Manager, Demand Planning

Objective

The Demand Planning Manager will be responsible for leading the demand forecasting and inventory planning processes to ensure optimal stock availability across all channels. This role drives cross-functional alignment between Demand, Supply, Operations, and 3PL partners, ensuring accurate forecasts, efficient replenishment and minimal waste particularly for short shelf-life products.

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