Senior Demand Planning Specialist

In partnership with our client a fast-growing automotive trading and distribution company based in Dubai we are seeking a Senior Demand Planning Specialist to lead forecasting inventory management and procurement coordination across a dynamic and fast-moving operation. If you are analytical organised and ready to own the planning function at a senior level we want to meet you.

Who are we looking for

• You are an experienced demand planning and supply chain professional with 5 to 8 years of hands-on experience in forecasting inventory management and procurement coordination.
• You are deeply analytical comfortable working with large datasets ERP systems and Excel to drive accurate data-informed decisions.
• You are a natural problem solver who spots supply chain gaps before they become operational headaches and moves quickly to resolve them.
• You are a confident leader who can guide a team of planning coordinators allocate work effectively and hold people accountable to deadlines and standards.
• You are a strong communicator and cross-functional collaborator able to align Sales Finance and Operations around a shared planning view.
• You are proactive and detail-oriented ensuring procurement documentation pricing updates and supplier timelines are always accurate and up to date.

Your Responsibilities

Demand Planning and Forecasting

• You will develop and manage demand forecasts based on historical data market trends and sales inputs continuously monitoring accuracy and implementing improvements.
• You will collaborate with Sales and Finance teams to align forecasts with business targets and budget plans ensuring planning decisions are grounded in commercial reality.

Inventory and Stock Management

• You will monitor stock levels aging inventory and replenishment cycles to ensure optimal inventory health across the business.
• You will identify slow-moving stock and recommend corrective actions including pricing or procurement adjustments to minimise risk and improve stock turnover.
• You will ensure vehicle availability meets customer demand and operational requirements at all times.

Procurement Coordination

• You will oversee end-to-end procurement processes including PFIs POs DNs and related documentation ensuring accuracy and compliance at every stage.
• You will coordinate with global and local suppliers to ensure timely procurement and delivery proactively tracking timelines and resolving delays before they escalate.
• You will lead and support commercial negotiations with suppliers to secure competitive pricing and favourable terms.

Supplier and Pricing Coordination

• You will maintain strong relationships with core suppliers monitor their performance and escalate issues when required.
• You will ensure pricing updates are accurately reflected across systems and communicated clearly to internal stakeholders with timely approvals secured.

Team Leadership

• You will lead and support a team of demand planning coordinators and executives allocating tasks monitoring performance and guiding best practices in process compliance and system usage.

Reporting and Analysis

• You will track KPIs related to demand planning accuracy inventory performance and procurement efficiency preparing regular reports and dashboards for management review.
• You will provide insights and recommendations that improve planning and procurement strategies over time.
• Process Improvement and Compliance
• You will ensure adherence to company SOPs internal controls and procurement policies identifying process gaps and driving workflow improvements.
• You will support audits and ensure proper documentation and audit trails are maintained at all times.

What Success looks like

• Consistently high forecast accuracy that minimises stock-outs overstocking and unplanned procurement costs across the operation.
• A well-managed inventory with healthy stock turnover minimal aging vehicles and replenishment cycles that stay ahead of demand.
• Supplier relationships that deliver competitive pricing reliable timelines and proactive issue resolution with minimal operational disruption.
• A high-performing planning team that operates with discipline accuracy and a clear understanding of its priorities and deliverables.
• Regular insightful management reporting that supports confident decision-making at a senior level.

To be considered for this role you should have

• A Bachelors degree in Supply Chain Business Administration or a related field. An MBA or relevant certification is preferred.
• 5 to 8 years of experience in demand planning supply chain or procurement roles.
• Prior experience in the automotive trading or distribution industry is a strong advantage.
• Strong proficiency in ERP systems such as NetSuite SAP or similar platforms.
• Advanced Excel and data analysis skills with strong reporting and dashboarding capability.
• Experience in team handling or leading projects is highly desirable.

Challenges you may face in this role

• Maintaining forecast accuracy in a market where demand can shift quickly and supplier timelines are not always predictable.
• Balancing the demands of strategic planning with the day-to-day urgency of procurement coordination and supplier management.
• Managing a team while simultaneously owning senior-level deliverables across forecasting reporting and cross-functional alignment.
• Navigating complex global supply chains where delays pricing changes and documentation issues require fast and effective resolution.

The Goodies

• A senior-level mandate with real ownership over the planning and procurement function in a growing international business.
• Exposure to global supply chains cross-border procurement and a dynamic automotive trading environment.
• A collaborative and performance-driven team culture with genuine opportunities for growth and impact.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.

Employment Type : Full Time
Experience: years
Vacancy: 1