JOB TITLE

GCC Demand Planning Manager

ABOUT ASTRAZENECA

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialisation of prescription medicines for some of the world\xe2\x80\x99s most serious diseases. But we\xe2\x80\x99re more than one of the world\xe2\x80\x99s leading pharmaceutical companies.

ROLE SUMMARY

Demand Planning position is responsible for all forecasting activities associated with customers mainly related to RDU (Rare Disease Unit) and Biologics products of AZ GCC. The Demand Planner creates and maintains forecast models for their customers, incorporating business intelligence and forecast information gathered from sales, marketing, finance and replenishment analysis with Global supply team. This position leads the dialogue each month for their respective customers and products with key counterparts in Sales, KAM, Finance and Marketing.

What you\xe2\x80\x99ll do

• Develop and maintain demand forecasts (operational forecasts) at multiple levels of aggregation for multiple financial periods as part of a demand planning function.

• Review historical sales trends, research demand drivers, prepare forecast data, develop statistical forecast models, and evaluate forecast results.

• Primary accountability is also to closely coordinate with Global Supply and logistics teams, ensuring smooth end to end supply delivery to markets in a timely manner, be it either for commercially registered packs or Patient specific packs (NPS) for both RDU and Biologics portfolio.

• Coordinate cross-functional research activities to reconcile significant variances and refine the forecast model to reflect updated sales and marketing assumptions.

• NPI (New Product Introduction) - Support first stock to Market and ensure correct demand signals and required Master Data set up. Where applicable support early access programs.

• Interact with Commercial, Finance and Distributors across GCC to understand demand forecast drivers.

• Utilize a collaborative and consensus approach by working with Commercial, Finance and Distributors drive improvements in forecasting to minimise the expiry risk at distribution hub.

• Review monthly the distributor stock levels at SKU level, estimate rolling monthly stock levels and propose replenishment orders to the distributor. Track batch utilisation by distributor and assess expiry risk.

• Manage and improve quality of forecasting accuracy and BIAS by partnering with cross-functional activities to reconcile significant variances and refine the forecast model to reflect updated sales and marketing assumptions.

• Monthly review stocks at company Distributor HUB and ensure effective utilisation of batches and minimise risk of write off.

• Provide input to the Supply Planning organization in developing inventory strategies on existing items, new products, and product phase-outs.

• Closely coordinate and communicate AZ distributor action plans with supply planning team.

Essential for the role

• Certified Supply Chain Professional or Equivalent.

• 5-years\xe2\x80\x99 experience in pharma demand planning

• Experience in GCC countries

• Knowledge of supply chain management techniques

• Excellent skills and experience including SAP including APO.

• Strong analytical ability, expert in MS Excel and MS PowerPoint

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, including oral and written

• High degree of accuracy with attention to detail

• Demonstrated ability to perform in an environment that emphasizes teamwork

• Ability to influence others without authority

• Demonstrated capacity to effectively manage multiple and frequently changing priorities

• Demonstrated ability to meet strict deadlines

Desirable for the role

• APICs certification

• Experience in Oncology or high value Speciality / Biologics products demand planning

• Setting up Statistical forecasting models

• Data science (AI / ML) applications to forecast and demand analysis

• Commercial / Market / Finance experience

• Project Management experience

• MBA

Only Candidates who are based in Dubai , UAE will be considered.

Why AstraZeneca?

At AstraZeneca we\xe2\x80\x99re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. There\xe2\x80\x99s no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients, and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration, and always committed to lifelong learning, growth, and development. We\xe2\x80\x99re on an exciting journey to pioneer the future of healthcare.

So, what\xe2\x80\x99s next?

• Are you already imagining yourself joining our team? Good, because we can\xe2\x80\x99t wait to hear from you.

• Are you ready to bring new ideas and fresh thinking to the table? Brilliant! We have one seat available, and we hope it\xe2\x80\x99s yours.

Where can I find out more?

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