As the Demand & Supply Analyst / Planner, you will be responsible for end-to-end Demand Planning, Replenishment, and Supply Planning for Finished Garments and Raw Materials (Fabric & Trims) across Uniform Programs and Stock Holding Programs.
The role ensures the right products are available at the right time, balanced against predefined stock valuation limits to protect customer financial exposure, company cashflow, and overall stock investment.
This position requires close collaboration with Raw Materials Buyers, CMT Controllers, Clothing Production Manager, Import Controllers, Procurement, and Sales to prevent Out of Stock (OOS) and overstock situations while supporting high-volume recurring uniform orders and custom Made-to-Order (MTO) requirements typical in the uniform industry.
You will also lead continuous improvement initiatives within the Demand Planning & Forecasting function by developing tools, processes, and procedures to improve forecast accuracy, inventory performance, and service levels.
Essential Requirements
- VERY IMPORTANT: Advanced Microsoft Excel skills with deep understanding of formulas, statistics, logic, and forecast model-building foundations.
- Relevant tertiary qualification in Demand Planning, Supply Chain, Operations, Mathematics, or related field.
- Minimum 3–5 years’ experience in Demand Planning, Forecasting, and/or Supply Planning.
- Proven experience working with Forecasting, Demand Planning, and Supply Planning software.
- Experience in Clothing, Apparel, Uniforms, or CMT Manufacturing is highly advantageous.
- Strong numerical and financial acumen; ability to analyse, interpret, and communicate data clearly.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ERP systems (Acumatica or similar).
Key Competencies & Attributes
- Exceptionally strong attention to detail and data accuracy.
- Proactive, problem-solving, solution-driven mindset.
- Ability to make fast, sound decisions under pressure.
- Calm, adaptable, and resilient in a high-stress, fast-paced environment.
- Strong planning, prioritisation, and time management skills.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to align multiple stakeholders.
Demand Forecasting & Planning
- Forecast demand for finished garments across uniform programs and stock holding ranges.
- Analyse historical demand, size curves, comparative supplier trends, seasonality, and client contract requirements to generate accurate weekly and monthly demand forecasts.
- Work closely with the Sales team to incorporate insights on new contracts, tender wins, renewals, range refresh, and promotional activity.
- Manage product lifecycles, including introduction of new uniform styles and planned phase-in and phase-out of discontinued items.
- Plan dependent demand, converting finished garment forecasts into fabric and trim requirements.
- Develop, implement, and continuously improve forecasting models, tools, templates, and demand planning processes using Microsoft Excel and planning systems.
- Run and chair weekly Demand Planning meetings, ensuring all relevant stakeholders are aligned on forecast changes, risks, and actions.
Replenishment, Inventory & OOS Management
- Plan and manage replenishment orders for finished garments and raw materials to meet service level targets without excess inventory.
- Monitor Out of Stock (OOS) SKUs daily and proactively investigate, escalate, and action root causes.
- Determine and maintain safety stock levels, reorder points, and item planning parameters.
- Optimise stock holding by reducing OOS, improving OTIF (On Time In Full), and minimising excess, slow-moving, or obsolete stock.
- Manage stock holding in line with predefined stock valuation limits, protecting customer financial exposure and company cashflow.
- Execute and manage stock transfers between warehouses or distribution centers.
- Maintain strong stockkeeping discipline across complex SKUs (size, colour, style).
Raw Material Supply Planning
- Supply plan fabrics and trims required for garment production in alignment with demand forecasts and production schedules.
- Work closely with Raw Materials Buyers, CMT Controllers, and the Clothing Production Manager to ensure uninterrupted production flow.
- Manage long and variable lead times associated with fabrics and accessories.
- Balance raw material availability to support both high-volume recurring orders and MTO requirements.
Purchasing, Execution & Cross-Functional Coordination
- Issue clear planning instructions for new Purchase Orders to CMT Controllers, Raw Materials Buyers, and Import Controllers.
- Work with Procurement, CMT, and Import teams to ensure purchasing and replenishment actions are executed timeously and according to plan.
- Track inbound shipments and proactively manage delays or supply chain disruptions.
- Provide production-ready planning outputs to support capacity planning and sequencing decisions.
Reporting, Communication & Stakeholder Engagement
- Establish structured reporting routines and ensure regular, timeous communication of risks, actions, and performance to all relevant stakeholders.
- Prepare and distribute weekly stock cover, OOS, and risk reports.
- Monitor and report on key KPIs including forecast accuracy, inventory turnover, stock cover, OOS, OTIF, and stock valuation.
- Manage demand peaks linked to employee anniversary calendars, seasonal changes, and corporate contract renewals.
Continuous Improvement
- Drive ongoing improvement of Demand Planning, Forecasting, and Replenishment processes.
- Improve data integrity, planning accuracy, and workflow efficiency across ERP systems and Excel-based tools.
- Document planning methodologies, assumptions, and procedures to support scalability, consistency, and business continuity.
