Director Demand Planning Middle East (Beauty & Cosmetics)

A leading international organisation within the beauty, wellness, and consumer goods sector is seeking an experienced Director of Demand Planning to lead regional forecasting and Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) across a diverse, fast-moving product portfolio.

This is a senior leadership role with end-to-end ownership of demand strategy, combining strategic direction with hands-on oversight. The role partners closely with senior commercial, marketing, finance, product, and supply chain stakeholders to ensure demand plans support growth ambitions while maintaining inventory health and operational agility.

As Director of Demand Planning, you will lead demand planning across core ranges, seasonal collections, gifting portfolios, and new product development. You will own the S&OP agenda, drive cross-functional alignment, and ensure forecasts are robust, data-driven, and commercially relevant across multiple channels and markets.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and lead the regional demand planning strategy across core, seasonal, gifting, and NPD portfolios

• Drive the end-to-end S&OP process, including pre-S&OP and executive alignment forums

• Lead NPD sell-in forecasting, including launch planning, phase-in / phase-out, and cannibalisation analysis

• Partner with senior stakeholders across markets, sales, marketing, finance, product, and supply chain to align demand with commercial objectives

• Develop and continuously improve forecasting methodologies, tools, and planning capabilities

• Monitor forecast accuracy and bias, driving continuous improvement and governance

• Provide leadership, coaching, and direction to regional demand planning teams

• Ensure demand plans are aligned with supply capabilities and inventory targets

Experience & Background

• 10+ years experience in demand planning, supply chain, or operational planning roles

• Proven leadership experience within FMCG, beauty, wellness, or similarly fast-paced consumer sectors

• Strong track record leading S&OP processes at regional or multi-market level

• Demonstrated experience managing core ranges, seasonal cycles, and NPD concurrently

• Confident operating at senior stakeholder and executive level

Skills & Expertise

• Advanced forecasting and statistical modelling capability

• Strong knowledge of S&OP best practice and cross-functional governance

• High level of proficiency with ERP and forecasting tools (SAP or similar)

• Advanced Excel and data analytics capability; experience with BI tools preferred

• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to translate data into strategic decisions

Personal Attributes

• Strategic yet hands-on leadership style

• Highly analytical with strong problem-solving skills

• Comfortable operating in a complex, fast-moving environment

• Collaborative, influential, and outcomes-focused

• Strong understanding of consumer behaviour and omni-channel dynamics

This is a rare opportunity to step into a senior regional leadership role where demand planning plays a critical role in driving commercial performance and operational excellence.