Senior Demand Planner

Job Title

Senior Demand Planner

Job Description

Department: Commercial Operations

Position Summary:

This is a core position responsible for demand forecasting of Philips Japan's medical devices and healthcare products. You will collaborate with sales, marketing, supply chain, and finance departments to achieve optimal product supply and improve customer satisfaction through highly accurate forecasting. As a senior staff member, you will lead the team's operations and drive improvements.

Specific Job Responsibilities:

• Forecast Creation using Statistical Models:
• Create product-specific and customer-specific baseline forecasts based on historical sales data.
• Utilize Excel and Power BI for trend analysis and visualization of seasonal fluctuations.

• Cross-functional Forecast Adjustment:
• Reflect campaigns and large projects through monthly reviews with the sales department.
• Gather new product launch schedules and promotion information from the marketing department.
• Coordinate supply plans with the supply chain department, considering inventory status and lead times.

• Refinement of Customer-Specific Forecasts:
• Conduct regular forecasting meetings with sales teams responsible for major hospitals and medical corporations.
• Collaborate with sales managers to reflect implementation schedules and budget status.

• Evaluation and Improvement of Forecast Accuracy:
• Analyze discrepancies with actual results (using metrics such as Forecast Accuracy, Bias).
• Formulate and execute improvement actions (e.g., reviewing forecasting models for specific product groups).

• Promotion of S&OP/IBP Processes:
• Report forecast data and propose strategies in monthly meetings.
• Present multiple scenarios based on gap analysis (e.g., countermeasures for sudden demand surges).

• Future Talent Development / Team Leadership:
• Review team members' work and provide training support.
• Promote standardization of forecasting processes and sharing of best practices within the team.

Role within the Company:

The Senior Demand Planner belongs to the Demand Forecasting team within the Commercial Operations department and plays a central role in enhancing the planning accuracy and operational efficiency of the entire business unit. The position is defined as follows within the company:

1. Role as a Cross-Functional Hub

• Integrates information from multiple departments such as sales, marketing, supply chain, finance, and customer service, functioning as an "information intersection" to reflect it in demand forecasts.
• Leads regular meetings with each department to confirm and adjust forecast assumptions and changes.

2. Data Provider Supporting Management Decisions

• Provides forecast data and scenario analysis for management to make decisions in monthly and quarterly S&OP (Sales & Operations Planning) and IBP (Integrated Business Planning) processes.
• Visualizes risks and opportunities based on forecast accuracy and gap analysis results, and makes strategic proposals.

3. Team Leader / Mentor

• Reviews the work of Junior Planners and analysts, provides training and guidance for operational improvements, and aims to improve the overall skills of the team.
• Promotes the standardization of forecasting processes and the introduction of best practices to enhance team productivity and quality.

4. Liaison with Global Teams

• Through collaboration with Philips' global demand planning team, adjusts forecasting models to reflect the characteristics of the Japanese market and localizes global best practices.
• Facilitates smooth information sharing and coordination through English communication with overseas locations.

Social Significance:

Philips Japan provides life-critical products such as diagnostic imaging equipment, patient monitoring systems, and treatment devices used in medical settings. The accuracy of demand forecasting is a crucial factor that determines whether these products reach medical institutions at the necessary time.

This position creates the following social value by improving forecast accuracy:

• Support for Stable Supply to Medical Frontlines:

Improved forecast accuracy prevents shortages and delays in medical equipment delivery, supporting an environment where healthcare professionals can focus on treatment with peace of mind.

• Indirect Contribution to Saving Patients' Lives:

Timely supply of medical equipment enhances response capabilities in emergency medicine and surgical settings, leading to saving patients' lives.

• Optimal Utilization of Medical Resources:

Reducing excess inventory and unnecessary transportation contributes to cost reduction for medical institutions and a reduction in environmental impact.

• Rapid Response during Disasters and Pandemics:

Demand fluctuation forecasting and scenario planning strengthen emergency supply systems, contributing to improving overall societal resilience.

Thus, this is not merely a "forecasting task" but a crucial role that bears the stability of medical infrastructure and social responsibility.

Examples of Tools Used:

• Excel (Pivot tables, functions, VBA)
• Power BI (Dashboard creation, data visualization)
• SAP (Acquisition of sales performance and inventory data)
• Demand forecasting tools (e.g., Demand Planning Module, Forecast Pro)

Practical Experience Required for this Position:

• Multiple years of experience in demand forecasting, supply planning, production planning, or S&OP/IBP related work.
• High communication skills in Japanese and English.
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams.
• Service level management skills for both demand and supply.
• Advanced analytical skills, especially with Excel (general Microsoft applications).
• Experience using SAP and demand forecasting applications (preferred).
• Talent management experience (preferred).

Desired Candidate Profile:

• Individuals with a Bachelor's degree in Economics, Commerce, Supply Chain, Marketing, or Finance.
• A neutral/positive mindset that can flexibly adapt to a rapidly changing environment.
• Individuals who support team growth and aspire to a managerial career in the future.

Application Requirements:

• Contract Period: Indefinite term
• Probationary Period: Yes (generally 6 months from the date of joining)
• Job Responsibilities: (Immediately after hiring) As above (Scope of change) Duties determined by the company
• Work Location: (Immediately after hiring) Head Office (Azabudai Hills) (Scope of change) Work locations determined by the company
• Working Hours: 9:00-17:30 Break time: Generally 12:00-13:00
• Work Style: Hybrid (3 days office attendance per week, up to 2 days remote work possible)
• Holidays: Every Saturday (scheduled holiday), Sunday (legal holiday), national holidays, year-end/New Year holidays (December 29 - January 4)
• Leave: Initial year paid leave up to 20 days (2nd-5th year: 20 days / 6th year onwards: 25 days granted), Care Leave (10 days per year), Sick Leave (up to 30 days per year), etc.
• Overtime Work: Yes
• However, if hired for a managerial position, overtime pay is not applicable (late-night work allowance and holiday late-night work allowance are provided).
• Salary: Base annual salary 7-9 million JPY (will be considered based on experience)
• Bonus: Incentive 20%
• Incentives are paid every March. (Subject to change based on company performance, department performance, and individual evaluation).
• For those joining mid-year, a pro-rata calculation applies for the eligible period.
• Allowances: Commuting allowance provided.
• Insurance: Social insurance (Employees' Pension Insurance, Health Insurance), Labor insurance (Employment Insurance, Workers' Accident Compensation Insurance).
• Retirement Benefit System: Two-tiered system of lump-sum retirement payment and defined contribution pension.
• Training System: Various online training, post-onboarding support training available.
• Internal Job Posting System: System in place to promote internal career changes.
• Other: PhiliFlex points: 72,000 points (1 point = 1 JPY)