Team Lead, Demand Planning and Forecasting

Team Lead, Demand Planning and Forecasting

About Medi-Market

MEDI-MARKET GROUP is a Belgian company active in the health and wellness sector. The group operates a chain of parapharmacies (Medi-Market Parapharmacies) and a chain of pharmacies (Pharmacies by Medi-Market Group). These two brands include 100 retail outlets (ranging from 400 to 1,000 m²), 7 health and wellness centers located in Belgium and Luxembourg, as well as two e-commerce platforms (https://pharmacy-medi-market.be/pharmacie; www.medi-market.be) accessible across Europe. The group, experiencing strong growth, pursues an omnichannel strategy and has ambitious goals for brand awareness and customer loyalty. Additionally, it recently acquired a chain of parapharmacies in Italy.

Job Summary

As the Team Lead of Demand Planning and Forecasting, you will guide a team of demand planners to accurately forecast product demand across our retail channels. This role includes managing demand planning, operational ordering, and collaborating closely with warehouse and procurement teams to optimize inventory levels. You will lead efforts in stock management, focusing on reducing overstock, dead stock, and outdated stock while maintaining product availability. Additionally, you’ll act as the key user and project lead for implementing advanced forecasting tools, coordinating with procurement, supply, and sales functions to enhance planning capabilities. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Demand Forecasting: 

• Lead and oversee the demand planning process for [product categories], ensuring forecasts align with business goals and seasonal trends. 

• Develop, manage, and continuously improve statistical forecasting models to enhance forecast accuracy. 

• Collaborate with sales and marketing teams to integrate promotional forecasts and anticipate market shifts. 

• Operational Ordering: 

• Oversee the operational ordering process, ensuring timely order placement with suppliers to align with demand forecasts. 

• Work with procurement and supplier management teams to address ordering needs and maintain strong supplier relationships. 

• Ensure order volumes meet demand while minimizing excess inventory and associated costs. 

• Warehouse & Stock Coordination: 

• Liaise with warehouse teams to improve delivery schedules, optimize reception, and streamline inventory management processes. 

• Collaborate with procurement on stock management initiatives to address overstock, dead stock, and outdated stock. 

• Implement strategies to balance stock levels for optimal product availability and cost-effectiveness. 

• Project Leadership for Tool Implementation: 

• Serve as the key user and project lead for implementing new-generation forecasting and planning tools within the team. 

• Engage closely with cross-functional stakeholders in procurement, supply, and sales to ensure alignment and effective adoption of the new tools. 

• Oversee the project lifecycle, from requirements gathering and testing to training and go-live, providing ongoing support and optimization post-implementation. 

• Team Leadership: 

• Manage, coach, and develop a team of demand planners, setting clear goals and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. 

• Conduct regular team meetings to review forecasts, highlight risks, and discuss mitigation strategies. 

• Drive collaboration within the team and cross-functionally to suppo