Demand Planner Central & Eastern Europe

Summary:

The Demand Planner is responsible for supporting the sales forecasting process for an assigned region, ensuring the development of accurate and actionable demand plans at the SKU level. This role leverages historical sales trends, market intelligence, and cross-functional input from Sales, Marketing, Finance, and other key stakeholders to generate reliable forecasts that support business objectives.

The Demand Planner collaborates closely with manufacturing, supply chain, and distribution teams to communicate demand forecasts and align operational plans through the Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) process. The role is also responsible for monitoring forecast performance, identifying risks and opportunities, and recommending adjustments to improve forecast accuracy and inventory management.

In addition, the Demand Planner plays a key role in the development and execution of Mid-Year Plans (MYP) and Annual Operating Plans (AOP), ensuring alignment with corporate objectives and market expectations.

This role operates a hybrid working pattern with 4 office days and 1 day working from home per week.

Responsibilities:

1. Optimize Forecasts Through IBP Systems, Statistical Models, and Market Intelligence

• Develop and maintain SKU-level demand forecasts using SAP IBP and statistical forecasting methodologies.
• Collaborate with Sales, Finance, Marketing, and Operations to develop monthly and annual demand plans.
• Analyze statistical forecasts and identify key demand drivers, trends, and building blocks impacting future demand.
• Facilitate alignment with Global Operations and Business Units to establish a monthly Consensus Demand Plan.
• Develop a strong understanding of customer and business unit demand patterns, providing actionable business insights and forecast assumptions.
• Support product lifecycle planning, including new product introductions, product transitions, product maturity, and end-of-life management.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities in forecasting accuracy, planning processes, and demand execution.

2. Lead Monthly Demand Reviews and Participate in the Supply and Demand Handshake Process

• Partner with regional markets to lead Demand Review meetings as part of the monthly S&OP cycle.
• Present demand forecasts, assumptions, risks, opportunities, and key performance metrics during S&OP reviews.
• Identify and communicate forecast risks, opportunities, and gaps relative to financial plans and business targets.
• Translate demand changes into clear building blocks and executive-level insights for leadership review.
• Collaborate with Supply Planning teams to ensure alignment between demand requirements and supply capabilities.

3. Monitor and Improve Key Performance Indicators

• Measure and monitor Forecast Accuracy, targeting an accuracy level of 80% or greater.
• Conduct root cause analysis on forecast variances and implements corrective action plans to improve forecast quality.
• Monitor Forecast Bias, targeting performance within a range of -10% to +10%.
• Track Month-to-Date (MTD) performance and proactively identify risks and opportunities impacting future demand.
• Monitor New Product Introduction (NPI) adherence and performance to evaluate launch success and forecasting effectiveness.
• Develop reporting and dashboards to provide visibility to forecast performance and demand trends.

4. Support Annual Operating Plan (AOP) and Mid-Year Planning Processes

• Lead demand planning activities supporting the Annual Operating Plan (AOP) and Mid-Year Plan (MYP).
• Conduct detailed reviews with Sales, Marketing, and Finance to incorporate market trends, commercial initiatives, and product launch plans into long-term forecasts.
• Provide demand assumptions and volume projections to support Supply Planning and capacity assessments.
• Communicate planning outputs and assumptions to Operations, Finance, and senior leadership teams.
• Ensure demand plans align with corporate planning requirements and strategic business objectives.

Work Experience Requirements

5-8 years in a demand planning or related area working with cross-functional teams in a matrix organization

Education Requirements

BS/BA in a business or math related discipline

Specialized Skills/Technical Knowledge:

• Demand Planning and Forecasting
• Integrated Business Planning (IBP) & Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP)
• Demand Analytics and Statistical Forecasting
• Forecast Accuracy and Bias Management
• Product Lifecycle Planning
• SAP IBP / APO or equivalent planning systems
• Advanced Excel and Data Analysis
• Cross-functional Collaboration and Stakeholder Management
• Executive Communication and Presentation Skills
• Continuous Improvement Mindset

Local Specifications (English and Local Language): 

Fluent written and verbal English