Demand Planner

About This Role

The Demand Planner supports the end-to-end demand planning process across assigned MENA markets, contributing to high forecast accuracy, reduced waste and returns, and optimal product availability. Reporting into the Regional Demand Planning Manager, this role executes market-level forecasting, participates in the S&OP cycle, and collaborates with country commercial teams to produce reliable, data-driven demand plans.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

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)