Category Demand Planner - Chocolates

Mondelez Malaysia Sdn Bhd; Selangor; On-site; MYR 89,000 - 134,000; Full time

Job summary

Mondelez Malaysia Sdn Bhd seeks a Demand Forecasting professional to develop 0‑24 month forecasts by brand and SKU, coordinating with sales, marketing and supply planning. You will review short-term demand plans and finalize detailed SKU-level forecasts for supply planners.

You will apply statistical forecasting methods, incorporate market signals, and drive improvements in forecasting tools and data quality to support inventory optimization and minimize waste.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Analytics, Statistics, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• 2+ years of experience in Demand Planning, Supply Chain Analytics, or a similar role, preferably within a fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) environment where shelf life is a key factor.
• High proficiency in MS Excel and experience in data visualization.
• Understanding of ERP systems (e.g., SAP) and/or dedicated planning software (e.g., O9, Anaplan).
• Experience with master data management and governance principles.
• Familiarity with AI/ML concepts for forecasting is a significant advantage.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and improve statistical forecast models using historical data, market intelligence, promotional plans, IMS and shipment dynamics.
• Analyze forecast accuracy metrics and perform root cause analysis for deviations; implement corrective actions.
• Incorporate insights from Sales, Marketing, and Category Planning into the forecasting process.
• Drive continuous improvement of forecasting methodologies and tools for accuracy and efficiency.
• Manage forecast compilation including short-term weekly plans and long-term forecasts.
• Interact with modelling teams to generate statistical forecasts.
• Identify opportunities to streamline demand planning processes using technology and best practices.
• Lead initiatives to improve forecasting tools, processes, systems, and data quality.
• Collaborate with supply planning and operations to optimize inventory and reduce waste.

Job description

Are You Ready to Make It Happen at Mondelēz International?

Join our Mission to Lead the Future of Snacking. Make It Possible.

You will develop the 0-24-month IBP forecast by brand and at the stock keeping unit (SKU) level. You will coordinate, challenge and influence building blocks with input from sales, marketing and other partners. In addition, you will review the disaggregated short term demand plan, which includes SKU/location mix and weekly pacing. Finally, you will provide the finalized detailed demand plan by SKU to supply planners and adjust it based on feedback from supply planners or commercial teams.

How you will contribute

You will:

Demand Forecasting Excellence

• Develop, maintain, and continuously improve statistical forecast models, leveraging historical data, market intelligence, promotional plans, IMS and shipment dynamics, distributor inventory and recognized statistical methods. Actively incorporate demand sensing capabilities to capture short term market signals and dynamics and contribute to demand shaping initiatives through scenario planning and impact assessment of commercial levers.
• Analyze forecast accuracy metrics (e.g., MAPE, bias) and conduct root cause analysis for significant deviations, implementing corrective actions to enhance prediction reliability.
• Incorporate insights from sales, marketing, and category management teams into the forecasting process to build a comprehensive, unbiased demand plan.
• Drive the continuous improvement of forecasting methodologies and tools to achieve best-in‑class accuracy and efficiency.
• Manage forecast compilation process, which includes owning the short-term weekly plan and the long‑term forecast (three or more months)
• Interact with modelling team to generate statistical forecasting

Process Improvements

• Identify opportunities to streamline and enhance demand planning processes, leveraging technology and best practices to drive operational efficiency.
• Participate in and lead initiatives aimed at improving forecasting tools, processes, systems, and data quality.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of standardized demand planning processes across the organization.

Inventory and Waste Reduction

• Collaborate closely with supply planning and operations teams to optimize inventory levels, ensuring product availability while minimizing obsolescence and waste, particularly for products with critical shelf‑life considerations.
• Liaise with commercial team to drive stock moveout plans.
• Analyze inventory performance and provide recommendations for replenishment and production plan adjustments based on demand fluctuations and supply constraints.
• Support waste reduction initiatives by providing highly accurate forecasts that enable efficient production and distribution planning.

Cross‑functional Collaboration & Stakeholder Management

• Facilitate and lead monthly Assumptions Validation meetings and Pre‑Demand Review, driving consensus on the demand plan with key stakeholders from Sales, Category Planning & Activations, Marketing, Finance, and Supply Chain.
• Effectively communicate demand plans, forecast changes, and key insights to all relevant stakeholders, ensuring alignment and informed decision‑making.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal partners, serving as the go‑to expert for demand‑related inquiries within the assigned category.

More about this role

Qualifications:

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Analytics, Statistics, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• 2+ years of experience in Demand Planning, Supply Chain Analytics, or a similar role, preferably within a fast‑moving consumer goods (FMCG) environment where shelf life is a key factor.

Technical Skills

• High proficiency in MS Excel and experience in data visualization
• Understanding of ERP systems (e.g., SAP) and/or dedicated planning software (e.g., O9, Anaplan).
• Experience with master data management and governance principles.
• Familiarity with AI/ML concepts for forecasting is a significant advantage.

Core Competencies

• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a cross‑functional environment and effectively manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced setting.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy and integrity.
• Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new processes, systems, and business challenges.
• Demonstrate a strong willingness to learn new tools, methodologies, and adapt quickly to evolving business needs and market dynamics.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills, analytical skills – and able to understand and interpret data
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Team player who can work with many other functions daily

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