Forecast Planner-Compans

We are seeking an analytical and proactive Forecast & Capacity Planner to join our dynamic last-mile delivery team in France. As a key player in the cross-border e-commerce sector, we manage a massive influx of parcels originating primarily from China.

Your primary mission is to bridge the gap between international inbound flows and our operational execution. You will be responsible for updating and optimizing volume forecasts on both weekly and daily bases, ensuring our sorting centers and last mile operations have the precise capacity needed to handle peak volumes without compromising service levels.

Key Responsibilities

1. Demand Forecasting & Volume Analysis
   • Develop and maintain accurate daily and weekly volume forecasts based on historical data, seasonality (e.g., Singles' Day, Black Friday, Chinese New Year), and real-time inputs from Chinese partners/carriers.
   • Analyze cross-border transit times and customs clearance delays to predict exact arrival windows at French entry points and sorting hubs.
   • Monitor "in-transit" visibility to adjust forecasts dynamically as shipments move through the supply chain.
2. Capacity Planning (Sorting & Delivery)
   • Translate volume forecasts into actionable resource requirements for Sorting Centers: Determine required headcount, shift patterns, and machine throughput capabilities.
   • Prepare Last-Mile Delivery plans: Calculate the number of vans, drivers, and routes needed per depot to ensure On-Time Delivery (OTD).
3. Identify potential bottlenecks in the network 3–7 days in advance and propose mitigation strategies.
4. Continuously refine forecasting algorithms to reduce the variance between forecasted and actual volumes.
5. Conduct post-mortem analysis after major promotional events to improve future planning accuracy.
6. Cross‑Functional Collaboration
   • Provide daily briefings to Operations Managers regarding expected volume spikes or drops.
   • Communicate capacity constraints to KA/commercial teams to manage customer expectations during peak periods.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Data Analytics, or Business Administration.
• 3+ years of experience in demand planning, capacity planning, or operations analysis, preferably within logistics, e-commerce, or express courier services.
• Experience handling cross-border flows (specifically Asia‑Europe lanes) is a strong plus.

Technical Skills

• Advanced proficiency in Excel (Pivot tables, VLOOKUP, Macros/VBA) is mandatory.
• Strong experience with data visualization tools (Power BI, Tableau) or SQL for data extraction.
• Familiarity with TMS (Transport Management Systems).
• Knowledge of forecasting software (e.g., Blue Yonder, Kinaxis, o9) is advantageous.

Languages

• French: Native or fluent (C1/C2) – Essential for communicating with operational teams.
• English: Professional working proficiency (B2/C1) – Essential for coordinating with Chinese stakeholders and analyzing international data.
• Bonus: Basic knowledge of Mandarin is a significant asset but not required.

Soft Skills

• Agility – Ability to pivot quickly when flight schedules change or customs delays occur.
• Analytical Mindset – Strong problem‑solving skills with a data‑driven approach.
• Stress Management – Capable of maintaining accuracy and calmness during high‑pressure peak seasons.
• Communication – Clear ability to translate complex data into simple operational instructions.