Demand Planning Manager

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