Downstream Planner – Distribution & Replenishment

About the role

The Downstream Planner translates demand signals into executable distribution and replenishment plans, ensuring optimal product availability across warehouses, distribution centers, and customer locations. The role balances service levels, inventory, and logistics efficiency while working closely with demand planning, manufacturing, logistics, and sales teams.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute downstream replenishment plans for finished goods across regional warehouses, DCs, and customer fulfillment points.
• Convert demand plans and sales forecasts into distribution requirements and stock transfer orders (STOs).
• Maintain optimal inventory levels by managing safety stock, reorder points, and replenishment frequencies.
• Monitor inventory health, identify excess, slow‑moving, obsolete, or shortage risks, and drive actions to reduce excess and prevent stockouts.
• Coordinate with manufacturing planning to align production output with downstream needs.
• Work with logistics, warehousing, and customer service teams to ensure timely and accurate deliveries.
• Track and analyze KPIs such as service level (OTIF), inventory turns, days of inventory, and forecast adherence.
• Prepare regular performance reports for management reviews.
• Use ERP/APS systems (e.g., SAP APO/IBP, Oracle, Kinaxis, O9, Blue Yonder) for planning cycles and scenario analysis.
• Participate in process‑improvement initiatives to enhance planning accuracy, responsiveness, and automation.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations Management or a related field.
• 3–8 years of experience in downstream planning, distribution planning, or replenishment planning.
• Experience in manufacturing, FMCG, electronics, pharma or large‑scale distribution environments is preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.

Required skills

• SAP APO
• SAP IBP
• Oracle
• Kinaxis
• O9
• Blue Yonder