Inventory Planner

General Position Information
Position Title: Demand Planner

Base Location: Mumbai - Ghatkopar

The Position
The Demand Planner plays a critical role in aligning demand with supply by developing accurate forecasts, managing inventory, and streamlining procurement and customs processes. This strategic role supports overall business planning, ensures timely product availability, and contributes to organizational scalability and profitability.

**The strategic aim of the position**:
To drive effective demand forecasting and inventory management by collaborating with cross-functional teams and utilizing data-driven insights, thereby ensuring optimal stock levels, improved customer service, and efficient supply chain operations

Key Operational Responsibilities
- Forecast Management
- Develop and refine demand forecasts at multiple levels and time horizons, using historical sales data, market trends, and statistical models.
- Collaborate with sales, marketing, and finance to align forecasts with business goals.
- Prepare base and statistical forecasts, ensuring accurate manufacturing and procurement planning.
- Lead and facilitate Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) meetings.
- Conduct variance analysis: budget vs. demand, demand vs. commitment, and commitment vs. actuals.
- Identify and resolve forecasting-related issues in coordination with relevant stakeholders.
- Inventory Management
- Design and implement inventory strategies to maintain optimal stock levels and high service standards.
- Analyse branch-wise and market-specific stock requirements.
- Align procurement plans with inventory targets and service level agreements.
- Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) for branches and suppliers.
- Coordinate with branches to manage stock movements, minimize holding costs, and ensure timely availability.
- Procurement
- Assess procurement needs across different planning horizons (short, medium, long-term).
- Drive risk mitigation strategies and implement cost-efficiency initiatives.
- Deliver performance reports on supplier efficiency and guide the procurement team on industry best practices.
- Data Analysis (MIS)
- Maintain and analyze supply chain data, providing actionable insights to management.
- Proficient in MS Excel for preparing reports, dashboards, and conducting trend analysis.

Key Deliverables
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

- Accurate and timely demand forecasts.
- Improved inventory turnover and reduced stockouts/overstocks.
- Efficient procurement cycle and cost savings.
- Reliable MIS and reporting for informed decision-making.
- Ethics - Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values
- Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan
- Diversity - Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; Educates others on the value of diversity; Promotes a harassment-free environment; Builds a diverse workforce

**Qualifications**:

- Graduate with an additional diploma in inventory management will be preferred.
- 5-7 years of relevant experience in demand planning, forecasting, inventory management, and procurement.
- Strong analytical skills with proficiency in MS Excel; knowledge of ERP systems is a plus.
- Excellent communication, coordination, and stakeholder management skills.
- Understanding of statutory and regulatory requirements for imports/exports.