Demand Planner

Overview

Forecasting & Demand Planning

• Execute the monthly and weekly demand planning process for assigned MENA markets, producing accurate and timely market-level forecasts.
• Build rolling forecasts using statistical models, sales inputs, promotional calendars, and seasonality factors
• Submit clean, validated market forecasts ahead of each S&OP cycle, targeting ≥85% weighted forecast accuracy.
• Flag volume risks and demand volatility to the regional manager with supporting analysis.

S&Op Process Support

• Actively participate in regional S&OP/IBP demand reviews, presenting market-level forecast assumptions and performance.
• Ensure 100% on-time forecast submissions ahead of each monthly S&OP meeting.
• Support the Regional Manager in consolidating country inputs into the regional demand plan.

Commercial & Market Collaboration

• Liaise with country sales, trade marketing, and marketing teams to incorporate promotions, activations, and distribution changes into forecasts.
• Challenge and validate country assumptions, ensuring volume expectations are realistic and data backed.
• Coordinate with relevant teams on new product launches, delisting's, and portfolio changes for assigned markets.

Forecast Accuracy & Kpi Tracking

• Track and report forecast accuracy (MAPE) at SKU and market level monthly.
• Conduct root cause analysis for forecast misses and present findings and corrective actions to the Regional Manager.
• Maintain data integrity and comply with global FMCG forecasting standards and governance requirements.

Inventory, Waste & Returns Reduction

• Monitor inventory levels for assigned markets, identifying overstock, near-expiry, and slow-moving SKUs to support reduction in waste and write-offs.
• Analyze demand-driven causes of customer and channel returns, contributing to action plans targeting reduction in return rates.
• Support supply planning with demand-side inputs for safety stock reviews, allocation decisions, and phase-in/phase-out plans.
• Assist with scenario planning for demand spikes, supply constraints, and market volatility.

Requirements

• +3 years of demand planning experience, preferably in an FMCG environment.
• Hands-on experience executing demand forecasts and participating in an S&OP or IBP process.
• Demonstrable contribution to improving forecast accuracy (MAPE/bias) or reducing inventory waste.
• Strong analytical skills: advanced Excel & Power BI are a must; AI forecasting tools is a plus.
• Good communication skills with the ability to present data clearly to commercial and supply chain stakeholders.
• Experience working across GCC \\KSA market dynamics and seasonality (Ramadan, summer shifts) is an advantage.

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business or Engineering.
• APICS CPIM certification (or actively working towards)