The Demand Planning Manager will lead demand forecasting and planning activities for an electronics business serving B2B and B2C channels, including retail, e-commerce, key accounts, and project-based sales. The role ensures accurate forecasts, optimal inventory levels, and strong alignment between sales, marketing, and supply chain teams in a fast-paced electronics environment.
Demand Forecasting & Planning
- Develop and manage demand forecasts at SKU, category, channel (B2B & B2C), and customer level.
- Analyze historical sales, market trends, product life cycles, promotions, and seasonality.
- Incorporate inputs from project pipelines (B2B) and promotional calendars (B2C) into forecasts.
- Manage forecasts for new product introductions (NPI) and end-of-life (EOL) products.
S&OP / Cross-Functional Alignment
- Lead and drive the S&OP / IBP process in coordination with Sales, Key Accounts, Marketing, Finance, and Supply Planning.
- Align demand plans with commercial targets, promotions, pricing strategies, and project commitments.
- Provide clear visibility of demand risks and opportunities to senior management.
Inventory & Supply Optimization
- Ensure optimal inventory levels across warehouses, distribution centers, and retail/e-commerce channels.
- Balance service levels with inventory investment to avoid stock-outs, excess stock, and obsolescence critical for electronics products.
- Work closely with supply planning, procurement, and logistics teams to manage lead times and allocations.
Reporting & Performance Management
- Track and report key KPIs such as forecast accuracy, bias, fill rate, inventory turnover, and aging stock.
- Prepare demand reviews and performance dashboards for leadership.
- Recommend corrective actions to improve forecast accuracy and inventory health.
Systems & Process Improvement
- Utilize ERP and planning systems (e.g., SAP S/4HANA, Sales force or specialized planning tools).
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives in forecasting methodologies and data quality.
- Support digital transformation and automation initiatives within demand planning.
Digital Transformation & Automation
- Lead the adoption and integration of advanced digital tools and technologies to enhance demand planning processes.
- Champion automation initiatives to streamline data collection, forecasting, and reporting workflows.
- Collaborate with IT and analytics teams to implement AI/ML-driven forecasting models and digital solutions.
KPI Tracking & Performance Analytics
- Design, implement, and maintain robust KPI tracking systems to monitor demand planning effectiveness.
- Ensure real-time visibility of key metrics such as forecast accuracy, inventory health, service levels, and supply chain responsiveness.
- Analyze KPI trends and generate actionable insights for continuous process improvement
Team Leadership
- Lead, mentor, and develop demand planning team members.
- Standardize planning processes, templates, and documentation across the organization.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in supply chain, Business, Statistics, or a related field.
- 10 years of demand planning or forecasting experience, preferably in Consumer Appliances.
- Proven experience handling B2B (projects, key accounts) and B2C (retail, e-commerce) demand.
- Strong understanding of product life cycles, fast-moving SKUs, and obsolescence risks.
- Advanced Excel skills and strong analytical capabilities.
- Professional certifications (CPIM, CSCP) are a plus.
Key Skills & Competencies
- Strong analytical and forecasting skills
- Commercial awareness and financial acumen
- Stakeholder management across sales, marketing, and operations
- Problem-solving and decision-making ability
- Ability to work under pressure in a dynamic electronics market
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Forecast accuracy and bias
- Inventory turnover and aging stock reduction
- Service level / fill rate
- Stock-out and excess inventory reduction
