The Demand Planner is responsible for developing accurate demand forecasts by analyzing historical sales data, market trends, and business requirements. The role works closely with Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Supply Chain teams to improve forecast accuracy, align demand plans with business objectives, and support the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process to ensure effective business planning and decision-making.

Demand Forecasting & Planning

1. Own the process of creating a robust volume Demand Plan across all planning horizons and appropriate levels of granularity.
2. Partner with Sales and Finance to ensure financial forecasts and volume forecasts are aligned and connected.
3. Leverage internal and external data, as well as statistical tools and models, to forecast future demand, including baseline demand, uplifts, and other influencing factors.
4. Collaborate with all relevant functions to gain the best possible insights into future demand and reach a consensus forecast.
5. Challenge and align cross-functionally on demand forecasts for new products, discontinued items, and promotional activities.
6. Analyze past forecasts to identify variances and work with Sales and Marketing to understand the causes and adjust future forecasts accordingly.
7. Be responsible for delivering high Demand Plan accuracy and minimizing Forecast Bias.
8. Actively participate in the S&OP process by providing accurate Demand Plans and highlighting potential demand risks and opportunities to support business planning.

Improve Forecast Accuracy & Demand Planning

1. Propose and implement measures to improve the quality and accuracy of the Demand Plan.
2. Perform detailed analysis of past forecast accuracy to identify areas for improvement and execute relevant improvement initiatives.
3. Collaborate with other Country Demand Planners to share best practices and stay updated on developments in forecasting methodologies and tools.
4. Leverage and pilot innovative tools and techniques to improve forecast accuracy, proactively taking initiatives to enhance Demand Planning processes.
5. Monitor demand trends, historical sales performance, and market developments to identify potential changes in future demand.
6. Regularly review and update demand forecasts based on actual sales performance, market conditions, and business requirements.

Cross-functional Collaboration

1. Identify demand-related risks and opportunities not captured in the forecast and collaborate with relevant functions to develop appropriate action plans.
2. Partner with Sales and Marketing to ensure a clear events and promotional calendar is available and reflected in demand forecasts.
3. Develop forecasting models to better predict the impact of events and promotions, providing guidance to Sales and Marketing on optimizing trade and promotional activities.
4. Partner with Customer Facing Supply Chain teams to support collaborative demand planning with customers.
5. Play an active role in the New Product Introduction process to ensure robust demand forecasting and timely forecast adjustments following product launches.
6. Collaborate with local Plant, Logistics, and Global Supply Chain teams to communicate demand forecasts, highlight potential demand changes, and support the S&OP process.
7. Work closely with Sales, Marketing, and Finance to continuously improve demand forecasting processes and ensure alignment with business objectives.

Education

1. Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Statistics, or a related field.

Experience

1. Minimum 4 years of relevant experience in Demand Planning, Forecasting, or similar roles, preferably in the agriculture or FMCG industry.
2. Practical experience in Demand Forecasting, Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP), and cross-functional collaboration.

Skills & Competencies

1. Business Insight: Strong understanding of business operations, industry trends, and market dynamics, with the ability to identify potential opportunities and risks.
2. Functional Knowledge: Strong knowledge of Demand Planning, Forecasting, and S&OP processes, with the ability to apply statistical forecasting techniques and tools.
3. Hands-on Approach: Willingness and ability to work on operational details, analyze data, and take practical action rather than only providing direction.
4. Strategic Mindset: Ability to develop robust demand plans supported by logical analysis and anticipate future market scenarios.
5. Drive for Results: Strong commitment to achieving results, overcoming challenges, and ensuring effective execution.
6. Stakeholder Management: Ability to consider different stakeholder perspectives, build alignment, and make balanced, well-informed decisions.
7. Effective Communication: Strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to present information clearly and drive appropriate actions.
8. Accountability: Strong sense of ownership and responsibility for delivering accurate forecasts and achieving business objectives.

1. Short Term Incentive (Bonus)
2. Health & Group Life insurance package, Annual Medical Checkup & Wellness program
3. Learning & Development Opportunities

1. Global Leader in Tropical Vegetable Seeds
2. Career Growth & Professional Development Opportunities
3. Purpose-Driven, Innovative & Collaborative Work Culture