Job Title

Job Summary: The Head of Demand Planning & Supply Chain will oversee the entire supply chain function, with a strong focus on demand planning, forecasting, inventory management, and supply chain optimization. This leadership role will be responsible for aligning demand planning strategies with business goals, ensuring the efficient flow of products, and leading a high-performing supply chain team. The position requires a strategic thinker with deep expertise in supply chain management, and the ability to drive operational excellence and cost efficiency across the organization.Key Responsibilities:Forecasting/ Demand planning:Lead the development and implementation of demand planning strategies to ensure accurate and timely forecasts.Align demand planning objectives with overall business goals and sales/marketing forecasts to meet customer demand while minimizing costs.Monitor and continuously improve forecast accuracy to achieve optimal inventory levels and service delivery.Analyse demand and develop consensus based demand forecast at lowest SKU level on a monthly basis. Forecast to be developed considering trending/statistical techniques, inputs from sales and marketing teams on Demand influencing factors like PROMO and Event activity and alignment with long term financial plansWork closely with sales and marketing teams to ensure inconsistencies in the forecast are corrected in future to prevent any negative impact on customer replenishment or inventoryCommunicate the forecast and monthly Production plan to the internal stakeholdersDrive the monthly S&OPSupply Chain Leadership:Oversee the end-to-end supply chain process, from raw material procurement to final product delivery.Lead the supply chain team to ensure smooth coordination between demand planning, procurement, logistics, and production functions.Identify opportunities for operational efficiencies, cost reductions, and process improvements within the supply chain.Inventory planning:Establish and maintain inventory management policies to optimize stock levels across all distribution channels.Ensure inventory targets are met while avoiding stockouts or overstocking, ensuring a high level of service to customers.Implement just-in-time inventory strategies, working closely with suppliers and manufacturers to improve material flow.Define the CFA wise inventory ABC and DOH stock norms.Co-ordinate with Production and Supply planners to maintain the inventory as per the demand forecast and in line with the CFA inventory holding norms.Conduct periodic inventory review to identify & balance excess inventory, identify potential obsolescence and work with finance and sales for liquidating the near expiry stockData Analysis & Reporting:Analyze historical demand patterns, market trends, and sales data to create actionable demand forecasts.Lead the creation and presentation of regular reports on demand planning accuracy, inventory health, and supply chain KPIs to senior management.Provide insights to the executive team to support decision-making, improve supply chain performance, and drive strategic growth.Supplier & Vendor Management:Develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and partners to ensure the uninterrupted flow of materials and products.Negotiate contracts, service level agreements, and pricing with suppliers to meet business requirements and cost objectives.Manage supplier performance, addressing any supply chain disruptions, delays, or quality issues promptly.Cross-Functional Collaboration:Collaborate with sales, marketing, and production teams to ensure demand planning is aligned with product launches, promotions, and overall business strategy.Work closely with finance and procurement teams to align budgets, purchase orders, and financial forecasting.Lead cross-functional initiatives to drive supply chain optimization, reduce lead times, and enhance customer satisfaction.Work closely and communicating effectively with Production ,Supply teams ,Sales, Marketing and Finance teams on issues pertaining to inventory and drive initiatives to positively influence operating working capital.Team Leadership & Development:Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing demand planning and supply chain team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.Ensure team members are equipped with the necessary skills, tools, and resources to meet departmental and company goals.Provide coaching, feedback, and training opportunities to ensure the team remains up-to-date with industry best practices.Risk Management & Compliance:Proactively identify and mitigate potential risks within the supply chain, such as disruptions from suppliers, natural disasters, or political events.Ensure compliance with industry regulations, quality standards, and safety protocols in the supply chain process.Develop and maintain contingency plans to handle unexpected supply chain disruptions.Cost Management & Budgeting:Oversee the budgeting and cost management process for the supply chain function.Identify opportunities to optimize supply chain costs without compromising quality or customer service levels.Monitor and control operational expenses, ensuring cost-efficient supply chain operations.Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field (Master’s degree/MBA preferred).10 – 20 of experience in demand planning and supply chain management, with at least 7years in a senior leadership role.Strong expertise in end-to-end supply chain processes, including demand forecasting, procurement, production, logistics, and inventory management.Proven ability to develop and execute demand planning strategies aligned with business goals.Strong leadership skills with experience in managing and developing teams.Excellent analytical skills, with proficiency in demand planning software and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, etc.).Expertise in forecasting techniques, supply chain analytics, and advanced Excel.Strong negotiation and vendor management skills.Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to collaborate across functions and influence key stakeholders.Preferred Skills:Experience in [industry-specific knowledge, e.g., FMCG].Knowledge of lean supply chain practices and continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma, Kaizen).Familiarity with advanced technologies like AI, machine learning, or IoT applications in supply chain management.Work Environment:Work from Office