Senior Demand Planner

The Opportunity

This position is an onsite opportunity in the Abbott Diabetes Care Division. We are helping people with Diabetes lead healthier, happier lives. As a global leader in diabetes care, Abbott is constantly working to deliver the highest quality products and unwavering support to our customers. Consistent and accurate glucose monitoring is the foundation of any diabetes management plan, so we’re committed to continuous improvement in the way patients and professionals measure, track and analyze glucose levels.

As a Senior Demand Planner, you will execute analytical activities supporting Sales and Operations - S&OP - forecasting and demand planning; participate in the development of demand-based sales forecasts for the Diabetes Care product portfolio, including Freestyle Libre and Blood Glucose Monitoring devices. You will be a visible member of the team, and effectively work cross-functionally to achieve organizational and profitability goals. This is an onsite opportunity in Alameda, CA.

What You’ll Do

• ​Responsible for executing tactical components of monthly Demand Planning and IBP (Integrated Business Planning) processes including but not limited to: consensus forecasts, cross-functional assumption alignment, and management review presentations; backorder tracking, reporting and resolution; managing the supply change request (SCR) process;
• Work cross-functionally to achieve organizational goals; coordinate with commercial management to develop product life cycle; drive adherence to accountability; support project teams to ensure project success.
• Review historical sales trends, research demand drivers, prepare forecast accuracy data, and evaluate forecast results. Evaluate forecast accuracy and determine action plans to improve accuracy.
• Generate predictable sales forecasts for maximum benefit of resource allocation, capital utilization and investment decisions, including ability to dependably manage inventory tightly, reduce distressed inventory and assess staffing requirements; responsible for managing lot sequestering for key customers and the allocation process.
• ​Develop and recommend contingency plans in response to unexpected changes in demand/supply; provide timely and thorough assessment of problems and formulate solutions; propose solutions which present minimal disruption to the business; develop processes to mitigate re-occurrence.
• Provide regular benchmarking and adjust processes when beneficial.
• Participate in the preparation of executive level summaries and key assumptions, findings and observations along with actionable information; interpret ambiguous data; draw conclusions and provide recommendations.
• Resolving conflicts to deliver consensus forecasts across the functional groups.
• Responsible for compliance with applicable Corporate and Divisional Policies and procedures.
• Understand and comply with applicable EHS policies, procedures, rules and guidelines.
• Responsible for implementing and maintaining the effectiveness of the Quality System.

Experience You'll Bring
Required

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required. Typically requires 4 years of relevant work experience to develop the competence required to meet the skills and responsibilities of the position.
• Advanced use of Microsoft Office applications, with a specific focus on Excel; working knowledge of SAP/Symphony, Dodeca, and Data Analytics tools such as Power BI preferred.
• Must possess strong analytical and communication (Oral and written) skills and the ability to work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Proven experience influencing partner executives and are capable of influencing internal decision-makers to make decisions aligned with strategies and objectives benefiting the entire organization.
• Ability to clearly, concisely and accurately convey communications.
• Ability to form and develop interpersonal, professional relationships; display socially and professionally appropriate behavior.
• Ability to work independently and in groups.
• Demonstrated initiative and problem-solving skills; critical-thinking skills.
• Ability and aptitude to use various types of databases and other computer software.
• Ability to prioritize.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability and aptitude to provide solutions and contingency plans through the comprehensive review of alternatives.