Christina Chen
Sydney,NSW
Summary
Demand planning professional with strong analytical and forecasting skills. Known for driving efficiency and optimizing inventory levels through data-driven decision-making. Highly collaborative, adept at working with cross-functional teams to achieve goals.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Demand Planner
Estee Lauder
Sydney, CBD, Inner West& Eastern Suburbs
12.2021 - Current
- Maintain and update the 18-month SKU-Channel forecasts for ANZ, incorporating statistical forecasts and enriched forecast.
- Ensure forecast accuracy and continuous improvement by leveraging advanced statistical models within the O9 system, focusing on enhancing Weighted Forecast Accuracy (WFA), Attainment, and Bias while creating actionable sales drivers to refine demand planning.
- Analyze and validate demand drivers and sales assumptions, conducting in-depth reviews of historical sales trends, seasonality and collaborating with cross-functional teams to build robust, data-driven forecasting models.
- Lead monthly Consensus and S&OE meetings, driving alignment on DP and LE across Marketing, Commercial, and Finance teams, proactively addressing risks and opportunities to enhance forecast accuracy and minimize disruptions.
- Own NPL forecasts and ensure new launch factors are incorporated into the demand plan.
- Collaborate with Inventory Planner to bridge gaps between Demand and Supply Plans, managing the product lifecycle and implementing strategic inventory management solutions to optimize stock availability while minimizing excess inventory and surplus stock.
Merchandise Planner
Temple and Webster
Sydney, Inner West& Eastern Suburbs
07.2019 - 11.2021
- Coordinate and manage the budget for a specific category, reviewing category sales against budget, maintaining top-line forecasts, and proactively identifying potential risks or opportunities to ensure alignment with financial targets.
- Collaborate with the Buyer, Category Manager, and Campaign Team to develop and propose promotional plans at both SKU and category levels, ensuring sales, margin, and inventory targets are met effectively.
- Partner with the operations team and suppliers to manage replenishment within the Open-to-Buy (OTB) framework, ensuring optimal stock availability and minimizing stockouts or overstock situations.
- Oversee markdown management within budgeted margin guidelines, ensuring inventory levels are aligned with sales objectives and managing the timely exit of outdated or discontinued products.
- Lead range reviews and develop assortment and buying plans in collaboration with the Category Manager and Buyer, ensuring the right product mix is available to meet customer demand while optimizing inventory levels.
Merchandise Planner
Ally Fashion
Sydney, Inner West& Eastern Suburbs
01.2017 - 06.2019
- Manage and maintain accurate OTB records, ensuring timely updates and alignment with financial targets to support effective inventory management and purchasing decisions.
- Coordinate and propose promotional plans at SKU and category levels in collaboration with buyers, ensuring that sales, margin, and inventory targets are met while optimizing promotional activities.
- Review weekly trading performance and KPIs, identifying issues and developing actionable plans to address risks and seize opportunities. Collaborate with the Buying team to agree on corrective actions and maximize category performance.
- Monitor actual performance against plans, managing weekly stock levels and replenishment within OTB, and proactively addressing discrepancies to maintain optimal stock availability.
- Support markdown management within budgeted margins, ensuring that inventory levels are optimized and aligned with category sales objectives, while managing the exit of slow-moving or outdated products.
Education
Master of Professional Accounting - Accounting
University of Sydney
Sydney, NSW11-2016
Skills
- SAP
- SQL
- Power BI
- Advanced Excel skill
- Attention to detail
- problem solver& quick learner
- Strong data analysis, reporting& excellent time management
- Team player with strong verbal& written communication skill
Accomplishments
- Developed a long-term demand plan for a Brand cluster across multiple business type and key accounts, driving a 12% improvement in forecast accuracy within six months.
- Collaborated closely with Marketing, Commercial, and Finance teams to align the demand plan with strategic business objectives, resulting in a 5% increase in inventory turnover.
- Implemented continuous improvement initiatives, including the automation of data analysis processes, which led to a 30% reduction in processing time and enhanced overall efficiency.
Key Achievements:
Timeline
Demand Planner
Estee Lauder
12.2021 - Current
Merchandise Planner
Temple and Webster
07.2019 - 11.2021
Merchandise Planner
Ally Fashion
01.2017 - 06.2019
Master of Professional Accounting - Accounting
University of Sydney