Demand Planning & Inventory Specialist - Medical Consumables

About the role

A medical device and consumables distributor and manufacturer, one of the largest in Australia, is looking for a Demand Planning & Inventory Specialist in Norwest. The role analyses and forecasts future product demand so that inventory is optimised, meeting business and customer needs while maximising cash flow and supporting sales and customer service. The employer describes itself as having a very inclusive, collaborative and supportive team.

Key responsibilities

• Develop, maintain and review product demand forecasts using historical sales data, customer ordering patterns, market trends, seasonality and input from sales, marketing and customer service.
• Work with internal stakeholders on promotions, tenders, contracts, new product launches and changes in customer requirements, and incorporate them into forecasts and purchasing plans.
• Analyse forecast accuracy, investigate differences between forecast and actual demand and refine forecasting methods.
• Monitor market developments, supplier constraints, product availability and customer demand changes.
• Set and maintain inventory levels, including safety stock, min/max stock, reorder points and order quantities, accounting for supplier lead times and minimum order requirements.
• Raise purchase orders within approved limits, monitor outstanding orders and liaise with suppliers on acceptance, production schedules, shipment and delivery dates.
• Identify potential supply shortages or delays early, assess their impact and coordinate actions such as expediting or alternative supply options.
• Keep sales and customer service informed of stock availability, shortages, backorders and replenishment dates.
• Coordinate with warehouse and logistics teams on incoming stock and storage capacity.
• Review inventory regularly to find slow-moving, excess, obsolete and short-dated products and help implement stock reduction or disposal plans.

Required profile

• Undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in business, supply chain or another relevant field.
• Previous experience in demand planning, forecasting or purchasing, with knowledge of or experience in the medical consumables industry.
• Excellent written and spoken English, with the ability to speak Mandarin and/or Cantonese (mandatory).
• Proven track record in business improvement and metrics, with strong mathematical and statistical knowledge.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment and attention to detail.

Required skills

• Solid understanding of inventory management and demand forecasting.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and Microsoft Dynamics or similar.