Manager - National Demand & Supply Planning - FMCG/Retail/FMCD/Electronics

Job Summary:

The Demand & Supply Planner will be responsible for developing accurate demand forecasts, optimizing inventory levels, coordinating production and procurement plans, and ensuring smooth product availability across channels. This role is critical in aligning Sales, Marketing, Production, and Logistics to deliver superior customer service while minimizing supply chain costs in a fast-paced consumer durables environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Demand Planning:

- Develop and maintain rolling demand forecasts using data-driven models.

- Conduct risk assessments related to demand variability and create mitigation plans.

- Lead the S&OP process by collaborating with Sales, Product, and Finance teams to finalize consensus forecasts.

Supply Planning:

- Prepare production and procurement plans aligned with demand forecasts and capacity constraints.

- Monitor supplier lead times, production schedules, and material availability to avoid shortages.

- Coordinate closely with manufacturing plants and vendors to ensure on-time availability.

- Optimize inventory levels to balance service levels and working capital goals.

- Conduct analyses for Minimum Stock Levels, ABC classification, overstock, zero stock, and material shortages.

Inventory Management:

- Maintain healthy stock levels across warehouses and channels.

- Identify slow-moving, non-moving, and obsolete inventory; recommend liquidation or reallocation strategies.

- Monitor safety stock, reorder points, and replenishment cycles to ensure continuity of supply.

- Work cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, Procurement, and Logistics to align forecasts and supply plans.

Qualifications & Skills:

Education:

- Degree in supply chain, Operations, Engineering, Business, or related field.

- Postgraduate degree or certifications (APICS CPIM/CSCP, MBA in Supply Chain) preferred.

Experience:

- 4-7+ years of experience in demand planning, supply planning, or inventory management.

- Experience in consumer durables, FMCG, retail, or electronics industries preferred.

Technical Skills:

- Strong proficiency in MS Excel (advanced), forecasting tools, and ERP systems (SAP/Oracle/JDA/Kinaxis).

- Strong analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills.

- Solid understanding of S&OP, forecasting techniques, safety stock management, and inventory optimization.