COE Lead - Demand Planning Excellence

Demand Planning COE:

Reporting Structure:

Reports To: Head - Global Supply Chain Projects

Function: Global Supply Chain

Location: Gurugram Head Office

Role Purpose:

The Demand Planning COE Lead is responsible for establishing and driving best-in-class demand planning capabilities across the organization's global operations. The role owns the governance, standardization, and continuous improvement of demand planning processes while partnering closely with Sales, Marketing, Finance, Supply Chain, IT, and regional planning teams to improve forecast accuracy and optimize inventory.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategy & COE Leadership:

- Develop and execute the global Demand Planning COE strategy.

- Establish standardized demand planning processes across regions.

- Drive governance and continuous improvement initiatives.

Process & Technology:

- Design, deploy, and continuously improve demand planning processes, systems, and tools.

- Integrate IBP business process requirements with technology capabilities across global regions.

- Act as the custodian for Advanced Planning Solutions and AI-enabled demand planning tools.

- Knowledge of o9 and Blue Yonder is considered an advantage.

Cross-functional Collaboration:

- Partner with Sales, Marketing, Finance, Supply Chain, IT, and Global Planning teams.

- Work closely with digital transformation leaders to ensure technology and process integration.

- Influence stakeholders across multiple geographies without direct authority.

Forecasting & Analytics:

- Lead scenario planning.

- Drive demand sensing initiatives.

- Improve forecast accuracy through predictive analytics.

- Enhance inventory optimization.

Capability Building:

- Train regional demand planning teams.

- Mentor planners across geographies.

- Promote best practices and continuous learning.

- Lead cross-functional improvement projects.

Candidate Profile:

Experience:

- Minimum 7+ years in Demand Planning, Supply Chain, or related functions.

- Experience in a global manufacturing environment preferred.

Functional Expertise:

- Demand Planning

- Forecasting

- Statistical Modeling

- IBP / Integrated Business Planning

- Supply Chain Planning

- Predictive Analytics

- Scenario Planning

- Digital Supply Chain Transformation

Education:

- Bachelor's Degree in Business, Supply Chain, or Technology.

- MBA/Master's preferred.