Comments on: What Makes a Good Demand Planner? Sugar and Spice?

By: Sylvia Starnes

Sylvia Starnes — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 19:58:57 +0000

In response to the comments; in general, people with an engineering degree have advanced mathematical skills. Also, considering the rigorous engineering programs, they typically have the “thick skin” that is necessary when opposing parties disagree.

For many companies, the entry level demand planning position is an analyst. Once this person has successfully accomplished the roles of an analyst, they can then move to a to Demand Planner and Senior Demand Planner. I see it as a process of learning.

Also, as Sheri stated; the analyst must be a good with excel, but more importantly a good communicator and have strong leadership skills. A demand planner must be able to guide several different opposing teams to come together for the good of the company as a whole.

By: sheri

sheri — Tue, 04 Mar 2014 20:56:28 +0000

I would agree wholeheartedly with your take on the necessary qualifications. I “fell into” this field because quite frankly, the company I was with had a big allocation issue and i think i was the closest person they could grab. That being said, i spent 7 years in the trenches of this field and can say if you know Excel but can’t speak to what the data actually means – you’re not a planner or analyst – you’re just a person good at Excel. Communication. Leaning in. Certification. Did i say communication already? 😉

By: Faith

Faith — Tue, 31 Dec 2013 10:08:47 +0000

1. I find many recruiters listing a degree in Engineering as a prerequisite for demand planning; the author also mentions it above. I’m curious – How does a degree in Engineering equate to supply chain knowledge, or impart an advantage in demand planning (except for the math skills)?
2. I found this article when looking for advise on how to become a demand planner. When the author says 5 years demand planning experience gives a high quality start to being a demand planner, I am left wondering – how do I become a demand planner in the first place before I get the 5 year experience??

By: Doris Choo

Doris Choo — Sat, 07 Dec 2013 17:53:00 +0000

We need to be able to separate the signal and the noise, let go of bias and prejudice. What is core, what is fluff.
Think different, think big picture. Transparency means sharing. Never take our eyes from our goal.