Manager - Distribution Planning

About Ugaoo At Ugaoo, we’ve always believed plants are more than décor — they’re companions, healers, and reminders of what truly matters. What began as a small idea sparked by a plant on a windowsill has grown into India’s leading gardening brand, backed by marquee investors like DSG Consumer Partners and V3 Ventures. From our 25-acre farm in Talegaon to a thriving D2C store and retail presence across Pune, Mumbai, and Bangalore — we’re building an ecosystem that brings nature closer to homes, offices, and communities.

Role Overview The Distribution Planner will manage the end-to-end flow of products from Ugaoo's warehouses/nurseries to regional hubs and retail/online fulfillment points, ensuring on-time delivery while optimizing costs. This role is critical to maintaining product availability, minimizing wastage (especially relevant for perishable plant inventory), and supporting Ugaoo's growing distribution network.

Key Responsibilities

• Inventory Control

• Monitor stock levels at regional hubs to prevent shortages or excess inventory.

• Track perishable/live plant inventory closely to minimize wastage and spoilage.

• Conduct periodic stock audits and reconcile discrepancies with warehouse teams.

• Replenishment Planning

• Create replenishment schedules to move goods based on current sales trends and future demand.

• Use forecasting inputs to plan seasonal and promotional stock builds.

• Adjust replenishment plans proactively in response to demand fluctuations.

• Network Optimization

• Balance transport limits, storage capacity, and shipping lead times across the distribution network.

• Identify opportunities to optimize shipping routes and reduce overall distribution costs.

• Recommend improvements to warehouse/RDC placement and capacity planning.

• Cross-Functional Coordination

• Communicate with sales, production/nursery, and logistics teams to track incoming and outgoing shipments.

• Align with sales teams on demand signals and upcoming promotional activity.

• Coordinate with production teams to ensure supply availability matches planned dispatches.

• Performance Tracking

• Review distribution metrics such as order fill rate, on-time delivery, and shipping accuracy.

• Prepare regular reports and dashboards for management on inventory health and distribution efficiency.

• Identify trends in performance data and recommend corrective actions.

• Issue Resolution

• React quickly to supply chain delays, transport blockages, or sudden demand spikes.

• Escalate and coordinate resolution of critical shipment or inventory issues with relevant stakeholders.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Analytical Skills: Strong ability to work with large data sets and forecasting/planning software (e.g., SAP or similar ERP tools).
• Problem-Solving: Ability to react quickly and effectively to supply chain delays, transport blockages, or sudden shifts in demand.
• Communication: Excellent coordination and communication skills across suppliers, warehouses, and internal stakeholders.
• Attention to Detail: Comfort managing time-sensitive inventory, particularly relevant given the perishable nature of live plants.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or Engineering.
• Experience: 4–6 years of relevant experience in inventory control, logistics, or demand planning (experience in FMCG, agriculture, or perishable goods industries is a plus).

What Ugaoo Offers

• Opportunity to be part of a fast-growing, purpose-driven brand
• Collaborative and dynamic work environment
• Exposure to end-to-end supply chain operations in a high-growth category

Location: Talegaon MIDC

Format: On-site, Monday - Saturday