Manager – Category Network Planning Full Time NEW

We are looking for a highly analytical and agile Network Planner to drive real-time supply chain execution and ensure optimal product availability across our distribution network. This role sits at the heart of short-term planning, enabling seamless coordination between factories, warehouses, and market teams to balance service, cost, and inventory.

Key Responsibilities:

• Product Availability: Ensure the right stock is available at the right DC at the right time by driving timely replenishment and prioritizing dispatches based on demand signals and SKU criticality.
• Short-Term Dispatch Planning (W-1/W-2): Own weekly and daily dispatch plans aligned to production schedules; take real-time decisions based on invoicing trends and stock cover movements.
• Forecast Adherence: Ensure dispatch and replenishment plans are aligned to system-generated demand forecasts at SKU–DC level; challenge deviations and drive disciplined execution.
• Touchless Planning Adoption: Drive usage of automated tools (OMP/STPO) for planning and dispatch; reduce manual interventions through better data hygiene and system reliability.
• Inventory Optimization: Monitor and manage finished goods stock cover across DCs; balance production, dispatch, and consumption to avoid stock-outs and excess.
• Network Flow & Dispatch Efficiency: Optimize vehicle loads, dispatch sequencing, lead times, and transit planning to reduce logistics cost and improve DC servicing.
• Warehouse & Network Constraint Management: Monitor warehouse capacities, throughput limits, and detentions; adjust dispatch plans to prevent congestion and ensure smooth flow.
• Market Event Responsiveness: Anticipate and prepare for demand spikes (festivals, promos, seasonality); pre-position inventory and adjust plans proactively to avoid disruptions.
• Data-Led Planning & Continuous Improvement: Leverage data for decision-making, maintain strong data hygiene, and continuously refine planning inputs to improve availability, cost, and inventory outcomes.

Education & Experience:

• MBA in Supply Chain Management from a Tier-1 institute (preferred)
• 2–5 years of experience in supply chain planning, network planning, or distribution planning
• FMCG / Consumer industry experience preferred
• Strong understanding of end-to-end supply chain planning and network dynamics
• Experience in short-term planning / dispatch planning / replenishment planning
• Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making skills
• Strong stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration
• Exposure to planning tools / automation platforms (OMP, APO, or similar) preferred