Demand Planning and Customer Order Executive
Introductory Summary
We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Demand Planning and Customer Order Executive to join our growing team. This role is critical in ensuring seamless execution of the bulk process, from handling customer inquiries and managing seasonal forecasts to coordinating production and ensuring on-time payments. If you thrive in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and enjoy balancing data-driven planning with strong customer relationships, this position offers an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
About the Company
Our company is a leading player in the manufacturing sector, with a strong presence in the Sri Lankan market and an expanding global footprint. Headquartered in Colombo, Sri Lanka, we are driven by a mission to deliver innovative, sustainable, and high-quality textile solutions to our valued customers.
We pride ourselves on our culture of integrity, teamwork, and continuous improvement. Guided by our vision to become a trusted partner in global supply chains, we focus on creating value not just for our customers, but also for our employees, partners, and the communities where we operate. Our core values—excellence, accountability, and innovation—define how we work and shape every interaction with stakeholders.
As we expand, we remain committed to fostering an inclusive and collaborative workplace that encourages growth and professional development for every team member.
The Role & Responsibilities
The Demand Planning and Customer Order Executive plays a key role in bridging customer needs with internal operations. From analyzing demand forecasts to maintaining precise records and nurturing long-term client relationships, this role ensures that customer satisfaction remains at the heart of our business. Below are the primary responsibilities:
Understanding Customer Calendars
- Maintain an up-to-date record of customer seasonal calendars, ensuring awareness of buy placement dates.
- Compare forecast versus actuals placed, analyzing gaps to improve accuracy and provide meaningful feedback to customers and internal teams.
Managing Incoming Inquiries and Orders
- Receive and review all incoming inquiries and purchase orders.
- Liaise with sourcing and planning teams to book production capacity.
- Negotiate delivery schedules and flows with customers, ensuring timely communication within 48 hours.
- Enter all purchase orders into the system with 100% accuracy, ensuring no errors disrupt the production flow.
Demand Forecasting and Analysis
- Collect and consolidate forecasts from customers across buying seasons to support precise demand planning.
- Analyze historical order patterns, forecast accuracy, and variances to refine planning models.
- Work closely with Sales, Marketing, and Planning to ensure forecasts align with capacity and inventory requirements.
- Share regular updates on demand trends, risks, and opportunities with management.
- Assist in creating reports and dashboards to support leadership decision-making.
Efficient Order Book Management
- Coordinate greige bookings and manage shade confirmations with customers.
- Track approvals of lab dips and ensure they align with agreed timelines.
- Monitor overdue orders weekly, analyze causes, and provide timely reports.
- Ensure customer order status lists remain updated with accurate details on approvals, requirements, and requests.
Documentation and Communication
- Prepare all documentation necessary for order confirmation.
- Maintain proactive communication with planners and customers regarding order status.
- Ensure customers are regularly updated on manufacturing progress and delivery timelines.
Customer Visits and Relationship Building
- Schedule and conduct customer visits, addressing inquiries within 24 hours.
- Provide detailed visit reports and maintain ongoing communication to build trust.
- Anticipate customer-specific needs and propose tailored solutions.
Handling Customer Rejections and Quality Issues
- Respond promptly to rejections and initiate solutions within 24–48 hours.
- Liaise with the Quality team to arrange inspections and replacements as needed.
Managing Payments and Debtors
- Work with Finance to resolve payment delays or disputes.
- Ensure payments are collected on time by addressing issues before they escalate.
Reporting and Document Management
- Maintain comprehensive reports on order tracking, complaints, lab dip statuses, and customer interactions.
- Ensure records are clear, accurate, and updated regularly.
Supporting Daily Operations
- Coordinate urgent deliveries with Commercial and Packing teams.
- Schedule lab dip processing and track workflow against daily targets.
- Foster collaboration with cross-functional departments to meet operational objectives.
Customer Service Excellence
- Respond to customer emails and calls within 24 hours.
- Provide timely updates and proactive solutions to inquiries.
- Ensure customer service standards remain consistently high.
Qualifications and Experience
Educational Background
- CIMA, CIM, Diploma, or Degree in Business Management or a related field.
- Additional training in demand planning or forecasting will be an advantage.
Professional Experience
- 1–2 years of experience in a manufacturing environment is preferred.
- Experience or exposure to demand planning, forecasting, or data analysis is highly desirable.
- Internships in manufacturing, supply chain, or finance-related roles are valuable.
- Prior work in banking, financial services, or other data-driven fields is considered an asset.
Skills and Competencies
- Strong communication and interpersonal abilities, with the confidence to interact with both customers and internal stakeholders.
- Excellent analytical skills and numerical accuracy, capable of interpreting data for decision-making.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools, particularly Excel.
- Knowledge of technical development processes and industry standards is beneficial.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines with strong organizational skills.
What We’re Looking For
The ideal candidate is someone who thrives in a dynamic, customer-facing environment while maintaining a keen eye for detail. We are looking for a professional who:
- Is customer-focused, proactive, and quick to respond to inquiries.
- Enjoys problem-solving and can handle rejections or challenges calmly and effectively.
- Works well in a team-oriented environment and builds positive relationships across departments.
- Demonstrates resilience and adaptability in managing complex order flows and shifting timelines.
- Brings a growth mindset and a willingness to learn and improve continuously.
Why Join Us
By joining our team, you will have the opportunity to grow in a company that values collaboration, innovation, and professional development. We believe in empowering employees to take ownership of their roles while providing support through mentorship and training.
You will gain hands-on experience in demand planning and customer management within a leading manufacturing environment, positioning yourself for career advancement in supply chain management, customer relations, or operations.
Beyond professional growth, we offer a supportive workplace culture where teamwork, respect, and open communication form the foundation of success. Together, we strive to deliver exceptional value to our customers while creating a rewarding and inclusive environment for our employees.