Demand Planning Lead - B2B & B2C

Purpose of the job:

The Demand Planning Lead will manage the end-to-end demand planning function for the India business across both B2B and B2C channels. The role is accountable for driving a robust, data-driven demand planning process that delivers a single, aligned demand signal across the organization.

The incumbent will lead the Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) process, ensuring strong cross-functional collaboration among Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Finance, R&D and Product Management teams.

This role will play a critical leadership position in enhancing forecast accuracy, improving service levels, optimizing inventory, and enabling business growth.

As the company continues its digital transformation journey, the role will also serve as a key business leader and super user for the o9 planning platform, driving adoption, capability building, and process excellence in demand planning and S&OP.

Skills and Knowledge:

- 14+ years of experience in Demand Planning, Supply Chain Planning, Integrated Business Planning (IBP), or S&OP. Strong understanding of demand planning processes, statistical modeling, and forecasting techniques.

- Significant experience managing demand planning for large-scale FMCG, automotive, industrial, manufacturing, or consumer-facing businesses.

- Proven experience leading enterprise-wide S&OP/IBP processes.

- Strong exposure to Replacement and OEM business environments is preferred.

- Experience with the manufacturing sector is mandatory.

- Hands-on experience with APS platforms such as o9, Kinaxis, Blue Yonder, SAP IBP, Anaplan, or equivalent is highly desirable.

- Strong understanding of Statistical Forecasting Concepts and S&OP and IBP Integration.

- Prior experience in planning transformation programs and digital supply chain initiatives is a strong plus. Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex projects.

- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

- Excellent communication, facilitation, and stakeholder management skills.

- Excellent collaboration and negotiation skills.

- Strong interpersonal and communication skills to build and sustain a vast range of working relationships across multiple functions, cultures, and ability to flex styles for effective influence.