Demand Planning Lead (12-Month contract)

Key Responsibilities:
- Collect technical data, set up and maintain master data for finished goods (FG) and semi-finished goods (Semi-FG) in both local and global master data systems, ensuring data accuracy based on inputs provided by relevant stakeholders, including NPI.
- Build, review, and enrich rolling monthly and weekly sales forecasts (down to item, area, and depot level), integrating commercial targets, business plans, and all relevant internal and external events.
- Collect, challenge, and gain a clear understanding of the assumptions and insights behind the volume forecast, with well-defined rationale.
- Develop and challenge volume projections for commercial activities and new product launches.
- Review KPI performance, identify potential root causes, and define action plans to improve forecast accuracy, planning processes, and risk mitigation.
- Generate and discuss alternative demand planning scenarios for the S&OP process, with clearly documented assumptions and assessments of volume and cost impacts.
- Lead the scheduling and preparation of S&OP meetings, facilitate discussions, communicate the approved demand plan to key stakeholders, and follow up on agreed action items.
- Work closely with cross-functional teams, including Sales, Central Planning, Customer Service, Finance, Marketing, and Trade Marketing, to deliver accurate and effective demand plans.
- Update and maintain forecasting tools, and coach Sales Managers on their use during the monthly forecasting process.
- Participate in Weekly Demand & Supply Review meetings and other S&OP-related meetings as required.
- Drive continuous improvement by initiating, implementing, and embedding enhancements to demand planning processes and supporting TPM initiatives.