Deputy Director

Role Overview:

We are looking for a senior Demand Planning leader to own the platform-wide demand forecast across categories, channels and events.

The role will drive consensus forecasting, S&OP, forecast accuracy, demand sensing, event and campaign planning, and new-launch forecasting.

The role will work closely with Category, Marketing, Finance, Supply Chain and Data Science teams to drive effective demand planning and forecasting.

Key Responsibilities / KRAs:

Demand Forecasting & Planning:

- Own category and platform-level demand forecasting and planning.

- Develop demand forecasts across categories, channels and events.

- Drive consensus forecasting across relevant business functions.

- Lead demand planning for events, seasonal periods and new-product launches.

S&OP & Consensus Forecasting:

- Lead monthly S&OP and consensus forecasting processes.

- Drive alignment with Category, Marketing, Finance, Supply Chain and Data Science teams.

- Present demand risks, scenarios and recommendations to senior leadership.

Forecast Accuracy & Performance:

- Drive forecast accuracy across categories and the platform.

- Monitor and improve key metrics including WMAPE, forecast bias and Forecast Value Added.

- Track and communicate published forecast accuracy metrics.

Demand Sensing:

- Build demand-sensing capabilities using traffic, search, sales, pricing and campaign data.

- Incorporate relevant business data into demand forecasts and planning.

- Identify demand risks and opportunities through data-driven analysis.

Event, Campaign & New-Launch Forecasting:

- Lead demand forecasting for events and seasonal periods.

- Drive campaign demand planning using relevant traffic, search, sales, pricing and campaign data.

- Lead forecasting for new-product launches.

Analytics, Automation & ML:

- Drive analytics and automation initiatives within demand planning.

- Lead ML-based forecasting initiatives.

- Leverage analytics to improve forecasting and demand planning processes.

Team Leadership:

- Lead and develop a team of 3 - 4+ planners/analysts.

- Guide the team in demand planning, forecasting and analytical activities.

Ideal Candidate:

- 6+ years of experience in Demand Planning, Forecasting, Category Planning or Merchandise Planning.

- Experience specifically within E-commerce or Quick Commerce.

- Strong experience in Advanced Excel, SQL and analytics.

- Working knowledge of Python/ML.

- Experience owning S&OP and consensus forecasting at scale.

- Experience with published forecast accuracy metrics is essential.

- MBA / B. Tech from Tier 1/2 institutes preferred