Demand Planning and Purchasing - Assistant Manager

Key Responsibilities:

1. Demand Planning & Inventory Management

• Develop and maintain demand forecasts using historical sales data, market trends, customer demand patterns, and business inputs.
• Analyze forecast accuracy and recommend improvements to planning processes.
• Plan and execute inventory replenishment activities to ensure product availability while minimizing excess inventory.
• Monitor stock levels, shelf life, inventory ageing, and product expiry dates to optimize inventory turnover and reduce wastage.
• Establish and maintain inventory control measures to enhance storage efficiency and minimize losses.
• Collaborate closely with Sales and Marketing teams to incorporate promotional activities, product launches, and market trends into forecasting plans.
• Generate inventory and demand planning reports for management review.

2. Purchasing & Landed Cost Management

• Manage end-to-end procurement activities, including purchase requisitions, purchase orders, supplier coordination, and delivery scheduling.
• Ensure timely procurement of products to support business requirements.
• Calculate, monitor, and analyze product landed costs, including freight, insurance, customs duties, taxes, and handling charges.
• Monitor cost fluctuations and propose cost optimization strategies to improve profitability and operational efficiency.
• Maintain accurate costing records to support pricing decisions and financial reporting.
• Evaluate supplier performance on cost, quality, delivery, and service standards.

3. Order Coordination & Stakeholder Management

• Serve as the primary liaison between suppliers, warehouse operations, logistics providers, sales, marketing, and finance teams.
• Coordinate order placement and delivery schedules to ensure timely stock availability.
• Communicate inventory status, supply constraints, shipment updates, and operational risks to stakeholders proactively.
• Work closely with warehouse teams to ensure efficient stock handling, storage, and fulfillment activities.
• Ensure all order processing and fulfillment documentation is complete, accurate, and maintained accordingly.
• Support business units with supply planning information and operational decision-making.

4. Import & Regulatory Compliance

• Manage and verify import documentation, including Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, Certificate of Origin, Insurance documents, and regulatory certificates.
• Ensure accurate HS Code classification, customs declarations, and duty calculations.
• Ensure compliance with Malaysian import regulations, SST requirements, and applicable duty exemptions.
• Coordinate and manage import permit applications and customs clearance activities.
• Liaise with government and regulatory authorities including Royal Malaysian Customs Department, Ministry of Health (MOH), Department of Veterinary Services (DVS), and JAKIM.
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations, product labeling requirements, and Halal certification standards.
• Coordinate shipment planning, including container utilization for Peninsular Malaysia, East Malaysia, and Brunei markets.

5. Shipment & Issue Management

• Track and monitor shipment status from order placement through final delivery.
• Follow up closely with freight forwarders, shipping agents, customs brokers, and suppliers to ensure smooth shipment movement.
• Resolve issues related to shipment delays, customs clearance, documentation discrepancies, shortages, or damaged goods.
• Escalate critical supply chain issues and implement corrective actions to minimize business impact.
• Support contingency planning to maintain uninterrupted product supply.

6. Process Improvement & Operational Support

• Identify opportunities to improve supply chain, procurement, inventory, and logistics processes.
• Develop and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and service levels.
• Maintain proper filing systems and ensure timely submission of all operational records and reports.
• Provide guidance and updates to internal stakeholders on regulatory and compliance requirements.
• Participate in system enhancement projects, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Requirements:

1. Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Procurement, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field.
2. Minimum 3-5 years of experience in demand planning, procurement, inventory management, or import/export operations.
3. Experience in FMCG, food & beverage, retail distribution, or related industries is preferred.
4. Knowledge of Malaysian Customs regulations, SST, MOH, DVS, and JAKIM requirements.