Inventory Planning Specialist

Job Description/Specification:

Qatar Airways Catering Services is seeking a highly analytical and detail-oriented Inventory Planning Specialist to manage the planning, forecasting, procurement, and lifecycle of catering inventory across its global operations. This role is responsible for ensuring the continuous availability of inventory while maintaining cost efficiency, data accuracy, and compliance with Qatar Airways' world-class service standards.

The successful candidate will oversee inventory forecasting, stock control, supplier coordination, warehouse management, and the introduction of new inventory items. Working closely with Procurement, Logistics, Product Development, and international suppliers, you will play a key role in supporting Qatar Airways' complex 24/7 catering operations and global supply chain.

About This Role

As an Inventory Planning Specialist, you will manage inventory planning processes, optimize stock levels, forecast demand, monitor inventory performance, and coordinate procurement activities. You will ensure inventory availability, improve supply chain efficiency, and support continuous operational excellence through effective planning and data-driven decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

Inventory Planning & Forecasting

• Develop and maintain accurate global inventory forecasts based on operational demand and consumption trends.
• Monitor inventory usage and lifecycle performance to ensure stock availability.
• Maintain the complete catering inventory catalogue and ensure item information remains accurate and up to date.
• Analyze inventory performance and recommend improvements to forecasting accuracy.

Procurement & Supplier Management

• Lead the procurement of catering inventory while optimizing cost and maintaining service continuity.
• Coordinate with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of inventory items.
• Manage supplier backup stock to reduce supply chain risks.
• Support supplier performance monitoring and inventory availability across the network.

Stock Control & Warehouse Management

• Monitor global inventory levels to prevent shortages and excess stock.
• Oversee warehouse stock control processes in Doha and international locations.
• Ensure inventory records comply with governance and operational requirements.
• Coordinate inventory movements and warehouse operations to maximize efficiency.

Inventory Lifecycle Management

• Manage the introduction of new inventory items into the operational network.
• Coordinate the removal of obsolete inventory in a timely manner.
• Inspect newly received inventory to verify compliance with quality and specification requirements.
• Initiate corrective actions when inventory quality issues are identified.

Logistics & Operational Support

• Collaborate with Logistics teams to optimize transportation and distribution processes.
• Support initiatives that improve supply chain efficiency and reduce logistics costs.
• Work closely with Product Development and operational teams to align inventory planning with business requirements.
• Prepare inventory reports and provide analytical insights to support business decisions.

Minimum Requirements

Education

• High School Diploma, Vocational Qualification, or Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Procurement, Business Administration, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or a related discipline.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience in Demand & Supply Planning, Inventory Planning, Logistics, Procurement, Global Supply Planning, or Supplier Management.
• Experience managing inventory within complex operational or supply chain environments.
• Experience using ERP or inventory management systems such as Oracle, SAP, Qosmos, or similar platforms.
• Experience working with international suppliers and logistics operations is preferred.

Preferred Skills

• Strong knowledge of demand forecasting methodologies and inventory planning techniques.
• Excellent analytical and numerical skills.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Leadership, mentoring, and workflow management capabilities.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Technical Skills

• Inventory Planning
• Demand Forecasting
• Supply Planning
• Stock Control
• Inventory Management
• Procurement
• Supplier Management
• Warehouse Operations
• ERP Systems (Oracle, SAP, Qosmos)
• Microsoft Excel (Advanced)
• Power BI
• Data Analysis
• Supply Chain Analytics
• Inventory Lifecycle Management
• Logistics Coordination
• Reporting & KPI Analysis

Core Competencies

• Analytical Thinking
• Problem Solving
• Planning & Organization
• Attention to Detail
• Communication Skills
• Stakeholder Management
• Decision Making
• Supply Chain Management
• Commercial Awareness
• Continuous Improvement
• Leadership
• Team Collaboration
• Accountability
• Adaptability
• Results Orientation

Who Can Apply?

This opportunity is suitable for professionals currently working as:

• Inventory Planning Specialist
• Demand Planner
• Supply Planner
• Inventory Controller
• Supply Chain Analyst
• Procurement Specialist
• Materials Planner
• Logistics Specialist
• Inventory Analyst
• Supply Chain Planner
• Warehouse Planning Specialist
• Procurement & Inventory Executive

Professionals from aviation, airline catering, logistics, manufacturing, FMCG, hospitality, food production, retail, distribution, and supply chain organizations are encouraged to apply.

CV Tips

To improve your chances of being shortlisted, ensure your CV highlights:

• Inventory planning and demand forecasting experience.
• Procurement and supplier management achievements.
• ERP system experience (Oracle, SAP, Qosmos, or similar).
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and Power BI skills.
• Warehouse management and stock control expertise.
• Supply chain optimization and logistics coordination projects.
• Experience managing inventory lifecycles and forecasting models.
• Quantifiable achievements such as reduced inventory costs, improved forecast accuracy, minimized stock shortages, or enhanced supply chain performance.

Application Tips

• Highlight your experience in inventory planning, forecasting, and supply chain management.
• Demonstrate your expertise with ERP systems, inventory management tools, and reporting platforms.
• Prepare examples of how you improved inventory availability while reducing costs.
• Showcase your knowledge of forecasting techniques, inventory optimization, and supplier management.
• Emphasize your ability to collaborate with procurement, logistics, and operational teams across international environments.
• Be ready to discuss demand planning methodologies, stock control strategies, and supply chain performance metrics.
• Quantify your achievements with measurable results such as improved forecast accuracy, inventory turnover, service levels, or procurement savings.

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