Analyst - Demand Planning

Job Description: Demand Planning Analyst

Demand Forecasting:

- Ensure the availability of essential master data across SAP, o9 and other systems to enable accurate statistical forecast generation, disaggregation and aggregation.

- Implement segmentation strategies to tailor demand forecasting models based on product characteristics (Product life cycle, Value contribution and variability), customer profiles, and market segments.

- Conduct outlier analysis to identify and address unusual patterns or anomalies in historical data that may impact forecasting accuracy.

- Incorporate event cleansing techniques to adjust history for internal and external events such as promotions, stock outs, sudden outbreak and regulatory changes etc.

- Foster continuous communication with sales, product management (marketing), supply chain and manufacturing teams to understand forecasting drivers.

- Generate statistical forecast and Develop division, product, and cluster/location-level demand plans.

- Conduct trend analyses, engaging with product management (marketing) and sales to achieve consensus.

- Challenge and refine forecasts based on data analysis, including historical data, seasonality, market trends, and special offers.

- Effectively communicate forecast to supply planners and distribution planners.

- Improve forecast performance by identifying, measuring, and managing key metrics related to demand planning and customer service.

- Develop internal planning models, utilizing machine learning for acute therapeutic SKUs to enhance short term forecast accuracy and trend projection.

- Collaborate with NPD and Product Management teams to validate and fine-tune forecasts for new product launches.

S&OP Process Management:

- Lead the Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) process for allotted divisions to ensure alignment across sales, product management (marketing), and operations.

- Drive discussions and decision-making during S&OP meetings, ensuring the synchronization of demand plans with production and supply chain capabilities.

- Collaborate with stakeholders to establish consensus on demand forecasts.

- Monitor and analyze the effectiveness of the S&OP process, identifying areas for improvement.

Reporting & Analysis:

- Deliver regular reports, weekly and monthly, highlighting forecast accuracy and providing detailed analyses of division-wise Focus SKUs.

- Support and execute ad-hoc analyses as required.

Continuous Process Improvement:

- Identify areas for enhancement in operating procedures and recommend actionable solutions.

- Champion continuous improvement initiatives and drive digital transformation processes adoption in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications:

- Post-graduate degree in Supply Chain or 1-2 years of relevant work experience in Demand Planning.

- Knowledge of ERP & Planning systems such as o9 solutions, SAP APO/IBP, JDA BY, Kinaxis, etc.

- Problem-solving acumen and proficiency in root cause analysis.

- Experience in digital transformation initiatives, change management processes, and demand planning tool adoption.

- Functional experience in forecasting tools and statistical forecasting models.

- Strong analytical capabilities in Supply Chain, with skills in Demand Forecasting and Inventory Planning.

- Good statistical knowledge.

- Working knowledge in systems such as SAP, Salesforce, and proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Location : New Delhi (Okhla Phase 3).

Work Week : 5 days Work from office.

Stakeholders

Internal:

- Sales - NSMs, KAMs

- Product management team - Brand managers, Division heads

- IT - SAP MDM team

- Supply Chain Team (Supply Planning & Distribution planning team)

External:

- Customers

- Outsourced partners (o9 solutions, Accenture & Others)