Demand Planner - FMCG

Key requirements:

- Thorough understanding of sales processes and key drivers of market dynamics in a FMCG company

- Must demonstrate analytical abilities, problem solving skills and have expert command over working in MS Excel, knowledge of SAP APO, ECC & BW

- Demonstrate proficiencies with statistical modeling and APO forecasting methods and use them effectively

- Actively support team and work well in a team environment. Should be a self starter.

- proactive in seeking guidance and willing to contribute wherever and whenever asked

- Proficient in communication, both written and oral. Must be able to draft presentations and reports as required

Key Responsibilities:

- Generate branch & SKU level statistical forecast

- Manage the monthly consensus forecasting process based on input from divisional stakeholders (Sales, Marketing, Trade & Promotions and Brand team)

- Revise forecasts and recommend changes on a monthly basis based on trends, new product introductions, and revised sales plans

- Develop statistical forecast models in APO/DP, Identify historical outliers in data, use tools to measure forecast accuracy and errors and initiate methods to improve forecasts

- Advise Sales, Marketing teams on significant variances between forecasts and actual by geography and category.

- Participate in the monthly Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) meetings by presenting the forecast analytics and incorporate supply planner inputs.

- Maintain proactive communication with production teams, including providing final monthly forecast, and alerts of material forecast changes in the month in a timely manner

- Manage new product rollout through forecasting and interfacing with marketing, sales and supply chain

- Coordinate with Marketing for new product launches

KPIs:

- Forecast accuracy: by SKU class and division

- Timeliness of activities to ensure smooth supply planning cycle

- SLOB management

Preferred Experience:

- Experience in Demand Planning / Demand Forecasting in a reputed FMCG company Only handling vast SKUs with 4/5 years of relevant experience in Demand planning & forecasting

- Significant exposure to sales and distribution to understand dynamics of FMCG sales

- Should be an MBA or higher degree in statistics/ SCM/ Logistics from a good institute