Demand Planner, Gulf

Short Intro and About the Job

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

The Demand Planner supports the demand planning function in the Gulf by generating accurate short- and medium-term forecasts, maintaining data integrity, and contributing to the GPS process.

The role aims to enhance forecast accuracy, reduce bias, and ensure product availability while minimizing waste and inventory costs. Working closely with cross-functional teams (Sales, Marketing, Supply Planning) and in partnership with distributors, the Demand Planner helps translate market insights into reliable demand plans that support business growth.

He / She will Lead and Facilitate the Demand Review Process as an integral part of the Regional GPS process.

He / She will ensure Quality is always in the forefront on how we manage our business in Distributors Process.BUSINESS CONTEXT & KEY CHALLENGES

• Volatile demand in the region
• Distributor management in a maturing market
• MTO model: Make to Orders
• Level of Distributor engagement in Operations & Distribution Practice
• Engagement with internal/external stake holders

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Ensure high collaboration with local teams (commercial, marketing, regulatory & finance) as well as distributors on In Market Sales forecasting accuracy over a period of 30 months.
• Strong collaboration and alignment with Demand planning manager and Country Director to ensure healthy inventory holding and management of In Market Sales
• Lead and facilitate the Demand Review Process as an integral process for GPS (DRM).
• Advanced Scenario Planning
• Co-facilitate the cluster GPS
• Ensure Order negotiations and management with Distributors.
• Ensure proper maintenance of systems (APO DP).
• Ensure system closing on stocks & sales, management & validation of GIT with prior validation.
• Ensure healthy inventory at local warehouses with proper follow up (transfers).
• Liaison with Regional Hub – Customer Service for logistics operations & Supply planning.
• Drive Continuous Improvement programs on increasing Distributor management efficiencies.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

• Forecast Accuracy & Bias (Mid & Long Term): as per division targets
• Inventory Aging Management
• GPS Health check
• Order Management Accuracy
• % in stock @ distributor
• Write off and expiries/ returns % in stock @ distributor
• Accurate stock & sales reporting with min discrepancies

JOB DIMENSIONS

• Business impact (Value added of this role and contribution to the business (direct and indirect CANN impact, size of budget and/or headcount to manage): The role has a direct impact on business results as its KPIs directly affect the set targets.
• Strategic contribution (leadership team membership, size and significance of portfolio to be managed, level of responsibility in the strategic planning process of the CBU, number and size of projects, etc.): The candidate should be a strategic thinker with the ability to develop a road map for the supply chain and route to market for 3 years.
• Geographic scope of the job :  Gulf ( countries TBC) – Based in Cairo ( Egypt )
• Team management (size of team to hierarchically manage, local or remote management, national or international teams, diversity of skills and competencies managed): not applicable
• Functional management (project leader or contributor, size of project team to manage, local or remote management, national or international teams, diversity of skills and competencies managed): will be required to contribute to international teams / projects
• Main internal relations (size and function of the internal network (customers, peers, etc.) and the role of this position in these networks): The role involves a high level of interaction between internal stakeholders at the Middle East regional office, next to the local commercial teams in Maghreb
• Main external relations (size and function of the external network (HCPs, scientists, stakeholders, etc.) and the role of this position in these networks): Liaison with Distributors & 3rd party providers as required.

About You

CANDIDATE  PROFILECREATES a Meaningful Future

• Dares to Challenge and Drives for Transformation
• Co-Builds a Compelling Vision

OPENS Connections inside & outside

• Connects and Builds Authentic Relationships
• Influences and Mobilizes Stakeholders through his/her Convictions

DRIVES for Sustainable Results

• Delivers Value for Danone, Customers & Communities with high Standards
• Takes Accountability and Makes Decisions

EMPOWERS Self and Diverse Teams

• Fosters Collective Impact through Teamwork and Diversity
• Assesses Fairly, Cares and Develops People

SELF AWARE Maintains Self-Balance

• Maintains Self-Balance
• Understands Self & Strives for Development

FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES:

• Forecast Analytical skill set
• Planning tools (e.g., SAP IBP, APO, or similar
• Route to market
• Distributor Partnership management
• Logistics Operations
• Value creation through cross functional management

SOFT SKILLS:

• Strong analytical skills
• Strong leadership skills on daring to challenge
• Stakeholder management
• Highly process / KPI driven
• Strong communication skills
• Good interpersonal skills / team player
• Project Management
• Team player
• Conflict management
• Able to absorb pressure

Education

• Bachelor Degree in business administration or equivalent
• Advance user of Microsoft Office especially Excel and Power Point

Experience / knowledge required

• A minimum of 2 years’ experience in Demand Planning. Preferably: from a multinational FMCG and/or Pharmaceutical company
• Primarily hands on knowledge on local distributor management and supply chain management.
• Intermediate to advanced level of proficiency in Microsoft Excel

Languages required:

(Business English is required for all CODI roles)

• Fluent in English and Arabic (Reading, Speaking & Writing)

Mobility

Candidates should be open to move within the region or outside the region with Danone in 3-4 years if such opportunity will arise which will contribute to his/her career growth

Danone Values

Candidates are expected to adhere to Danone’s core values: Humanism, Openness, Proximity & Enthusiasm

About Us, We offer and What's next

Nutricia Middle East DMCC (part of Danone Group) acting in the field of infant and young child nutrition is committed to respect specific rules to comply with the WHO Code of Breast Milk Substitutes and any related regulations applying locally”.