Senior Demand Planner

About the role

The Senior Demand Planner / Demand Planning Manager is responsible for developing accurate demand forecasts and ensuring effective alignment between Sales, Marketing, Category & Channel Development (CCD), Supply Chain, Production and Finance. The role supports a fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) portfolio by ensuring the right products are available at the right time, while maintaining healthy inventory levels and minimizing stock-outs, excess stock and obsolete inventory.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the monthly demand forecasting and planning process across product categories and SKUs.
• Develop demand forecasts based on historical sales, market trends, promotions, seasonality, new product launches and business plans.
• Work closely with Sales, Marketing/CCD, Finance and Supply Chain to align demand assumptions and business forecasts.
• Lead and facilitate the Demand Review / S&OP process, highlighting key risks, opportunities and required actions.
• Monitor forecast accuracy and identify significant gaps between forecast and actual sales.
• Manage demand planning for promotional activities, festive seasons and new product launches, which are critical within the FMCG environment.
• Coordinate closely with supply planning, procurement and relevant regional/HQ stakeholders to ensure sufficient stock availability.
• Monitor inventory levels and proactively manage risks related to slow-moving, excess and obsolete stock.
• Identify potential stock shortages and coordinate recovery or mitigation plans with relevant stakeholders.
• Analyse SKU and category performance and recommend forecast adjustments based on changing market conditions.
• Prepare regular demand planning reports, analysis and management updates.
• Drive continuous improvement in forecasting methodology, planning processes and data accuracy.
• Support Management in achieving the right balance between sales growth, product availability and inventory efficiency.

About you

• Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Logistics, Statistics, Economics or a related field.
• Minimum 7–10 years of experience in demand planning, supply planning or related supply chain functions.
• Strong preference for candidates with experience in FMCG, food & beverage or consumer products.
• Experience managing a large number of SKUs and fast-moving product categories.
• Strong understanding of Demand Planning, S&OP and inventory management.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Microsoft Excel; experience with ERP or demand planning systems such as SAP or similar platforms is an advantage.
• Able to translate sales trends, promotional plans and market information into realistic demand forecasts.
• Strong stakeholder management skills and ability to work cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, Finance and Supply Chain.
• Able to work effectively in a fast-paced FMCG environment with changing demand and business priorities.
• Strong communication, presentation and problem-solving skills.