The Demand Manager is responsible for leading the demand planning process to ensure accurate forecasting and alignment with commercial objectives. The role drives forecast accuracy, supports business growth, and enables effective decision-making through data-driven insights, while coordinating closely with Commercial, Marketing, Finance, and Supply teams.
Key Responsibilities:
Demand Planning & Forecasting
- Develop and maintain rolling demand forecasts (3 months, Full Year, and 24 months) at SKU level
- Utilize historical data, market trends, Sell-In Sell-Out data, and commercial inputs to generate accurate forecasts
- Apply statistical models and judgmental adjustments to improve forecast reliability
- Continuously review and refine forecasting methodologies
S&OP (Sales & Operations Planning) Management
- Lead the demand review process within the S&OP cycle
- Consolidate inputs from Sales, Marketing, Supply and Finance into a consensus demand plan
- Present demand assumptions, risks, and opportunities during S&OP meetings
- Ensure alignment of demand plans with overall business targets
Forecast Accuracy & Performance Management
- Track and analyze forecast accuracy and bias at SKU and aggregate levels
- Identify root causes of forecast variances and implement corrective actions
- Establish and monitor KPIs related to demand planning performance
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance forecasting effectiveness
Commercial & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner closely with Sales and Marketing teams to capture market intelligence, promotions, and product lifecycle changes
- Integrate inputs on new product launches, promotions, trade deals, and discontinuations into the demand plan
- Collaborate with Finance to ensure alignment with financial forecasts and budgets
- Coordinate with Inventory and Logistics to ensure sufficient stocks are available per selling depot/warehouse.
Product Lifecycle & Portfolio Management Support
- Manage demand planning inputs for new product introductions, relaunches, and phase-outs
- Coordinate item code creation for new products both in ERP System and Distributor product list.
- Monitor product performance and adjust forecasts based on lifecycle stage
- Support portfolio rationalization initiatives through data insights
Data Analysis & Reporting
- Generate regular demand planning reports and dashboards for stakeholders
- Provide actionable insights on sales trends, seasonality, and market dynamics
- Ensure data integrity and consistency in forecasting tools and ERP systems (e.g., SAP)
- Regular updating of Sell-In Sell-Out Planning tool
Continuous Improvement
- Drive enhancements in demand planning processes, tools, and systems
- Promote adoption of best practices in forecasting and demand management
Support digitalization and automation initiatives within demand planning
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Economics, Statistics, or related field
- Minimum 5–8 years of experience in demand planning, forecasting, or commercial analytics
- Experience in pharmaceutical or FMCG industry preferred
- Strong background in statistical forecasting and data analysis
- Experience working with ERP and planning tools (e.g., SAP, forecasting software)
Skills & Competencies
- Strong analytical and quantitative skills
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analysis tools
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Ability to translate data into actionable business insights
- Strong attention to detail and critical thinking
