Title:  Assistant Manager Demand Planning

As a pivotal member of our team, you will spearhead the management and optimization of product demand forecasting for a mid to long-term horizon, leveraging diverse data sources such as sales figures, marketing insights, and market statistics. Your primary objective will be to align forecasts with budgetary targets and desired service levels while closely monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs). This role requires adept consolidation of client and customer-level forecasts, aggregating them to the country level for comprehensive net sales and volume projections. Additionally, you will play a central role in our Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process, leading demand reviews to ensure alignment with organizational objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

Demand Planning & Forecasting

• Develop and maintain an 18-month unconstrained, bottom-up demand forecast at SKU and customer level.
• Integrate trade activity calendars, including NPD launches, phase-in/phase-out plans, and SKU obsolescence.
• Consolidate customer- and client-level forecasts into country-level volume for supply planning.
• Track and analyse forecast accuracy, bias, and key demand KPIs, proactively identifying risks and opportunities.

S&OP & Cross-Functional Alignment

• Actively participate in the S&OP process, with ownership or support of the Demand Review.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to align on a single, consensus set of market demand numbers.
• Identify supply–demand gaps and support scenario planning through data-driven insights and recommendations.

Analysis, Reporting & Stakeholder Engagement

• Prepare demand insights, forecasts, and performance materials for S&OP and management reviews.
• Develop and maintain tracking dashboards and reports covering forecast trends, promotions, and off-take patterns.
• Work closely with internal stakeholders and participate in client discussions where required.

Key Requirements:

• 3 to 5 years of relevant experience in FMCG, distribution, or consumer goods environments.
• Proven ability to lead demand reviews and manage multiple internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience in coaching junior team members and engaging clients on forecasts and assumptions.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to operate effectively in ambiguous or fast-changing environments.
• Solid understanding of supply chain fundamentals, inventory management, and service-level trade-offs.
• Good knowledge of FMCG market dynamics and promotional planning.
• Hands-on proficiency in Excel-based forecasting, data analysis, and reporting.
• Proactive, resourceful, and agile, with a continuous learning mindset.
• Client-facing experience is an advantage.