Lead – Demand Planning Full Time

We are looking for a strategic and data-driven Demand Planning leader to drive end-to-end forecasting, inventory optimization, and S&OP excellence across our growing brand portfolio. This role will partner closely with Brand, Finance, Supply Chain, R&D, and Commercial teams to build scalable planning capabilities that ensure high service levels, agile execution, and healthy inventory management in a fast-paced omnichannel environment.

Responsibilities: 

1. S&OP Leadership

• Lead the monthly Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) cycle, ensuring alignment across Brand, Finance, and Supply Chain teams.
• Drive consensus-based forecasting and establish a single source of truth for demand planning.

2. Forecasting & Demand Planning

• Develop accurate demand forecasts at SKU, channel, and location level using statistical models, historical trends, and market insights.
• Continuously improve forecast accuracy and bias through data-driven planning.

3. New Product Launch Planning (NPI)

• Collaborate with Marketing and R&D teams to forecast demand for new launches and scale-up requirements.
• Manage launch uncertainties while ensuring strong product availability during ramp-up phases.

4. Inventory Optimization

• Manage inventory health through safety stock planning, reorder point optimization, and ABC-XYZ analysis.
• Balance working capital efficiency with high service levels and targeted fill rates (98%+).

5. Data Analytics & Insights

• Analyze trends, seasonality, promotions, and channel performance to drive actionable supply chain decisions.
• Leverage planning tools and dashboards for data visibility and operational improvements.

6. Risk Management & Supply Continuity

• Identify and mitigate risks related to stock-outs, excess inventory, and supply disruptions.
• Lead cross-functional coordination to ensure uninterrupted product availability.

7. Team Leadership & Capability Building

• Mentor and develop the planning team to build analytical capability and operational excellence.
• Foster a culture of ownership, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Operations, Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, Business, or a related field. MBA/PGDM preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in Demand Planning, S&OP, Supply Chain Planning, or Inventory Management, preferably within FMCG, Beauty, Personal Care, Consumer Goods, or D2C brands.
• Proven experience managing complex, high-SKU, fast-paced omnichannel businesses.
• Strong exposure to scaling operations in high-growth or startup environments is preferred.

Technical Skills

• Strong expertise in demand forecasting, inventory planning, and statistical forecasting methodologies.
• Hands-on experience with planning tools such as SAP IBP, Blue Yonder, advanced Excel, and SQL.
• Strong understanding of D2C business models, unit economics, and omnichannel distribution across E-commerce, Marketplaces, General Trade, and Modern Trade.
• Ability to analyze large datasets and convert insights into actionable supply chain strategies.

Leadership Skills

• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills with the ability to challenge forecasts and drive alignment across cross-functional teams.
• Agile and adaptable mindset, comfortable operating in a fast-paced, high-growth, multi-brand environment.
• Strategic thinking with the ability to build long-term demand, inventory, and capacity planning roadmaps.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making capabilities.
• Excellent communication and team leadership skills with a focus on collaboration and continuous improvement.