Demand Planning Lead/Manager

Job Purpose

The Demand Planning Unit Manager oversees the demand planning process, ensuring accurate forecasting, effective inventory management, and alignment with organizational objectives. This role involves leading the demand planning team, refining processes, developing systems, and driving collaboration across sales, marketing, and supply chain functions to ensure business growth and operational efficiency.

Responsibilities

1. Demand  Forecasting

• Study all brand-related information, including product range, groups, key products, growth patterns, and seasonality.
• Collect and analyze purchase performance data from the past 2–3 years, including value, volume, ordering cycles, replenishment lead times, DSI (Days Sales of Inventory), and pricing factors.
• Gather sales performance data for the same period, analyzing macro trends, product groups, key products, and SKU seasonality in value and volume.
• Align with sales leadership to determine growth targets based on market developments and historical trends.
• Develop brand forecasts at macro, product group, and key product levels, presenting them by value and volume.
• Create detailed purchase plans, accounting for ordering cycles and replenishment lead times.
• Collaborate with sales and marketing heads to finalize plans, engaging suppliers or brand owners as needed for input.
• Release finalized plans to suppliers or upload them to supplier portals.

2. Plan Execution and Performance Monitoring:

• Communicate the finalized plan to internal teams, including supply chain, finance, and related departments.
• Prepare yearly purchase order (PO) schedules, detailing pick-up or vessel booking timelines.
• Monitor monthly sales performance and inventory levels by SKU, ensuring adherence to agreed DSI levels.
• Schedule and lead regular cycle forecast meetings with sales and marketing for plan reviews and adjustments.
• Address availability issues with sales and marketing teams, identifying potential replacements as necessary.
• Ensure alignment among suppliers, sales, and supply chain teams to ensure seamless plan execution and resolve deviations promptly.

3. Demand Planning System Development and Optimization

• Identify areas for improvement in demand planning processes and propose actionable recommendations.
• Analyze historical sales data and future plans to continuously enhance demand forecast accuracy.
• Evaluate and recommend demand planning software to improve data analysis and decision-making.
• Develop and maintain tools, reports, and analytics to drive improvements in demand planning effectiveness.
• Ensure the integration and optimal utilization of planning systems across functions.

4. Team Leadership and Capability Development

• Design and deliver training programs to enhance the skills and capabilities of the demand planning team.
• Direct the analytics team, providing clear direction and oversight.
• Set yearly SMART objectives aligned with organizational goals and review team KPIs regularly.
• Conduct performance reviews, appraisals, and cycle performance assessments for team members.
• Mentor and develop team members to meet current and future business needs.

Job Specifications

§ Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field.

§ Minimum of 7–10 years in demand planning or related supply chain roles.

§ At least 3 years in a leadership or managerial position.

§ Expertise in demand planning tools, ERP systems, and forecasting software.

§ Strong analytical skills to interpret sales and inventory data for actionable insights.

§ Leadership and mentoring abilities to guide and develop team members.

§ Proficiency in stakeholder collaboration across sales, marketing, and supply chain functions.

§ Excellent organizational and communication skills for multi-functional coordination.