Regional Inventory & Planning Specialist

Job Summary:

The role of the Regional Inventory & Planning Specialist is responsible for developing accurate and timely demand forecasts for the MENA region and working with the Global Inventory & Planning team to effectively plan and replenish inventory. The primary objective of this role is to reduce inventory working capital and minimize forecast variability, while establishing in-stock rates that achieve regional sales goals. This role will assist in all demand planning duties, including estimating future product demand and developing forecast models, and overseeing the ordering process for regional SKUs.

The Specialist partners with Marketing, Operations, Supply Planning and Merchandising to gather inputs and build a consensus demand plan that drives supply planning and replenishment to the fulfillment centers. Additionally, the Specialist manages assigned regional vendors to support day-to-day business and company growth strategies, while collaborating with the Global Inventory Management team to optimize the full SKU portfolio. To succeed in this role, the candidate must be professional, highly analytical, and possess excellent communication skills, combining a statistical mindset with an intuitive understanding of business and forecasting policies.

Job Expectations:

• Develop and maintain effective forecast models based on industry trends and demand patterns

• Partner with management with risk assessments and mitigation plans regarding inventory health (e.g. excess stock) and demand

• Propose and implement initiatives to improve demand forecast accuracy

• Clearly communicate demand forecast estimations and key assumptions to management

• Monitor and report on important changes in demand forecasts, budgets and business strategies.

• Conduct monthly forecast maintenance to ensure data accuracy

• Resolve demand-related issues in a timely and effective manner

• Analyze historical sales, promotional impact, internal/external trends at company, category and or product level

• Analyze forecasts to identify root causes of gaps and refine forecasting methods for each category

• Provide inputs for vendor plans to support an Open to Buy (OTB) process

• Share accurate purchase projections and demand forecast with suppliers

• Provide actionable reporting and KPI updates focusing on forecast accuracy and metrics

• Optimize planning tools and business processes to drive efficiency, automation, and sales growth

• Collaborate weekly with Supply Planning and Merchandising to align on market insights and vendor performance

• Execute procurement plans based on demand forecasts and to support business goals

• Ensure adequate inventory for product launches, promotions, and events by partnering with Merchandising and Marketing

• Manage new product rollouts and monitor performance to ensure successful launches

The duties and responsibilities described above may provide only a partial description of this position. This is not an exhaustive list of all aspects of the job. Other duties and responsibilities not outlined in this document may be added as necessary or desirable, with or without notice.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong analytical mindset with excellent problem-solving skills

• Ability to translate complex quantitative data into clear business insights and actionable recommendations

• Proven ability to drive process improvements and capability development, from analysis to implementation

• Strong communication skills, to effectively collaborate with and present to cross-functional teams and senior management

• Hands-on experience with Demand Planning Software; proficiency in SAP IBP is highly preferred

• Strong attention to detail

Equipment Knowledge: 

• Advanced Excel proficiency required

• SQL proficiency strongly preferred to support analysis and autonomous reporting

• Strong technical proficiency, including advanced use of Google Workspace and the ability to work effectively across multiple digital communication and collaboration tools

• Experience with planning or inventory management systems (SAP/IBP preferred)

Experience Requirements:

7+ Years of experience in a demand planning/forecasting role, or relevant experience, preferably in an e-commerce environment. Solid understanding of inventory management practices and procedures. Education Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in business, forecasting, supply chain or related field, or a combination of education and equivalent work experience required. 

Judgment/Reasoning Ability:

Able to identify, troubleshoot and resolve problems quickly using sound judgment, poise, and diplomacy. Ability to use judgment and reasoning skills, and determine when to escalate issues, as required, in a timely manner.

Physical Demands: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a Team Member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the Team Member is regularly required to talk and hear. The Team Member is frequently required to sit, walk, climb stairs, use hands and fingers, bend, stoop and reach with hands and arms. Reaching above shoulder heights, below the waist or lifting as required to file documents or store materials throughout the workday. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Work Environment:

The noise in the work environment is usually moderate. Other factors are:

• A high-energy environment requiring the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines effectively

• Professional, yet casual working atmosphere

• Currently a remote-first setup. Note: a hybrid work model (combining remote and onsite presence) will be implemented once the permanent UAE office is operational.

• Willingness to work extended hours as business may require during peak time periods or to meet project deadlines

• Regional travel required, primarily to KSA (approx.10-20% of the time)