Job Description

Demand Planning Manager - FMCG

We are currently seeking a highly experienced and results driven Demand Planning Manager to lead and optimize the demand forecasting and Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) processes across our Travel Retail business in Asia. This is an urgent hire, and we are looking for someone who can step into the role quickly and make an immediate impact.

As the Demand Planning Manager , you will play a pivotal role in ensuring alignment between commercial strategy, financial planning, and supply chain execution. You’ll lead end-to-end demand planning initiatives, drive collaborative S&OP processes, and work closely with cross-functional teams including Commercial, Finance, Marketing, and IT to ensure accurate forecasts and seamless product delivery.

This position offers a unique opportunity to shape and enhance the demand planning function within a high-performing FMCG environment, working across dynamic markets in Asia and supporting global travel retail operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the Demand Forecasting Process
  • Drive the monthly demand planning cycle and ensure timely, accurate, and consensus-based demand forecasts aligned with commercial strategies and promotional plans.
  • Collaborate with Commercial and Finance teams to integrate market intelligence, pricing changes, and campaign data into forecasting models.
  • Utilize Anaplan as the core demand planning tool to improve forecast accuracy, streamline workflows, and enable real-time visibility into planning data.
  • Manage statistical forecasting models and continuously refine methodologies to improve forecast performance.
  • Consolidate and communicate demand projections to both Supply Planning and Finance teams for inventory and budgeting purposes.
• Drive S&OP Excellence
  • Lead the end-to-end Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process on a monthly basis, ensuring alignment between demand and supply while optimizing operational efficiency.
  • Prepare performance tracking reports, scenario analysis, and risk assessments to support strategic business decisions.
  • Partner closely with Finance to understand the value implications of volume fluctuations and ensure forecast accuracy drives business outcomes.
  • Facilitate communication of key S&OP decisions and action items across all relevant stakeholders.
  • Proactively manage product allocation and develop corrective actions to close any demand-supply gaps.
• Strengthen Customer Collaboration
  • Develop joint forecasting plans with key customers and internal Commercial teams to ensure mutual understanding of expectations and market dynamics.
  • Support customer planning meetings with insights and actionable demand intelligence.
  • Establish best-in-class demand planning policies and procedures aligned with industry standards.
• People & Systems Leadership
  • Act as the Super User for the Demand Planning system, providing training, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement input.
  • Mentor and supervise junior Demand Planners to ensure consistent, high-quality output.
  • Build strong cross-functional partnerships internally and externally to ensure seamless integration across the supply chain.
  • Champion process and system improvements that enhance planning quality, reduce costs, and optimize resource utilization.

Requirements:

• • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business Administration, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
  • Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in demand planning or supply chain roles, with at least 3 years in a managerial capacity.
  • Must have prior experience in the FMCG or Retail sector; international exposure preferred.
  • Strong background in Asia Pacific markets and familiarity with travel retail is a significant advantage.
• Skills & Competencies
  • Deep expertise in demand forecasting techniques, S&OP frameworks, and their implementation in complex environments.
  • Demonstrated ability to analyze large datasets, identify root causes, and propose data-driven solutions.
  • High proficiency in MS Excel, Power BI, and other analytics tools. Anaplan experience is a strong plus.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills.
  • Strategic thinker with the ability to translate business needs into actionable planning strategies.
• Additional Requirements
  • Willingness to travel domestically and internationally (~15%).
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, matrixed, and dynamic environment.

If you're a seasoned Demand Planning professional with proven experience in FMCG or Retail, and you're ready to take your career to the next level—apply now!