Demand Planning Manager

Job description

We are looking for an analytically driven Manager Demand Planning to strengthen our Supply Chain function. The role owns end-to-end demand planning across channels, leads the monthly S&OP consensus cycle, and drives forecast accuracy through a combination of statistical rigour and cross-functional collaboration. The ideal candidate brings deep domain expertise in FMCG, Consumer Electronics, or FMEG, a hands-on command of planning tools and data platforms, and the confidence to engage leadership with clear, data-backed demand narratives. **Key Responsibilities** **Demand Planning & Forecasting** - Develop accurate SKU-level statistical baseline forecasts using advanced time-series modelling to ensure optimal supply chain readiness across India. - Monitor and drive improvements in forecast accuracy (WAPE) and bias reduction by analysing historical trends and market-driven demand variables. - Manage end-to-end demand planning for diverse channels, including General Trade, Modern Trade, E-commerce, and specialised distribution networks. - Analyse promotional impact and seasonal indices to refine baseline plans, ensuring inventory availability aligns with high-volume marketing and trade activities. - Execute effective new product introduction (NPI) planning by leveraging analogous data and cross-functional market intelligence for launch accuracy. - Collaborate with supply and logistics teams to reconcile demand plans with production capacity, inventory norms, and replenishment lead times. - Identify inventory risks including excess, slow-moving, or obsolete stock and proactively coordinate liquidation plans to optimise working capital efficiency. **Analytics, Reporting & Digitalisation** - Maintain and optimise demand planning system parameters, ensuring data integrity and effective utilisation of planning software across all SKU categories. - Prepare and present high-level executive dashboards and performance reports to leadership, highlighting demand risks, opportunities, and strategic action items. - Drive digital transformation in planning processes by adopting advanced analytics and automated tools to replace manual or legacy spreadsheet models. - Act as the primary cross-functional interface, ensuring demand signals are clearly communicated and aligned with Sales, Category, Finance, and Supply teams. **Domain** - Expert understanding of end-to-end Supply Chain Planning, S&OP governance, and market dynamics in India. - Strong working knowledge of channel-specific demand behaviours across GT, MT, E-Commerce, and Institutional/Specialised networks. - Proven ability to convert complex data trends and demand signals into actionable business strategies. **Technical Mandatory** Advanced Excel (Macros, VBA, Pivot, Power Query) SQL – Data extraction & aggregation Python – Forecasting models & automation R – Statistical analysis & modelling Tableau – Dashboards & visualisation Anaplan – Demand / S&OP planning modules ERP: SAP / Oracle (MM–SD modules) **Technical — Good to Have** Power BI for executive reporting ML Demand Sensing platforms (e.g. Karini, Ganit) Azure / GCP / AWS – basic data tools exposure Python ML libraries (scikit-learn, Prophet, stats models)