Demand Manager - Automotive

Job Title: Demand Manager (Automotive)

We are seeking a highly analytical Demand Manager to lead demand forecasting and planning processes within the automotive domain. The role is critical in ensuring alignment between market demand, production planning, and inventory optimization.

Key Responsibilities:

- Lead the demand forecasting process using historical data, market trends, and business inputs

- Drive the S&OP (Sales & Operations Planning) cycle, ensuring cross-functional alignment

- Collaborate with sales, marketing, finance, and supply chain teams to create accurate demand plans

- Analyze forecast variances and continuously improve forecast accuracy and bias reduction

- Develop and maintain demand planning models, tools, and dashboards

- Identify demand risks and opportunities, and recommend mitigation strategies

- Ensure optimal inventory planning, reducing excess stock and avoiding stock-outs

- Support new product launches with demand projections and planning inputs

- Work closely with supply planning to ensure capacity and material readiness

KPIs / Success Metrics:

- Forecast accuracy and demand plan adherence

- Inventory turns and working capital optimization

- Reduction in stock-outs and excess inventory

- Efficiency of S&OP process

Requirements:

- 10-16 years of experience in demand planning/supply chain roles, preferably in automotive

- Strong expertise in forecasting techniques and data analytics

- Hands-on experience with ERP systems (SAP/APO/IBP/Oracle) and planning tools

- Excellent problem-solving and stakeholder management skills

- Strong communication and ability to influence cross-functional teams