Manager, Demand Planning and Logistics Optimization

Job Summary

The Manager, Demand Planning and Logistics Optimization leads the demand planning and inventory optimization function, focusing on accurate forecasting, efficient inventory management, and streamlined logistics to ensure optimal part availability and minimize costs. The Manager will lead a team of experienced professionals, driving the implementation of policies and strategies to achieve medium-to-long term results and influencing stakeholders across the organization. This role encompasses the management of forecasting, inventory control, logistics optimization, procurement, and financial reporting alignment.

Duties & Responsibilities

Demand Forecasting & Planning:

• Lead the development and implementation of accurate demand forecasting models, analyzing historical data, maintenance schedules, seasonality, and operational trends.
• Ensure accurate prediction of part requirements across all outbases to optimize inventory levels and minimize stockouts or overstocking.

Inventory Management & Optimization:

• Establish and enforce standardized inventory management practices across all outbases.
• Optimize inventory levels through effective utilization of AMOS and management of min/max levels.
• Reduce inventory write offs and adjustments through improved visibility and tracking.

Logistics Optimization:

• Transition from a reactive to a proactive logistics approach to reduce operational inefficiencies and freight costs.
• Minimize the frequency of shipments and reduce AOG fees and courier costs through optimized inventory levels.
• Establish and review logistics contracts for continuous improvement

Financial Reporting & Compliance:

• Collaborate with the Financial Planning & Analysis teams to ensure cycle counts meet both maintenance and financial reporting requirements, supporting long-term financial goals.
• Reduce annual exchange/late fee costs on component core returns through improved visibility and tracking.

Process Improvement & Standardization:

• Develop and implement standardized procedures for demand planning, inventory management, and logistics.
• Implement best practices to drive efficiency, reduce errors, enhance material availability and improve financial controls.
• Exhibit a strong understanding of aviation policies & procedures, including Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) & IATA
• Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) standards, in applying continuous improvement principles to day to day operations.

Performance Measurement & Analysis:

• Track and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) related to forecast accuracy, inventory turnover, and logistics costs.
• Utilize data to identify areas for improvement and drive strategic decision-making.

Policy and strategy implementation:

• Implement short term strategies and policies to improve the supply chain.

Team Management:

• Manage and develop a team of experienced professionals.

Influence across departments:

• Influence other departments to ensure that inventory policies are followed, and that forecasting information is shared.

Focus on Safety:

• Actively participate in Porter’s SMS program to deliver high standards of safety.

Behavioural Competencies

• Concern for Safety: Identifying hazardous or potentially hazardous situations and taking appropriate action to maintain a safe environment for self and others.

• Teamwork: Working collaboratively with others to achieve organizational goals.

• Passenger/Customer Service: Providing service excellence to internal and/or external customers (passengers).

• Initiative: Dealing with situations and issues proactively and persistently, seizing opportunities that arise.

• Results Focus: Focusing efforts on achieving high quality results consistent with the organization’s standards.

• Fostering Communication: Listening and communicating openly, honestly, and respectfully with different audiences, promoting dialogue and building consensus.

• Exemplifying Integrity: Treating others fairly, honestly, and respectfully, furthering the integrity of the organization and its relationships of trust with team members and the broader community.

• Inspiring Others: Energizing and inspiring others to strive for excellence and commit to common goals and purposes, creating a sense of self-efficacy, resilience, and persistence in followers.

• People Leadership: Assuming a leadership role in helping others achieve excellent results.

• Leading Change: Recognizing the need for change, being open to new ideas and methods, and championing transformational change within the organization and beyond.

Qualifications

• Proven 5+ years experience in demand planning, inventory management, and logistics.
• Post secondary education in Aviation/Operations Management or Supply Chain/Logistics
• Supply Chain accreditation (SCMP/APICS/ICM)
• Experience in process improvement methodologies (Six Sigma, Kaizen, etc.)
• Process Strong analytical and forecasting skills.
• Experience with inventory management systems (e.g., AMOS).
• Knowledge of financial reporting and compliance requirements.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Experience managing experienced professionals.
• Experience with policy implementation

Location

Toronto (Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport - YTZ) #LI-Onsite

Company Description

Since 2006, Porter Airlines has been elevating the experience of economy air travel for every passenger, providing genuine hospitality with style, care and charm. Porter’s fleet of Embraer E195-E2 and De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft serves a North American network from Eastern Canada. Headquartered in Toronto, Porter is an Official 4 Star Airline® in the World Airline Star Rating®. Visit www.flyporter.com or follow @porterairlines on Instagram, Facebook and X.