Demand Planner - Supply Chain Team - FMCG

Description:

Job Summary:

We are seeking a Demand Planner (FMCG) to join our Supply Chain team. The Demand Planner will be responsible for developing accurate demand forecasts, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams (Sales, Marketing, Supply Planning, Finance), and driving the S&OP (Sales & Operations Planning) process. This role plays a critical part in balancing customer service levels, inventory management, and business growth by translating market insights into reliable demand plans.

Key Responsibilities:

Forecasting & Demand Planning:

- Develop and maintain statistical and collaborative demand forecasts at the SKU and channel level.

- Use historical sales data, market trends, promotional calendars, and other drivers (seasonality, macroeconomic indicators) to generate unbiased demand plans.

- Perform forecast accuracy analysis (e.g., bias, MAPE) and regularly review and adjust forecasts.

S&OP & Cross-functional Collaboration:

- Lead or participate in the monthly S&OP process.

- Liaise with Sales, Marketing, Finance, Supply Planning, and Customer Service to align demand plans with business goals and financial projections.

- Communicate demand changes and assumptions clearly to stakeholders and document key decisions.

Inventory Management & Optimization:

- Define inventory policies (safety stock, lead time, buffer) in partnership with supply planning.

- Identify risks (e.g., stock-outs, overstock) and propose mitigation measures.

- Monitor key metrics like Days of Supply (DOS), Service Levels, and turns.

Event & Promotion Planning:

- Incorporate marketing/promotional events, new product launches, and seasonal events into the demand plan.

- Work with Brand and Channel Teams to forecast uplift from campaigns, trade activations, and key market events.

Process Improvement & Analytics:

- Continuously analyze forecast performance and refine demand planning processes.

- Drive initiatives to improve forecast accuracy and reduce bias.

- Identify process gaps and propose/implement improvements.

- Develop and maintain dashboards and reporting tools (Excel, PowerBI, etc.).

Risk Management & Scenario Planning:

- Model demand under different scenarios (e.g., best case, worst case) and assess implications for supply chain.

- Monitor and respond to demand risks arising from market volatility, macro factors, or operational disruptions.