Demand Planner - UPL - Turbhe

UPL Limited; Navi Mumbai; On-site; INR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

UPL Limited in Navi Mumbai is seeking a Senior Demand Planning professional to lead regional forecasting initiatives. You will define KPIs, manage S&OP inputs, and partner with Global CoE to ensure alignment with standards while addressing local needs.

The role focuses on data hygiene in APS/SONAR, regional budget inputs, inventory health, and launch readiness for new products, with emphasis on improving forecast accuracy and service levels across markets.

Qualifications

• Experience in regional demand planning and forecasting.
• Familiarity with S&OP processes and regional execution.
• Strong analytical and data hygiene skills.
• Ability to collaborate with Global CoE and commercial teams.
• Experience with forecasting tools and data platforms.

Responsibilities

• Define and track regional demand KPIs such as MAPE, Bias, and Fidelity.
• Support adoption of AI/ML forecasting solutions at regional level.
• Coordinate with Global S&OP CoE to align regional plans with global standards.
• Drive budgeting and annual demand planning for the region.
• Run and monitor regional demand review sessions with stakeholders.
• Ensure closure of MOM forecasts for the region, supporting supply planning inputs.
• Track and manage regional SKU demand list and improve forecast accuracy.
• Balance inventory health and service levels with regional planners and commercial teams.
• Incorporate marketing promotions into demand planning to assess impact on forecasts.
• Prepare and maintain regional DP templates aligned with APS requirements.

Skills

Forecasting

Demand planning

Analytics

Stakeholder management

S&OP coordination

Tools

APS/SONAR

SQL

Excel

Job description

Roles & Responsibilities:

Strategic Activities

• Define and track regional demand KPIs such as MAPE, Bias (Forecast vs. Actual), and Fidelity (forecast stability/patterns)
• Follow Global demand planning frameworks (e.g., BCG-recommended process) into regional execution across SKUs and markets Support adoption of AI/ML forecasting solutions at a regional level, with focus on segmentation (e.g., Y & Z SKUs)
• Partner with the Global S&OP CoE to ensure regional plans align with global forecasting standards while addressing local business needs
• Drive budgeting and annual demand planning exercises for the region in alignment with commercial and finance teams

Tactical Activities

• Run and monitor regional demand review sessions, ensuring issues are tracked and resolved with stakeholders
• Ensure closure of MOM forecasts (constrained and unconstrained) for the region, supporting supply planning inputs
• Track and manage a regional SKU based demand list, leading improvement in regional demand & forecast
• Align demand and supply to balance inventory health and service levels in coordination with regional supply planners & commercial teams
• Monitor product margins and incorporate marketing promotions into demand planning process to assess the impact on sales forecast Drive and support regular portfolio rationalization drives across geographies
• Create and maintain DP templates for region - align with APS platform requirements and global guidelines once the system is live
• Manage demand planning readiness for NPLs (New Product Launches) - including code creation, forecast preparedness, and launch alignment with commercial and supply teams

Operational Activities

• Provide regular updates to regional leadership and RSOP on demand risks, opportunities, and corrective actions.
• Maintain clean data and accurate forecast inputs in APS/SONAR systems (e.g., product hierarchy).
• Drive APS/SONAR adoption, ensure user training, and promote system-driven forecasting.
• Share feedback with Global CoE on tool usability and regional customization needs

Key KPIs - WMAPE (%), Bias & Demand Fidelity, SONAR & APS Utilization incl. adoption, NPL Demand accuracy and launch readiness metrics