The Manager - Logistics & Demand Planning is responsible for leading demand planning and logistics operations to ensure smooth execution from sales forecasting through order fulfillment and invoicing. The role involves close coordination with third-party warehouses (3PL), logistics partners, and internal stakeholders to achieve sales targets, optimize inventory turnover, and maintain high service levels.

Key Responsibilities:

Team Leadership:

- Lead, coach, and develop the Logistics & Demand Planning team

- Drive best practices and track performance using defined KPIs

- Provide ongoing training and performance guidance

Demand Planning:

- Convert sales forecasts into accurate demand plans

- Perform data analysis to improve forecast accuracy and planning outcomes

- Continuously enhance demand planning and inventory planning processes

Inventory Management:

- Monitor and manage inventory levels across internal locations and external 3PL warehouses

- Ensure proper inventory rotation and minimize excess, slow-moving, or obsolete stock

- Optimize working capital while maintaining service level targets

Order Management & Fulfillment:

- Oversee end-to-end order processing including order acceptance, picking, packing, dispatch, and delivery tracking

- Ensure timely and accurate deliveries to customers

ERP & Systems Usage:

- Ensure effective utilization of ERP systems for forecasting, inventory control, and reporting

- Support lean inventory management through system discipline and data accuracy

Logistics & Vendor Management:

- Coordinate with freight forwarders, transporters, and logistics service providers

- Optimize transportation routes and freight costs

- Review, negotiate, and approve logistics contracts and commercial terms

Warehouse Management (3PL):

- Oversee third-party warehouse operations to ensure accurate inventory handling and shipment execution

- Monitor warehouse KPIs related to accuracy, turnaround time, and compliance

Compliance & Governance:

- Ensure logistics and warehousing operations comply with applicable statutory, regulatory, and internal standards

Sales & Customer Coordination:

- Act as a key interface with Sales and Customer teams to align demand, service levels, and business objectives

Process Improvement & Collaboration:

- Work closely with cross-functional and regional teams on process standardization and documentation

- Drive continuous improvement initiatives across inbound, outbound, warehousing, and transportation processes

Required Qualifications:

- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Operations, Business Administration, or a related field

- MBA / PGDM in Supply Chain or Operations preferred

Experience Required:

- 8-12 years of experience in logistics, demand planning, supply chain, or inventory management

- Proven experience managing 3PL warehouses and logistics partners

- Strong exposure to demand forecasting, inventory optimization, and ERP systems

Key Skills & Competencies:

- Strong analytical and planning capabilities

- Effective team leadership and people management skills

- Excellent vendor and stakeholder management abilities

- Hands-on experience with ERP and demand planning tools

- Clear communication and coordination skills