Manager - Demand Planning (Global Brands / S&OP)

About the Company:

We are a leading Global Retail GCC (Global Capability Center) based in Bangalore, supporting top iconic global activewear, outdoor, footwear, and lifestyle brands worldwide.

Role Summary:

We are hiring an experienced Manager - Demand Planning to lead our Bangalore-based Demand Planning team. In this role, you will lead a team of analysts supporting regional demand teams across global markets (EMEA, APAC, and North America) by running system forecasts, managing exception rules, and driving accurate data/reporting for the global S&OP process.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Team Leadership:

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of Demand Planning Analysts, set clear objectives, and manage performance reviews.
• Ensure balanced workload distribution and build standard operating procedures (SOPs) for offshore transition.

2. S&OP Reporting & Data Governance:

• Own the delivery of S&OP data and standard reports for each cycle on time and with high quality.
• Track, monitor, and report global forecast accuracy metrics (WMAPE) and forecast bias across regions.
• Maintain and improve Power BI dashboards, automating manual data preparation workflows.

3. Exception Management:

• Own the exception management process in the demand planning system by setting rules and thresholds with regional teams.
• Ensure forecast exceptions are reviewed, resolved, or escalated within agreed SLAs.
• Apply agreed forecast adjustments and planning data changes accurately in the system.

4. Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Act as the main point of contact for regional demand teams across EMEA, APAC, and North America on planning support and service levels.
• Collaborate closely with Supply Planning Managers to ensure demand updates are shared promptly with Global Supply Planners.

Key Qualifications & Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Statistics, or a related field.
• 8-12 years of core experience in demand planning, forecasting, or planning analytics.
• Minimum 2+ years of direct team management experience leading planners or analysts.
• Strong background in Apparel, Footwear, Fashion, Sporting Goods, FMCG, or Retail is highly preferred.
• Hands-on experience with enterprise Demand Planning systems (Kinaxis RapidResponse, SAP, o9 Solutions, Blue Yonder / JDA, or similar).
• Direct experience working in a Global Capability Center (GCC) / Offshore Shared Services setup supporting global markets.
• Advanced proficiency in MS Excel and Power BI reporting.
• Excellent communication skills for cross-functional stakeholder management across global time zones.

What We Offer:

• Salary Range: 28.5 LPA to 34 LPA (Commensurate with experience)
• Opportunity to drive global planning operations for iconic international retail brands within a dynamic GCC ecosystem.