Role Purpose
The Demand Planner is responsible for creating accurate SKU‑level demand forecasts to ensure optimal inventory availability while minimizing stockouts and excess inventory. The role partners closely with Sales, Marketing, and Finance to gather inputs, analyze trends, and maintain a reliable demand plan that supports business growth and customer service levels.
Key Responsibilities
1. Forecasting & Demand Planning
- Develop monthly, weekly, and rolling SKU-level demand forecasts.
- Analyze sales trends, seasonality, promotions, and market intelligence to refine forecasts.
- Maintain and continuously improve statistical forecasting models.
- Identify forecast risks and ensure alignment with business targets.
2. Forecast Accuracy & Reporting
- Track, analyze, and report forecast accuracy (MAPE, bias, error trends).
- Deliver regular performance dashboards to the VP Supply Chain and key stakeholders.
- Recommend corrective actions to improve forecast reliability.
3. Inventory & Safety Stock Logic
- Support safety stock calculations based on variability, lead times, and service‑level targets.
- Highlight potential stockout risks and excess inventory situations.
- Work closely with Supply Planning on replenishment alignment.
4. Cross‑Functional Collaboration
- Partner with Sales & Marketing to gather demand drivers (events, promotions, NPD).
- Align forecasts with financial plans and supply chain constraints.
- Participate in S&OP (Sales & Operations Planning) meetings, presenting forecast insights.
5. Systems & Data Management
- Use forecasting tools, ERP, MRP systems, and Power BI dashboards for data modeling and analytics.
- Ensure high data accuracy and integrity across systems and reports.
Key Outputs
- Monthly & weekly demand forecasts
- Forecast accuracy and variance analysis reports
- Demand insight dashboards for leadership
- Inputs for S&OP reviews
- Risk and opportunity identification (demand‑side)
Skills & Competencies
Technical Skills
- Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups, power queries, scenarios).
- Expertise in forecasting tools (ERP, MRP, Power BI, demand planning modules).
- Strong statistical analysis and data modelling abilities.
- Understanding of sales patterns, seasonality, and market behaviour.
Behavioural & Functional Skills
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
- High attention to detail with structured thinking.
- Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration.
- Ability to challenge assumptions with data‑backed insights.
- Comfort with fast-paced, growth‑focused environments.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Business, Statistics, or related field.
- 7–10 years of experience in demand planning, forecasting, or supply chain analytics (depending on level).
- Experience in FMCG, food, CPG, manufacturing, or retail sectors preferred.
- Familiarity with S&OP processes is an added advantage.
Departments Worked With
- Sales
- Marketing
- Finance
- Supply Planning
- Inventory / Procurement (as needed)
