Demand Planning Specialist (1 Year Job Contract)

The Position 

This position is responsible for end-to-end demand planning, efficient inventory management, and full product lifecycle coordination, including artwork and packaging activities where applicable. Working in close partnership with other BI Operating Units and both domestic and international third-party partners, the role ensures timely product supply, successful site transfers, new product launches, and all related lifecycle changes-such as packaging updates, portfolio launches, transfers, withdrawals, and re-packaging-in a cost-effective and compliant manner. The position also plays a key role in coordinating and supporting the Sales & Operations (S&OP) process within the Business Unit.(HP & AH Business Divisions)

This job posting is for an existing vacant position. 

Responsibilities

• Demand Planning
  -    Execute SAP (GRP)-based net requirements planning, including proactive monitoring and resolution of product-supply alerts.
  -    Ensure accurate and efficient master data setup in SAP/GRP to enable proper MRP functionality, fully aligned with global standards and cross-functional stakeholder requirements.
  -    Manage version control within planning systems in coordination with global and local partners such as Marketing, Regulatory Affairs, and other relevant stakeholders.
  -    Translate the marketing forecast into net supply requirements by evaluating inventory positions, safety stocks, demand signals, and system interfaces across local and international sources.
  -    Collaborate regularly with Marketing/Forecasting partners to review supply constraints, forecast deviations, accuracy trends, special promotions, potential write-offs, and opportunities to reduce obsolescence while supporting strategies to achieve
  inventory targets.
• Sales & Operations Process
  -    Driver and facilitator of the local S&OP process, ensuring strong cross-functional alignment and effective decision-making.
  -    Lead and moderate the full S&OP cycle at the local level, including ownership of product and supply reviews.
  -    Prepare and consolidate all relevant data, analyses, reports, and charts required to support discussions and decisions during S&OP meetings.
  -    Lead and actively participate in corporate S&OP meetings, ensuring timely preparation of all required information, presentations, and charts.
  -    Prepare and deliver all required data, reports, and visual materials for RAC meetings, and actively participate in the meeting discussions.
  -    Act as the key point of contact within the organization for all local S&OP related topics, ensuring clear communication and timely follow-up on
  actions.
• Inventory Management
  -    Oversee overall and product-level inventory management to ensure optimal stock levels and product availability.
  -    Serve as the key point of contact for global inventory target processes and local inventory management activities.
  -    Proactively inform stakeholders when inventory targets are at risk, including potential stock-outs or situations where planned inventory levels will not be met.
  -    Coordinate all necessary local and global actions in the event of a supply interruption, ensuring timely follow-up and resolution until normal supply is restored.
  -    Support the collaborative forecasting and replenishment process by providing accurate data, insights, and recommendations
• Product Lifecycle Leadership
  -    Lead and coordinate all local product lifecycle activities - including new product launches, product changes, line extensions, and product withdrawals ensuring timely, compliant execution aligned with global and regional processes.
  -    Act as the primary local owner of lifecycle-management processes, maintaining deep knowledge of both global and local SKU change procedures and serving as the key point of contact for lifecycle-related topics.
  -    Drive cross-functional decision-making by collaborating with Regulatory Affairs, Marketing, Finance/Controlling, Quality, Demand Planning, and the Global Product Supply organization to ensure readiness, alignment, and regulatory/operational compliance.
  -    Oversee local execution of the Launch & Change Implementation Process, ensuring all data, documentation, and system updates are completed according to global requirements.
  -    Coordinate layout code and packaging-related changes for multi-country SKUs, ensuring all materials and systems reflect accurate versions.
  -    Maintain visibility of launch timelines, change impacts, and implementation risks, ensuring effective escalation and alignment with internal stakeholders.
  -    Manage local activities for product transfers, ensuring smooth transitions and timely completion of system, artwork, and data requirements.
  -    Support product withdrawals, pruning, and divestitures by maintaining accurate SKU status across systems and coordinating workflow steps through established global processes.
  -    Ensure artwork readiness for all products, coordinating with global/local labeling teams to ensure timely release and compliance.
  -    Oversee leaflet management for vaccines shipped under liquid nitrogen in alignment (Specific for AH), where applicable in the Canadian context.
  -    Prepare and deliver analyses, reports, and statistical overviews related to demand planning, forecasting, and portfolio performance, ensuring leadership has clear visibility on lifecycle implications.
  -    Apply BI Global Supply Chain Regulation Overarching Document requirements to ensure local processes align with global governance frameworks.
  -    Maintain awareness of shipping, storage, and distribution requirements to support launch readiness-not to perform operational execution but to ensure
  compliance is considered during lifecycle planning.
• Master data ownership & maintenance
  -    Serve as the local GBS SAP Master Data Key User, responsible for creating and extending all new and discontinued product SKUs for BI Canada within the GBS SAP system.This responsibility will be assigned to a designated individual within the team.
  -    Act as the BIX@ Key User, ensuring accurate and timely maintenance of SKU master data within the ERP system. This responsibility will also be assigned to a designated individual within the team.
  -    Ensure data accuracy, completeness, and consistency across all master data elements related to product lifecycle, demand planning, and supply processes.
  -    Collaborate with global and local stakeholders to
  ensure alignment with master data standards, governance rules, and change-management procedures.

This position is based in the Burlington, Ontario office located at 5180 South Service Road and is flexible.
Employees in flexible roles are required to be at the office a minimum of 50% of the time each month and must report to the office when requested and required by their Manager/Department

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Life Sciences, or a related field (required).
• Master's degree (MSc or MBA) considered an advantage.
• Professional certifications such as CSCP, CPIM, or SCMP are strong assets.
• Training or experience with PLM systems, artwork/labeling tools, or regulatory processes is considered an advantage.
• Strong proficiency in SAP/GBS and ERP planning systems (MRP, master data, replenishment).
• Advanced Excel and analytical skills to manage, interpret, and communicate complex data.
• 5+ years of experience in Supply Chain, Demand Planning, or Product Lifecycle Management within a regulated or pharmaceutical/animal health environment.
• Hands-on experience with lifecycle and change-related systems
• Excellent cross-functional collaboration and communication skills, able to align with Marketing, Regulatory, Quality, Finance, Production, and Global Supply Chain.
• High attention to detail and strong data accuracy discipline, especially for master data and artwork/packaging changes.
• Ability to manage complexity and ambiguity, coordinating multiple concurrent launches, changes, and planning cycles.
• Excellent communication skills
• Excellent negotiator
• Proficient in English

Total Rewards