Title: Manager - Demand Planning
Position Overview:
As a Demand Planning Manager, you will be critical in ensuring efficient and effective supply chain operations by forecasting and managing demand for our products. You will develop accurate demand forecasts, implement demand planning strategies, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize inventory levels and meet customer demands. Your expertise in demand planning and strong analytical skills will drive business growth and customer satisfaction.
Key Responsibilities:
Demand Forecasting and Analysis:
- Utilize historical data, market trends, and statistical models to develop accurate demand forecasts for both In-Market and To-Market projected Sales across the planning horizon.
- Analyse demand patterns, seasonality, and market dynamics to identify potential demand fluctuations and factors influencing demand.
- Collaborate with sales, marketing, and finance teams to gather relevant information and insights for demand forecasting, generate valid proposals for customer sales orders, and reconcile received sales orders with TMS forecast.
- Generate and track New Product Launch Plans, liaise with the business development team, and ensure their alignment with the overall company strategy.
Demand Planning Strategy:
- Develop and implement demand planning strategies and processes to effectively manage demand variability.
- Establish appropriate inventory levels and safety stock targets to minimize stockouts and excess inventory while meeting customer service objectives.
- Continuously evaluate and enhance demand planning methodologies, tools, and systems to improve forecast accuracy and efficiency.
Collaboration and Communication:
- Work closely with cross-functional teams, including sales, marketing, operations, and finance, to gather input and align demand forecasts with business objectives.
- Run the Monthly Demand review cycle with all its prerequisites and ensure proper data modeling and presentation to upper management as part of the S&OP monthly process.
- Collaborate with Supply Planning to ensure timely and accurate information exchange and optimize supply chain performance.
- Communicate demand plans, forecasts, and key insights to stakeholders, providing clear visibility into demand drivers, risks, and opportunities.
Performance Monitoring and Reporting:
- Monitor demand planning performance metrics, such as forecast accuracy, bias, and inventory turnover, and take corrective actions as required.
- Generate regular reports and dashboards to track demand planning KPIs, identify trends, and provide senior management with actionable insights.
- Conduct regular business reviews to evaluate demand planning effectiveness and propose enhancements to optimize supply chain operations.
Continuous Improvement:
- Lead or participate in cross-functional improvement initiatives to enhance demand planning processes, tools, and systems.
- Identify opportunities for automation and leverage advanced analytics techniques to improve forecast accuracy and demand planning efficiency.
- Stay updated on industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies related to demand planning and supply chain management.
Qualifications and Skills:
- Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, logistics, business administration, or a related field. An advanced degree is a plus.
- Proven experience (Not less than ten years) in demand planning or supply chain planning roles, preferably in a managerial capacity.
- Strong analytical skills and proficiency in utilizing demand planning software, statistical forecasting tools, and advanced Excel or data analysis techniques.
- Excellent understanding of demand planning methodologies, statistical models, and forecasting techniques.
- Familiarity with supply chain processes, including inventory management, production planning, and procurement.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
- Ability to handle multiple projects and prioritize work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
- Strong problem-solving abilities and a strategic mindset to drive continuous improvement.
- Knowledge of ERP systems, such as SAP, IBP, or similar, is desirable.
Core Competencies:
- Analytical and Statistical Skills
- Strategic Planning and Execution
- Collaboration and Communication Skills
- Problem-solving and Decision Making
- Continuous Improvement and Innovation
- Technical Proficiency in Demand Planning Tools
- Leadership and Team Management