Planner

OVERVIEW

Reporting to the Planning Manager, the Planner is responsible for supporting all demand and supply planning activities for wheels, tires, and accessories to ensure accurate forecasts, optimized inventory levels, and timely replenishment. This role maintains forecasting datasets, manages planning parameters in SAP, develops analytical reports, and supports continuous improvement initiatives that reduce manual work and enhance data-driven decision-making.

The Planner plays a key role in maintaining the forecasting engine, improving data quality, automating planning workflows, and ensuring the right products are available at the right time—while minimizing excess and obsolete inventory.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Forecasting & Demand Planning

• Maintain and update demand forecasting datasets across all product categories
• Run and validate statistical forecasting models (Holt-Winters, seasonal models, trend analysis, etc.).
• Perform forecast accuracy analysis and identify improvement opportunities.
• Investigate demand outliers, spikes, and zero-demand periods; flag and escalate exceptions.
• Collaborate with the Planning Manager to test and adopt additional forecasting methods.

Supply & Replenishment Planning

• Translate demand plans into replenishment inputs for procurement (pre-PO stage).
• Update planning parameters in SAP (safety stock, reorder point, lead times, MOQ).
• Identify SKU-level risks such as potential stockouts, late replenishment, or demand shifts.
• Support supplier ordering strategy by providing data on optimal order frequency and quantities.
• Work with the Inventory Analyst on lifecycle status changes that impact replenishment.

Inventory Monitoring & Analysis

• Track inventory KPIs including turnover, aging, excess, and slow-moving stock.
• Review inventory levels weekly and highlight items requiring adjustment to planning parameters.
• Assist in SKU segmentation (ABC/XYZ) and maintain segment-specific planning strategies.
• Perform root-cause analysis for stockouts, excess inventory, or forecast inaccuracies.

Data Quality, System Maintenance & Automation

• Cleanse and maintain critical master data used in forecasting and planning.
• Ensure SAP planning parameters are accurate, current, and reflect product lifecycle status.
• Develop Power BI dashboards and reports to support planning KPIs and visual analytics.
• Build and maintain automated queries and data pipelines to reduce manual work.
• Support implementation of exception-based and automated planning processes.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work with Sales, Product, Logistics, and Procurement to gather demand, lead-time, and product information
• Provide data-driven insights to support new product introductions, discontinuations, and transitions.
• Support S&OP activities by preparing forecast data, variance reports, and planning KPIs.
• Collaborate with Inventory Analyst to align lifecycle management with forecasting and supply plans.

BEHAVIOURS

• Analytical Thinking & Data Literacy
• Continuous Improvement Mindset
• Organization & Prioritization
• Technical Agility (Systems, Queries, BI Tools)
• Results Driven
• Adaptability & Learning Orientation

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business Analytics, Economics, Statistics, or related field.
• 3–6 years of relevant experience in demand, supply, or inventory planning within a procurement or supply chain environment.
• Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, complex formulas, Power Query).
• Strong Power BI skills (data models, dashboards, DAX preferred).
• Statistics knowledge preferred (time series analysis, smoothing models, regression).
• Experience working with ERP systems (SAP ByDesign is an asset).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail.
• Ability to manage large datasets, identify anomalies, and maintain data accuracy.
• Bilingualism (French and English) is required for this role, as it involves regular communication with internal teams, suppliers, and partners.