Position Summary
The Demand Planning Manager facilitates the demand process and is accountable for providing a 36-month unconstrained Demand (volume), Sales ($) and Margin ($) Plans by combining quantitative forecasting with qualitative business insights – engaging with Sales, Marketing/Portfolio, and Finance – and creating an actionable consensus plan that aligns with strategic goals, as well as documenting all the demand assumptions.
Responsibilities
Demand Forecasting & Scenario Planning
- Develop and maintain short, medium, and long-term Demand (volume), Sales ($) and Margin ($) forecasts using historical data, market trends, and statistical models.
- Collaborate with Sales, Marketing/Portfolio, and Finance to incorporate customer insights + wins/losses, promotions, product launches/sunsets, and overall market intelligence into forecasts, as well as document assumptions, sensitivities, risks/vulnerabilities (downsides) and opportunities (upsides).
- Continuously improve forecast accuracy through data analysis and feedback loops, eliminating error and bias from the process completely.
- Prepare for best-case, worst-case, and most-likely demand scenarios.
- Manage abnormal demands as they arise.
Supply Alignment
- Ensure alignment between demand and supply + inventory plans by factoring in potential constraints and/or issues (e.g., capacity, service, lead time, quality).
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- While located at the point of Demand Planning activity i.e., within Commercial, act as a bridge between Sales, Marketing/Portfolio, Operations, and Finance to ensure consensus on Demand (volume), Sales ($) and Margin ($) plans.
- Ensure the demand review coordination on behalf of the Head of the Commercial Region.
- Participate in IBP meetings to align demand and supply strategies + tactical decisions.
- Facilitate issue resolution & gap closing.
- Communicate Demand (volume), Sales ($), Price ($/unit), Margin ($) and related assumptions changes, as well as opportunities and risks to stakeholders proactively.
Data Analysis & Reporting
- Analyze historical sales data, market trends, and customer behavior to identify patterns.
- Provide reports and dashboards on forecast accuracy and demand variability.
- Use insights to recommend corrective actions and process improvements.
Process & System Management
- Coordinate the monthly demand process through gathering and critiquing of the data.
- Insist on development, redesign or use of processes to gather, quantify and manage demand assumptions to eliminate dependency on people.
- Implement best practices for demand planning processes.
- Maintain and improve forecasting tools and systems (e.g., SAP IBP).
- Drive automation and digitalization initiatives to enhance efficiency.
Risk Management
- Identify and quantify potential demand risks due to seasonality, market shifts, hard/soft churn, supply disruptions.
- Develop contingency plans to mitigate impact on service levels and costs.
Accountabilities
- Statistical Demand (volume) & Sales ($) forecast Error, Accuracy, and Bias (at 3-month lag) by Portfolio, by country, and by customer if/when relevant.
- Consensus Demand (volume) & Sales ($) plan Error, Accuracy, and Bias (at 3-month lag) by Portfolio, by country, and by customer if/when relevant.
Key Competencies
Analytical & Forecasting Skills (30% Weightage)
- Strong ability to interpret historical data, market trends, and seasonality.
- Solid expertise in statistical forecasting methods and predictive modeling.
- Proficiency in data analysis tools (Excel, Power BI).
- Advanced skills in scenario planning and risk assessment.
Communication & Collaboration (20% Weightage)
- Strong cross-functional collaboration with Sales, Marketing/Portfolio, Finance, and Operations.
- Ability to present insights clearly to both technical and non- technical stakeholders.
- Negotiation and consensus-building skills for forecast alignment.
Leadership & Project Management (20% Weightage)
- Skills in leading planning cycles and IBP meetings.
- Ability to manage projects and drive change initiatives.
- Executive presence and ability to interact with/influence senior leadership.
Problem-Solving & Adaptability (10% Weightage)
- Ability to manage uncertainty and volatility in demand.
- Quick decision-making under changing market conditions.
- Continuous improvement mindset for process optimization.
Technical & System Skills (10% Weightage)
- Experience with ERP and planning systems (SAP IBP, Kinaxis) - preferred.
- Ability to manage forecasting software and automation tools.
- Comfort with data integration and reporting platforms.
Business Acumen (10% Weightage)
- Ability to link demand planning decisions to financial impact (costs, margins).
- Understanding of market dynamics, promotions, and product lifecycle.
Qualifications
- 8+ years of experience in Sales, Marketing/Portfolio, Commercial Excellence, Supply Planning, and/or Finance.
- Bachelor's degree in business management or related field.
- Proficiency in English is required.
