The Demand Manager is responsible for developing, managing, and continuously improving accurate demand forecasts to support commercial and supply planning decisions. The role works closely with the Commercial (Sales), Supply Planning, and Finance teams to deliver a robust baseline and consensus forecast, factoring in seasonality, promotions, gap-closing initiatives, and demand-generating activities. The objective is to ensure optimal inventory positioning, support business growth, and drive effective S&OP outcomes through disciplined demand management processes.
Responsibilities:-
a) Demand Planning & Forecast Management
- Develop and maintain statistical and baseline forecasts in both volume and value, incorporating seasonality and market trends.
- Track and analyze forecast and demand plan attainment versus actual performance.
- Collaborate with Account Managers and Commercial teams to create a consensus forecast, including: Promotional plans ; Gap-closing initiatives ; Demand creation activities
- Prepare, review, and submit budget and revised forecasts by SKU, region, and customer segment (IKA / CVS).
- Compile and report monthly LE and weekly sales forecasts by region and customer segment.
- Measure and analyze monthly forecast accuracy metrics to drive improvements with recommendation or initiatives.
b) Performance Analysis & Business Insights
- Analyze sales performance, including key customers and segments (e.g. IPS, TPS).
- Identify demand risks and opportunities; support revenue gap-closure activities through data-driven insights.
- Analyze and review the bottom-up forecast (Sell In Forecast and Sell Out Forecast) that provided by Sales and incorporate it into total Unconstrained Consensus Demand.
- Identify sales risk and propose sales opportunity to maximize sales revenue by developing multiple scenarios analysis.
c) Process Improvement & Governance
- Review, design, and continuously improve Demand Management processes to enhance effectiveness and efficiency in supporting business needs.
- Working closely with Supply Planning Team to ensure there is a timeliness and continuity in supply; to prevent or minimize OOS and to minimize excess inventory.
- Working closely with Warehouse & Logistic to ensure stocks are always at healthy level at multiple plants and to ensure stocks are properly distributed among the channels/customers
d) Capability Building & Collaboration
- Provide guidance, coaching, and training on Demand Management processes, tools, and best practices when required.
- Act as a key contributor in cross-functional forums such as S&OP / IBP.
Requirements:-
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Supply Chain, Economics, or related field
- 5–8 years of experience in Demand Planning, Forecasting, or S&OP/IBP
- Experience in FMCG or fast-paced environments is an advantage
Skills & Competencies
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
- Strong commercial acumen with ability to translate data into insights
- Structured, detail-oriented, and results-driven
Technical Skills
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills
- Experience with SAP S/4 HANA is preferred
Languages
- Proficient in English and Bahasa Malaysia
- Mandarin is an added advantage