Demand Planner

Location: Austin, Texas


ArthroCare Corporation (Nasdaq:ARTC) - founded in 1993 is a highly innovative, multi-business medical device company that develops and manufactures surgical devices, instruments, and implants that strive to enhance surgical techniques as well as improve patient outcomes. Its devices improve many existing surgical procedures and enable new minimally invasive procedures. Many of ArthroCare's devices use its internationally patented Coblation(R) technology. This technology precisely dissolves target tissue and limits damage to surrounding healthy tissue. ArthroCare also develops surgical devices utilizing other patented technology including its OPUS(R) line of fixation products as well as re-usable surgical instruments. ArthroCare is leveraging these technologies in order to offer a comprehensive line of surgical devices to capitalize on a multi-billion dollar market opportunity across several surgical specialties, including its two core product areas consisting of Sports Medicine and Ear, Nose, and Throat as well as other areas such as spine, wound care, urology and gynecology.

Our greatest achievements come from our greatest assets: ArthroCare's employees. We are continuously seeking new talent to join ArthroCare's winning ranks. People who thrive at ArthroCare are passionate about improving surgical procedures and patient outcomes, have a competitive spirit and winning attitude, and place a high value on teamwork and trust. We offer a competitive benefits package and excellent opportunity for career development.

Summary:
This position is responsible for developing the sales forecasts for all ArthroCare products Through a combination of market analysis and statistical modeling, projections of future sales are built for each market and product combination. These forecasts are then discussed with stakeholders in sales, marketing and finance to build consensus while managing risk against the financial plan. This person will use statistical models to evaluate how proposed demand events may impact sales volume.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to: (Other duties may be assigned)

  • Develop global demand forecasts for all ArthroCare product lines and global markets.
  • Achieve consensus for operational demand forecasts by leading and facilitating a collaborative planning process with sales, marketing and finance stakeholders.
  • Develop and maintain a rolling unit forecast at the SKU level by market and distribution center.
  • Review historical sales trends, research demand drivers, prepare forecast data, develop statistical forecast models, and evaluate forecast results.
  • Analyze factors that impact demand for ArthroCare products (i.e., category trends / market trends / trade promotions / competitive products / seasonality / distribution channels), and build statistical models that quantify the business environment.
  • Develop Demand Planner role into knowledge leader for ArthroCare products demand advising sales and marketing on how various demand events may impact sales.
  • Present statistical forecasts to sales, marketing, finance and supply chain management. Explain business assumptions behind the forecast and methods used to quantify each event.
  • In partnership with the Sales team, use promotion event post-audit data to analyze the effectiveness of trade promotions strategies. Use the resulting insight to forecast the impact of future events.
  • Identify both internal and external factors that have a strong correlation to demand.
  • Compare forecasts to financial budgets. Explain variances, note uncertainty and highlight risk areas to the consensus team.
  • Analyze buying patterns of key customers and predict how they will react to incentives.
  • Analyze market response to new products and apply to forecasts for new items not yet introduced.
  • Support supply planning by communicating key issues and uncertainty behind the forecast.
  • Gather, analyze and validate data. Apply error analysis techniques to improve forecasting.
  • Measure and work to improve a broad set of metrics: forecast error, forecast bias, inventory levels, customer service levels.
  • Prepare and maintain relevant reports pertaining to demand planning process.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education and/or Experience:

  • BA/BS degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business or related field. Advanced degree a plus.
  • 5+ years experience in Demand or Sales & Operations Planning.
  • 10+ years experience in Supply Chain Management/Production Planning.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, decision making, and presentation skills.
  • Strong interpersonal skills are essential to effectively interact with all teams, areas and levels of business affecting the forecast process. Good facilitation skills are required with the ability to operate effectively at all levels within the organization.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in statistics, forecasting and forecasting methods with an understanding of their financial and operational impacts.
  • Knowledge of Demand Planning or other software related to demand planning is preferred.
  • APICS, or similar related accreditation preferred.
  • Expert knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, Access and PowerPoint
  • Knowledge of ERP/ MRP, Forecast Models, Inventory Strategies, and Sales and Operations Planning, desired.

Language Skills:

Must be able to communicate in writing and verbally at all levels of the company.

Computer Skills:

Must have working knowledge of ERP systems (SAP strongly preferred). Must be proficient in using Microsoft EXCEL and WORD. Experience with Agile Software is desired. Working knowledge of Crystal, Hyperion, Access and other database software a plus.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

APICS or Institute of Supply Management (formerly NAPM) certification strongly preferred.

Other Skills and Abilities:

Able to process a large workload with multiple priorities in a fast paced environment. Self-starter who implements action plans to meet objectives. Creative thinking and the ability to work with minimal supervision. Bilingual in English and Spanish is a plus.

Other Qualifications:

Strong organizational skills; follow up skills with a sense of urgency. Customer focused with service oriented attitude. Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the functions of the job.



For consideration of this opportunity please submit resumes to:
Russell Brown, Senior Director - Global Supply Chain Management

Please visit our career center for other opportunities:
http://careers.arthrocare.com

Equal Opportunity Employer
www.ArthroCare.com