About this role
We are seeking experienced Demand Planning Analysts to support a global APS (Advanced Planning System) transformation and demand planning stabilization program. These contract resources will work closely with regional Demand Planning teams across EMEA, LATAM, China, Asia, and USAC business groups to execute operational demand planning activities, maintain forecast data integrity, support planning system readiness, and ensure uninterrupted planning operations during the program deployment phase. The ideal candidate will possess strong demand planning experience, proficiency in SAP APO-DP, excellent analytical skills, and the ability to operate in a fast-paced global manufacturing environment.
Location: Brazil
About the Company:
Abstra is a fast-growing, Nearshore Tech Talent services company, providing top Latin American tech talent to U.S. companies and beyond. Founded by U.S.-bred engineers with over 15 years of experience, Abstra specializes in sourcing skilled professionals across a wide range of technologies to meet our clients’ needs, driving innovation and efficiency.
Key Responsibilities:
The contractor will manage a portfolio of products and support the end-to-end demand planning process, including:
Forecast Planning & Maintenance
• Manage product portfolios primarily driven by statistical forecasting.
• Upload and maintain demand forecasts.
• Execute forecast adjustments and realignments.
• Support forecasting activities related to already open sales orders (FDO process).
• Maintain forecast change percentages and statistical forecast parameters.
• Compare statistical forecasts with machine learning forecasts and aggregated demand signals when required.
Demand Planning Master Data Management
• Create, maintain, and cleanse CVCs (Characteristic Value Combinations).
• Maintain Demand Planning IDs and related planning master data.
• Support EDI mapping activities.
• Validate demand planning drivers and planning assumptions.
Product Lifecycle & Change Management
• Support PIPO (Phase-In/Phase-Out) activities and NPI (New Product Introduction)
• Execute commercial and forecast realignments.
Demand Analytics & Performance Monitoring
• Perform outlier analysis and investigate forecast exceptions.
• Review ASP (Average Selling Price) changes and demand impacts.
Operational Planning Support
• Execute post-dated order reviews and exception checks.
• Support weekly and monthly demand review processes.
• Support additional forecasting and demand review activities required by local business teams.
• Respond to ad hoc business requests and planning analyses.
Required Qualifications:
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in Demand Planning.
• Strong understanding of the operational demand planning cycle.
• Experience working within manufacturing, industrial, healthcare, technology, consumer goods, or related industries.
• Experience supporting complex product portfolios.
• System Knowledge
• Hands-on experience with SAP APO-DP (mandatory).
• Experience with demand forecasting tools and planning systems (preferably Kinaxis).
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Language Requirements
• English (mandatory for all positions)
• Spanish (preferred for LATAM support roles)
• Chinese/Mandarin (preferred for China support roles)
• Additional Asian language capabilities are considered advantageous
Key Skills:
• SAP APO-DP
• EDI Mapping
• Demand Planning / Supply Planning
• Forecast Analysis
• Analytical Thinking
• Stakeholder Communication
• SAP ECC or SAP HANA
• Kinaxis RapidResponse (Nice to Have)
What We Offer:
• Competitive compensation paid in USD.
• 20 days of paid time off (PTO) per year.
• Opportunities for professional growth and career development.
• Company-provided equipment.
• A collaborative, inclusive, and multicultural work environment.
• The opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects alongside a talented and supportive team.
Pre-Employment Verification As part of our standard onboarding process, candidates who successfully complete the interview process and accept an employment offer will be required to complete an employment verification check, and background check. This process will confirm job titles and dates of employment with two previous employers and is a standard requirement for all new employees joining the company.