Position Summary: Associate Manager – Demand Planning
The Associate Manager of Demand Planning is responsible for generating and managing the total unconstrained demand forecast (baseline and promotional) within the SAP-IBP system for a specific business cluster (covering multiple markets). This role collaborates closely with Market Demand Planners and Demand Planning Analysts to ensure data accuracy, forecast alignment, and effective planning processes.
Key Responsibilities
* Own and challenge statistical forecasts and the True Base in SAP-IBP; initiate data cleansing if needed and flag inconsistencies to the Demand Planning Analyst.
* Collaborate with the Demand Planning Analyst to review trends and update forecast building blocks.
* Ensure alignment between SAP-IBP and the Kantar tool, especially regarding promotional volumes.
* Lead and facilitate pre-DMR and DMR meetings within the SOP process, ensuring cross-functional alignment and Business Director sign-off on total volume forecasts.
* Drive adherence to global planning processes and standards across local market teams.
* Participate in weekly S&OE (0–3 months) and monthly S&OP (4–24 months) cycles:
* S&OE: Month pacing and weekly variance management
* S&OP: Product Management Review (PMR), Pre-Demand Management Review (Pre-DMR), and Demand Management Review (DMR)
* Support the Senior Demand Planning Manager in Integrated Reconciliation (IR) by analyzing deviations, completing variance trackers, and explaining sales vs. forecast gaps.
* Lead the Display Plan process in partnership with Supply Planning.
* Manage and develop a team of Market Demand Planners within the assigned market cluster.
* Drive continuous improvement in forecast accuracy and bias to maximize sales, minimize service issues, and optimize working capital.
Additional Responsibilities
* Collaborate with Sales & Marketing to challenge and validate market intelligence:
* Promotional and display forecasts
* Distribution gains/losses
* New product launches
* Risks and opportunities
* Nielsen data and seasonality insights
* Maintain a closed feedback loop with commercial teams to continuously refine forecast quality.
* Partner with Demand Planning Analysts on:
* Forecast accuracy analysis (net and absolute errors)
* NPD setup and cannibalization impact
* Promo analysis, code switches, and constrained product allocation
* Contribute to tool and process improvements by sharing best practices in SAP-IBP and forecasting methodologies.
* Prepare content and secure sign-off for the DMR forecast from the Business Director.
* Enter constrained forecasts in SAP-IBP as needed and investigate root causes of forecast errors.
* Support the International Modern Market Roadmap and implementation of forecast improvement initiatives.
* Represent demand planning and promote its practices with internal and external stakeholders.
* Ensure forecast accuracy for co-packing activities and proactively communicate key updates (e.g., switches, NPDs, promotions) to Customer Service.
* Participate in market-level SLOB and SKU rationalization processes.
What We’re Looking For
Required Skills & Experience:
* Bachelor's degree (or equivalent); supply chain background preferred
* 3–5 years’ experience in demand planning or supply chain
* Strong working knowledge of Excel and Microsoft Office
* SAP-IBP or SAP experience desirable
* Fluent in English; a second European language is a plus
* Experience working remotely and in multicultural, matrixed environments
* Strong communication, organization, and workflow management skills
* Analytical thinker with a customer-focused mindset
* Demonstrated competencies:
* Team leadership and collaboration
* Initiative and results orientation
* Influencing skills
* Adaptability and cross-cultural awareness
#J-18808-Ljbffr