Segment : Royal Canin

The EU Demand Planning Manager is responsible for leading the forecasting process for Royal Canin products. She/he is a key enabler to support product availability, deployment of new products, factory service excellence.

She/he is the expert on forecasting at strategic and operational level, and is also regularly consulted for hindsight related to assumption behind growth activities and network performance.

Core demand planning activities include Forecast Accuracy, scenario building based on market and regional insight, forecast analysis, systems management, product deployment, cross functional projects implementation, continuous process and organization improvement. He/She works in a team of regional planners in constant connection with Sales, Marketing, Finance, R&D, Supply Chain department.

What are we looking for?

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience which could include marketing, supply planning, demand planning / forecasting, supply chain development

• Demonstrated strong quantitative and analytical experience using Excel, Powerpoint and other computer applicative

• Demonstrated experience of delivering effective presentation using qualitative and quantitative data to influence leadership behaviors and decisions.

• Experience using advanced planning or forecasting systems such as Futurmaster

• Fluency in English is required.

• Strong communication skills and ability to work under tight deadlines.

What will be your key responsibilities?

Demand and Supply Planning (50%)

• Lead the forecasting process for a set of defined markets which includes the integration of historical sales trends, researching of demand drivers (competitive responses, trend, substitution effects, etc), development of Statistical forecast models and incorporating marketing and supply assumptions to develop a rolling 24-month forecast for a set of defined markets.

• Interface with Sales, Marketing, R&D and Supply teams to incorporate market / regional insights and assumptions into the forecast capture via S&OP+ forums.

• Lead periodical Supply Management Review with Markets to ensure clear communication regarding forecast, forecast variances and ensure supply feasibility of unconstrain requirements.

• Custodian of the regional planning process. Must secure ontime supply plan submission to supply chain, commercial, operation and procurement team.

• Animate community of local demand / supply planners to ensure coordination of activities

Product Deployment (25%)

• Support Regional product deployment by contributing to pre-launch deployment activities (definition of Road-To-Market, Language on packs, sourcing site, logistic information preparation…)

• Ensure perfect execution of decision made related to product change management in coordination with Regulatory, Marketing, Sales, Commercial or Supply function.

Continuous Improvement (15%)

• Measure Forecast Accuracy and Forecast Bias and execute Root Causes Analysis behind forecast variances and take corrective actions.

• Lead process improvement initiatives including best practices sharing across the European region and other Mars entities to improve forecast accuracy & process.

• Create and maintain documentation and standard operating procedures for demand planning processes and tools

System Maintenance (10%)

• Use and maintain FuturMaster as primary forecasting tool

• Maintains Product Life cycle in FuturMaster : start/end of forecast, continuation of forecast

• Ensure data quality and lead corrective action in case of system issue

What can you expect from Mars, and Royal Canin in particular?

• At Mars, we believe in a relationship of mutual trust, dignity and respect between our company and Associates that is more meaningful than the standard employer/employee relationship.

• As Associates, we can expect to be respected, supported and valued as individuals, to be treated fairly and equitably.

• An environment where you are empowered to be proactive and to take initiatives to make a difference.

• At Mars, we are committed to helping create a safe, healthy, and sustainable world for our partners and the communities in which we operate.

• You will work in a multicultural environment (more than 40 nationalities) and where your dog will be welcomed by more than 100 other Associates’ dogs at the office!

• A unique and ideal work environment to become the leader in health through nutrition for cats and dogs!

• You will evolve in the heart of an innovative production plant that will challenge you, on a daily basis

Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.