Demand Manager, APAC

Job Description

1. Purpose of Position

Huntsman Performance Products (HPP) is looking for a Regional Demand Manager to join the team in our Huntsman Shanghai office (APAC HQ) supporting our East Region business. This individual is an important leadership position within the organization of the Supply Chain East Region.

The Regional Demand Manager is responsible for leading and coordinating demand planning activities within the East region. This role works cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Supply Chain teams to develop accurate demand forecasts that support business goals, optimize inventory levels, and ensure high service levels to customers. The Regional Demand Manager serves as a key contributor to the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process and acts as the voice of the region in global demand discussions.

This position reports to the East Region Supply Chain Director and offers the opportunity to develop new skills and tackle challenges daily in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. The role will also have two direct reports.

2. Principal Accountabilities

1. Demand Planning and Forecasting

   • Lead the regional demand planning process, including base demand forecasting, consensus alignment with stakeholders (Sales, Marketing, Finance), integrating inputs from new product launches, pricing changes, and market trends, developing rolling 18-24 months demand projections across all product lines and regions.
   • Analyze historical sales trends, orders, market, and sales intelligence to improve the demand signals.
   • Lead monthly demand review meetings and contribute to the S&OP process with clear analysis and insights.

2. Develop and execute allocation strategies:

   • Balance inventory distribution across market/regions based on demand priority, supply constraints, and business objectives.
   • Monitor allocation performance and manage the exceptions.

3. Identify demand risks and opportunities and develop mitigation plans in coordination with supply and commercial teams.

4. Act as a liaison between the regional team and global supply chain functions to align demand plans with production strategies and capacity constraints.

5. Partner with supply planning to ensure alignment between demand and supply capabilities. Coordinate regional supply reviews, and mitigate bottlenecks to balance service levels and cost efficiency. Manage and address excess, slow-moving inventory issues.

6. Partner with Finance to integrate demand forecasts into annual budget and financial planning.

7. Drive continuous improvement in forecast accuracy and planning processes.

8. Ensure timely and accurate reporting of key demand planning KPIs (e.g., forecast accuracy, bias).

9. Manage and develop a team of demand planners, fostering collaboration and high performance.

3. Significant Working Relationships

As a Regional Demand Manager, you will be working very closely with Sales, Marketing, Finance, Supply Chain teams, and Global teams.

4. Background Knowledge Required for Position

Education: University degree or above, preferably major in business administration, international trade/business, supply chain planning.
Experience:

• 10 to 15 years of team management experience. Chemical industry is a plus.
• Proven experience in inventory allocation and prioritization.
• Ability to bridge demand planning with financial forecasting (e.g., revenue recognition, margin, cost impact).
• Proficiency in SAP IBP and ERP systems.

Skills:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a data-driven approach.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills. Ability to communicate and interact effectively with all levels of the organization.
• Strong influencing skills, with experience working in a matrix organization and driving consensus among stakeholders.
• Leadership ability to inspire, motivate, and develop a high-performing team.
• Advanced proficiency in MS Office365 software (for e.g., MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, MS Outlook, SharePoint).

Points to note:

• Year end, quarter end, month end activities required.
• Additional Locations: China - Huntsman Campus, Shanghai

---