Demand /Production Planner and Analyst Palo Alto Networks

Palo Alto Networks, the network security company, is looking for an experienced and knowledgeable individual to oversee build plans / spare parts planning and inventory requirements process. This hands-on position is responsible for developing and executing production build plans and inventory plans that will enable Palo Alto Networks to meet sales and service objectives. Collaborating with other members of the Operations Division this individual will also work closely with Sales Operations, Finance Operations and Global Customer Support to achieve the company's sales and service objectives. The individual will report to the Director of Manufacturing Operations.
Key Duties

• Establish and utilize best methods (statistical models and software tools) in creating forecasts and respective inventory targets for both Production and Spares Planning
• Revise forecasts and recommend changes on a bi-weekly and monthly basis based on actual usage, trends, watch list, and revised sales plans
• Proactively analyze forecast accuracy against usage; making and communicating adjustments as needed
• Lead build forecast and inventory planning meetings with Supply Chain Manager and Global Logistics Manager; reviewing recommended sales forecasts and inventory goals to support revenue and spare depot inventory levels
• Work with all partners and Operations Managers on validating/approving reorder points for finished goods by analyzing inventory targets (including safety stock levels) that are approved by management
• Advise Supply Chain Operations, Sales Operations and Finance of problems and significant variances between existing forecasts and actual usage
• Assist in the end of life product planning for all device SKUs; including last time build planning for EOL products
• Work closely with Product Management on new product introductions and phase outs/product life cycle, plan initial spares requirements to support NPI
• Attend and contribute to SI & OP planning meetings
• Assist in providing planning solutions for any product or material shortages
• Create and use tools that measure build/demand forecast accuracy and errors and take initiative to develop techniques to improve the build/demand forecasts
• Drive improvements to the overall process efficiency and communication with key stakeholders
• Identify continuous improvement opportunities in forecasting, planning and execution of the demand/supply plan
• Assist EMS / ODM partners with load versus commit (LvC) and gaps between commits and forecast demand
• Prepare, report, and communicate both Palo Alto Networks and partner forecast and inventory measurements to management (forecast accuracy, inventory plan vs. targets, inventory turns, etc.)
• Establish min/max stocking levels for service parts within a multi echelon environment
• Coordinate Spares supply planning with Repair vendors to minimize new buy requirements

Basic Qualifications

• Background in master scheduling, forecasting, procurement and planning
• Knowledge of turn rates
• Knowledge of key inventory performance metrics, turns, margin contributions, etc.
• Knowledge of demand management/forecasting tools, forecasting processes in sales, finance, manufacturing and supply chain issues
• Knowledge of implementation and utilization of DPR tools (SAP SPP, Baxter, Servigistics or MCA)

Requirements

• Bachelor Degree or equivalent
• 5+ years of Demand Planning and/or Supply Management experience
• Computer literate including SAP, Excel, Microsoft Word, Power Point, Outlook
• Extensive spreadsheet analysis and strong mathematical abilities
• Strong analytical skills
• Proactive self-starter with problem solving abilities
• Proactive thinker and problem solver
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (both written and verbal)
• Ability to deal with changing priorities and environment
• Ability to develop relationships and work in a team environment
• Ability to sort through ambiguity and work sometimes undefined roles
• Knowledge of SAP/APO, SAP/SPP, Oracle Demand Planning or other software related to demand planning is preferred
• APICS or other forecasting certification preferred
• Implementation of SAP enterprise planning software a plus

Key Interfaces

• Manufacturing Operations (Supply Chain, NPI, Global Logistics)
• Sales Operations
• Financial Planning and Analysis
• Product Management

Location:	multiple, multiple United States