Assistant Manager, Demand Planning

Position Responsibilities

• Develop, review and maintain an accurate rolling demand forecast for all SKUs using historical data, sales trends and marketing inputs.
• Ensure healthy inventory levels by planning optimal safety stock, replenishment frequency and minimum order quantities based on demand patterns.
• Monitor inventory ageing, shelf-life exposure and short-dated stocks. Drive timely decision making to minimize write-offs and wastage.
• Reduce overstock and slow moving inventory by proactively adjusting forecasts and coordinating with stakeholders on clearance or repurpose plan.
• Lead weekly demand review meetings by presenting demand assumptions, forecast changes and risks
• Convert demand plans into replenishment strategies and ordering requirements, considering lead time, capacity constraints and production schedules.
• Ensure supply continuity by resolving supply gaps, shortages or capacity constraints in collaboration with Procurement, Suppliers and 3PL partners.
• Identify and escalate risks early such as supply delays, spike trends, promotional uplift or SKU performance deviations along with recommended mitigation actions.
• Track and report key planning KPIs (Forecast Accuracy, Service Level, OOS, Slow Moving, Wastage, Inventory Health) to management on a weekly and monthly basis.
• Prepare and maintain dashboards and analytical reports that provide insights into forecast accuracy, demand trends inventory health and SKU performance.
• Support continuous improvement by enhancing forecasting systems, data quality, planning parameters and workflow accuracy.
• Contribute to process improvement initiatives such as reducing planning lead time, streamlining demand review processes and improving communication flows.
• Provide analytical support for new product launches, end of life management and promotional planning to ensure smooth execution.
• Support system enhancement projects, including testing of new planning modules, integration improvements and data validation exercises.
• Assist in developing SOPs, guidelines and documentation to strengthen demand planning and inventory management governance.
• Support management with ad-hoc analysis related to product performance, stock utilization, expiry exposure or scenario planning.

Qualification and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in any related field.
• Preferably a degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or equivalent education.
• Additional certification in supply chain or planning is an advantage.
• Minimum 5 years experience in Demand Planning, Supply Planning or Inventory Management.
• Prior experience in F&B or industries with short shelf life products is strongly preferred.
• Experience working with 3PL-managed warehouses and end-to-end replenishment processes.
• Proven track record in managing forecasts, inventory performance and cross functional planning cycles.
• Experience handling high SKU counts, promotional driven demand and fast paced operational environments.
• Strong analytical capability with ability to translate data into insights and actionable recommendations.
• Proficient in Excel, forecasting tools and planning systems.
• Solid understanding of demand forecasting methods, inventory management principles and supply chain fundamentals.
• Strong business acumen to understand sales drivers, market behaviour, promotions, and product life cycles.
• Good communication, presentation and stakeholder alignment skills
• Detail-oriented with a high level of accuracy in data handling and forecasting.
• Strong sense of ownership, accountability and follow through.
• Able to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast paced environment.
• Calm and organized when managing pressure, unexpected changes or supply disruptions.
• Continuous improvement mindset, always looking for better ways to enhance processes and performance.

a Necessity, not a Luxury