Manager - Demand Planning

Job Description Job Description: Senior Manager/Manager, Demand Planning & ERP Implementation About the Role The Senior Manager/Manager, Demand Planning & ERP Implementation, will be a critical, dual-focused role responsible forforecasting and optimizing demand in our hyper-fast10-minute food delivery (Q-Commerce) model, while simultaneously leading the implementation and optimization of our new ERP/WMS (Warehouse Management System) across our network of dark stores and warehouses. This role requires a blend of deep analytical expertise, exceptional cross-functional leadership, and hands-on technical proficiency in supply chain systems. Success will be measured by improving forecast accuracy, reducing inventory holding costs (shrinkage and obsolescence), and ensuring the seamless, on-time rollout and adoption of new supply chain technologies. Key Responsibilities I. Demand Planning & Inventory Optimization (50%) . Forecast & Accuracy: Develop, own, and continuously refine short-term (daily/hourly) and mid-term demand forecasts for all product categories (SKUs) across a dynamic network of dark stores. Target and achieve industry-leading forecast accuracy metrics (e.g., Weighted Mean Absolute Percentage Error, WMAPE). . Data-Driven Modeling: Leverage advanced statistical methods, Machine Learning (ML) models, and demand sensing techniques to predict volatile Q-Commerce demand drivers, including weather, local events, promotions, and real-time sales data. . Inventory Strategy: Define optimal inventory levels, safety stock, re-order points (ROP), and lead times for all dark store and hub locations, minimizing stockouts (Out-of-Stock, OOS) while controlling spoilage and working capital. . S&OP Leadership: Lead the demand review cycle within the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process, collaborating with Commercial, Marketing, and Operations teams to align on a single, consensus forecast. . Performance Reporting: Design and maintain a suite of KPI dashboards (e.g., Forecast Accuracy, Inventory Days of Supply, Fill Rate, Stockout Rate) to provide real-time visibility into the performance of the quick-commerce supply chain. II. ERP/WMS Implementation & System Management (50%) . Implementation Leadership: Lead the end-to-end implementation of the new ERP/WMS system within thewarehouse and dark store network. This includes requirements gathering, system design/configuration, process mapping, user acceptance testing (UAT), and go-live strategy. . System Integration: Ensure the seamless integration of the ERP/WMS with other core business systems, including the E-Commerce platform, Finance, and last-mile delivery systems. . Process Transformation: Map, document, and standardize all key supply chain processes (e.g., Goods Receiving, Putaway, Picking, Inventory Control, Cycle Counting) within the new system to drive operational efficiency and data integrity. . Change Management & Training: Develop and execute comprehensive change management and training plans for all end-users (dark store managers, warehouse staff, supply chain analysts) to ensure high system adoption and proficiency. . Post-Implementation Optimization: Act as the internal system owner post-go-live, managing system enhancements, troubleshooting complex user issues, and driving continuous improvement in system utilization to unlock full value. Required Qualifications & Skills . Experience: 5+ years of progressive experience in Demand Planning, Forecasting, Supply Chain Planning, or Inventory Management, with at least 2 years in aquick commerce, E-commerce, or FMCG environment. . Technical Expertise: . Proven experience leading or significantly contributing to at least one full-cycle ERP/WMS implementation (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, or specialized WMS/Planning tools like Blue Yonder, Kinaxis, or a proprietary system). . Advanced proficiency in statistical forecasting models and tools. . Strong data analysis skills, including expertise in SQL/Python and advanced Excel/Google Sheets modeling. Experience with data visualization tools (Tableau/Power BI) is a must. . Education: Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Operations Research, Engineering, Statistics, or a related quantitative field. . Certifications (Preferred): APICS CPIM or CSCP, or similar certification. Key Competencies . Adaptability & Speed: Ability to thrive in a high-pressure, fast-paced 10-minute delivery environment where demand signals change rapidly. . Cross-Functional Leadership: Exceptional communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills to align technology teams, senior leadership, and operational teams. . Problem Solving: Highly analytical, with a demonstrated ability to resolve complex inventory and system implementation challenges using a data-first approach.