/increase fill-rates, timely shipping, and vendor compliance
• Working pro-actively with various departments to realize efficiencies and manage expectations

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Financial Responsibilities:

• Inventory Cost, Receiving Cost, Purchase Forecast (Cashflow)
• Collaborate with Category Management team on currency of inventory, markdowns/clearance of aged and slow moving stocks and presentation (target on hand) quantities and quantify financial impact
• Develop exception-based reporting to identify missed opportunity / lost sales and develop strategies to address product needs to maximize sales potential
• Present business results vs. forecast/plan during OTB meetings with actions in line with financials and effects on inventory levels

Qualifications:

• Bachelor degree in Business, Operations, Supply Chain or minimum 5 years relevant and
• experience.
• Minimum of 3 years Supply Chain (planning & procurement) experience

Knowledge & Skills:

• SAP knowledge preferred (ERP, F&R)
• Strong analytical, planning and organizational skills
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (oral & written)
• Self-starter with ability to work independently under pressure and react quickly to changing priorities
• Excellent retail math and critical thinking skills required, as well as the ability to communicate at the appropriate level of detail or summarization, given the audience and objective
• Financial savvy including experience with cost inventory methods of accounting
• Proficiency in Microsoft applications such as Outlook, Excel, Word, Power Point; strong Excel skills required as the position involves creating/maintaining many complex spreadsheets. Experience with Pivot Table Access preferred

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those requirements employees must meet to perform the essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodations. While performing job functions the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, write, review and type reports, compile data, operate a pc, communicate, listen, and assess information. The employee may move about the office complex, may travel to other office locations and may lift, push, pull or move 10 – 15 pounds. Visual requirements include distant, close and color vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. The environment includes work inside/outside the office.