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Demand Planning Manager - KSA

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General Mills

22d ago

  • Job
    Full-time
    Mid Level
  • Logistics
  • Dubai

AI generated summary

  • You need a degree in engineering or supply chain, 3-4 years in FMCG demand planning, KSA distributor experience, ERP knowledge, and fluency in English and Arabic. Strong analytical and negotiation skills are essential.
  • You will lead demand reviews, analyze sales data, coordinate with distributors, manage orders, optimize supply plans, and improve forecasting KPIs while ensuring alignment with business goals.

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering, preferably industrial or Supply Chain Management
  • 3-4 Years experience in demand planning, supply chain management, or logistics- in the FMCG field.
  • Experience working with distributors, particularly in the KSA market.
  • Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
  • Strong negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills to influence distributor decisions and align on mutual goals.
  • Ability to work cross-functionally and lead teams in a collaborative environment.
  • Fluency in both English and Arabic is required.
  • Knowledge about ERP planning- SAP APO is highly desired
  • Excellent communicator with presentation skills who facilitates bottom up and top-down communication channels together with effective negotiating skills at various levels in the organization both internal and external.
  • A proven “doer” who acts with speed and agility to deliver results.
  • Team player
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data sets and make data-driven decisions.
  • Strong influencing and relationship-building skills to work effectively with distributors and internal teams.
  • Embodies winning as a team culture with full commitment to continuous improvement.
  • Ability to meticulously plan and pivot when required
  • The role is based in KSA, with light domestic and international travel.
  • Based in key distributor’s office- reporting to GMI Dubai office.

Responsibilities

  • Lead demand review meetings within the S&OP process, ensuring teams are aligned on forecasts, addressing any gaps, and coordinating demand planning with overall business goals.
  • Collaborate with distributors to gather IMS demand changes and market insights to ensure accurate demand plans.
  • Analyse historical sales data, monitor market trends and distributor feedback to reflect required forecast changes.
  • Translate and consolidate all distributor IMS forecast.
  • Ensure accurate planning, SKU mix, aggregate volume leading to proper financial planning (Scenarios, Budgets, and long-range planning).
  • Measure to Improve Forecasting KPIs such as FC Accuracy & Bias Lag-1 & Lag-3.
  • Coordinate distributor orders with co-manufacturers, ensuring alignment with the production plan and overseeing raw and packaging material planning (MRP) to meet delivery timelines and maintain supply continuity.
  • Track and explain the variance in term of performance versus outlook during demand reviews, share findings and analysis with SC team.
  • Reconcile the actual orders captured by CS team and ensure forward outlook planning in coordination with planning manager.
  • Manage Distribution Requirement Planning (DRP) to update shipment plans in APO based on the Drop-to-Plant calendar, working closely with the customer service team to prompt distributor orders per SLA. Ensure adequate supply to meet projected sales, including any incremental demand from ATL and BTL activities.
  • Responsible to evaluate material and production constraints, storage, write offs implications & supply issues to provide contingency plans for best utilization of resources aiming at optimizing it.
  • Solve ad-hoc inquiries related to supply –escalate if required.
  • Support in NPD & launch process; liaise concurrently with all stakeholders to ensure timely product supply, including system integration and optimal packaging design where required.
  • Ensure a low phase-out cost for non-performing SKU as an output of rationalization.
  • Measure to Improve: Shipment Forecast Accuracy LAG -3 & OTIF.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with distributors, acting as the primary link between the GMI and the distributor’s supply chain teams to ensure smooth coordination and communication.
  • Run and lead the integrated S&OP cycle with distributors, ensuring their demand forecasts and supply plans are aligned with overall operations to maintain product availability and meet business goals.
  • Influence the distributor’s demand and supply decisions by providing data-driven recommendations and aligning on objectives.
  • Ensure consistent data acquisition from all distributors.
  • Measure to improve Distributor KPIs: IMS Forecast Accuracy & Bias, Monthly Stock Availability, Stocks Ageing/Freshness, Primary & Secondary Service levels, Order Prompt Compliance, Bad Cost Reduction.
  • Ensure customers and plants are aligned with SLA, handle clarification proactively-report any ambiguity to Planning manager.
  • Resolve/Manage distributor claims- communicate with CS & Plants effectively.

FAQs

What is the main responsibility of the Demand Planning Manager in this role?

The main responsibility is to develop inventory replenishment plans that enable the company to meet its sales and service objectives through collaboration with all functions.

What qualifications are required for the Demand Planning Manager position?

A Bachelor's degree in engineering, preferably industrial or Supply Chain Management, along with 3-4 years of experience in demand planning, supply chain management, or logistics in the FMCG field, is required.

Is experience with distributors in the KSA market necessary?

Yes, experience working with distributors, particularly in the KSA market, is required for this position.

What software skills are necessary for this role?

Proficiency in MS Office, especially Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, is necessary, and knowledge of ERP planning, specifically SAP APO, is highly desired.

Do I need to be fluent in any specific languages?

Yes, fluency in both English and Arabic is required for this position.

What are the key responsibilities related to demand planning and forecasting?

Key responsibilities include leading demand review meetings, collaborating with distributors, analyzing historical sales data and market trends, and measuring KPIs like forecast accuracy.

Will I be working alone or as part of a team?

You will be working cross-functionally and collaboratively as part of a team to achieve the company's objectives.

What types of qualities are necessary for success in this role?

Necessary qualities include strong analytical skills, excellent communication, negotiation skills, team player mentality, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Is there any travel required for this job?

Yes, the role requires light domestic and international travel.

Where is this position based?

The role is based in KSA and will be located in key distributors' offices while reporting to the GMI office in Dubai.

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General Mills

Making Food The World Loves

Manufacturing & Electronics
Industry
10,001+
Employees
1928
Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

General Mills is a global food company that manufactures and markets a wide range of food products, including cereals, snacks, baking mixes, and refrigerated and frozen foods. Their ultimate mission is to serve the world by making food people love while striving to nourish lives through trusted brands. Their purpose is to drive sustainable growth and positively impact communities and the planet by prioritizing sustainability, innovation, and the well-being of consumers.