Job Title
Demand Planner
Location
Dubai office
Job Purpose
The Demand Planner is responsible for developing, maintaining, and improving the demand forecast for the consumer appliances portfolio across the Middle East region. The role ensures alignment between sales, marketing, supply chain, and finance to support optimal inventory levels, product availability, and business growth.
Key Responsibilities
Demand Forecasting & Planning
- Develop monthly, quarterly, and annual demand forecasts at SKU, channel, and country level.
- Use historical sales data, market trends, seasonality, promotions, and product lifecycle inputs to build accurate forecasts.
- Monitor forecast accuracy (MAPE, bias) and continuously improve forecasting models.
- Maintain rolling 12–18 month demand plans.
Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP)
- Lead the demand planning process within the S&OP cycle.
- Collaborate with Sales, Product Marketing, Finance, and Supply Planning teams to align demand assumptions.
- Present demand plans and insights in S&OP meetings.
- Highlight risks, opportunities, and mitigation actions.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with Sales team & Product Management team to incorporate pipeline, promotions, and customer insights.
- Partner with Marketing on product launches, campaigns, and discontinuations.
- Coordinate with Supply Planning and Logistics to ensure product availability and optimal stock levels.
Inventory & Supply Alignment
- Support inventory optimization and avoid stockouts or excess inventory.
- Provide demand scenarios to support supply planning and procurement.
- Monitor slow-moving and obsolete inventory and recommend actions.
Product Lifecycle Management
- Manage forecasting for new product launches, phase-ins, and phase-outs.
- Analyze cannibalization and substitution impacts.
- Maintain accurate master data for new SKUs.
Reporting & Analytics
- Prepare monthly demand planning dashboards and performance reports.
- Analyze sell-in vs sell-out trends and channel performance.
- Provide insights and recommendations to senior management.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Forecast Accuracy
- Inventory Days of Supply
- Stock Availability / Service Level
- Obsolescence and Excess Inventory
- S&OP Forecast Adherence
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Economics, or related field.
- 3–6 years of experience in Demand Planning, Forecasting, or Supply Chain (preferably in consumer electronics/appliances or FMCG).
- Experience working in the Middle East market is strongly preferred.
- Strong understanding of S&OP processes.
Skills & Competencies
- Advanced Excel and strong analytical skills.
- Experience with ERP and planning tools (SAP, Oracle, APO, IBP, or similar).
- Strong business partnering and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Data-driven mindset with strong problem-solving ability.
Preferred Experience
- Experience in multi-country planning and distributor markets.
- Knowledge of retail, e-commerce, and modern trade channels.
- Experience in promotional and seasonal demand planning.
Midea Consumer Appliances FZCO is a Regional Head Quarter of Midea Group, a rapidly growing Fortune 500 company, with humanizing-technology and provide customized solutions based on our deep understanding of human nature, enabled by the joint forces of 55 years manufacturing excellence and global leading robotic and automation technology.
The RHQ is based in Dubai where we house the most iconic brands from Midea Group portfolio: Midea, Toshiba, Eureka, and Master Kitchen.
Being experts in Home Appliances, we continue to create, develop, and evolve our solutions with one commitment only: To deliver the best products and services to our customers. We are proud of our agile, strong, and creative team who drive our growth.
We constantly identify, recruit, cultivate and promote talents who are bold and have international vision. We strongly believe everyone has unlimited potential and in the power of innovation.
With Midea Consumer Appliances FZCO you will receive lifelong training, the opportunity to grow professionally and personally, and you will work with and learn from the most dedicated and supportive teams imaginable. Talent is at the center of everything we do, join us and let's grow together.
Get to know more: https://www.midea-group.com/
