Job Description
Job Overview
The Demand Planning Manager is responsible for developing, managing, and continuously improving demand forecasts to support sales, supply planning, and inventory decisions across the consumer electronics business. This role plays a critical part in aligning commercial demand with overseas sourcing, third-party manufacturing capacity, and import lead times to ensure optimal product availability while minimizing excess inventory and supply risks.
Key Responsibilities
Demand Forecasting & Planning
Develop accurate short-, mid-, and long-term demand forecasts across product categories, channels, and markets.
Translate sales plans, promotions, launches, and market trends into statistical and judgmental forecasts.
Own the demand planning calendar and forecasting cadence (weekly/monthly/quarterly).
Continuously review forecast accuracy and bias, and drive corrective actions.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Act as the central planning bridge between Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, Procurement, Finance, and Operations.
Lead demand review discussions to align assumptions on volume, timing, and risks.
Support new product introduction (NPI) planning by forecasting ramp-up, lifecycle, and phase-out demand.
Supply & Manufacturing Alignment
Align demand forecasts with third-party manufacturing capacity, production lead times, and minimum order requirements.
Work closely with supply planning and procurement teams to ensure feasible production and import plans.
Identify demand-supply gaps early and propose mitigation scenarios (rescheduling, prioritization, allocation).
Inventory & Availability Management
Support inventory strategy by balancing service level targets with inventory efficiency.
Monitor stock health indicators such as overstock, slow-moving items, and potential stock-outs.
Recommend actions to optimize inventory positioning across warehouses and channels.
Data, Tools & Performance Management
Own demand planning KPIs including forecast accuracy, forecast bias, service level, and inventory turns.
Utilize demand planning tools, ERP systems, and data analytics to improve forecast quality.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives in demand planning processes, models, and data governance.
Risk Management & Scenario Planning
Identify demand risks related to market volatility, promotions, product transitions, or supply constraints.
Build scenario-based forecasts to support decision-making during demand surges, supply disruptions, or market shifts.
Provide management with clear insights and recommendations based on data and scenarios.
Qualifications
Bachelorโs degree in Supply Chain, Industrial Engineering, Business, Statistics, or a related field.
6+ years of experience in demand planning / forecasting, preferably within consumer electronics or fast-moving consumer products.
Proven experience working with overseas suppliers and third-party manufacturing environments.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate data into business insights.
Experience with ERP and demand planning systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or similar).
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.