Job Overview
We are seeking an experienced Demand Planning Manager to lead the end-to-end demand planning and forecasting process within a large-scale FMCG/Retail environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the end-to-end demand planning process across multiple regions, distribution centers, stores, and product categories.
- Develop and manage rolling demand forecasts at SKU, channel, and location levels.
- Drive statistical forecasting, demand sensing, forecast accuracy, and bias analysis.
- Lead S&OP/IBP demand reviews and align Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Supply Chain teams around a consensus demand plan.
- Incorporate promotions, seasonality, market trends, new product launches, and product lifecycle changes into forecasting models.
- Optimize inventory availability, stock levels, inventory turnover, and waste reduction, particularly for fresh and perishable categories.
- Identify demand risks and opportunities and develop scenario-based recommendations.
- Utilize SAP/ERP, Advanced Excel, Power BI, and other planning tools to improve forecasting accuracy and reporting.
- Monitor planning KPIs and conduct root-cause analysis to drive continuous improvement.
- Lead, coach, and develop the Demand Planning team, ensuring effective performance management and capability building.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Commerce, Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in Demand Planning, Supply Planning, Inventory Management, Replenishment, or S&OP.
- Strong FMCG/Retail experience, preferably within supermarkets, or high-volume retail environments.
- Proven managerial experience leading and developing demand planning teams.
- Strong expertise in statistical forecasting, demand planning models, seasonality, promotions, and forecast accuracy analysis.
- Hands-on experience leading S&OP/IBP processes and cross-functional planning reviews.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Power BI.
- Good knowledge of SAP/ERP, MRP, and demand planning systems.
- Strong analytical, strategic planning, and stakeholder management skills.
