Overview
The Demand Planner serves as the central figure in developing and maintaining short- to medium-term demand forecasts for the lubricants business. This role requires the ability to synthesize insights from statistical forecasting tools alongside input from Sales, Marketing, and Finance to produce a realistic and well-aligned demand plan. Accuracy in forecasting is critical, as it directly influences supply planning and drives overall supply chain efficiency.
Reporting to the Lubricants Supply Chain team, the Demand Planner is also a trusted and collaborative partner within the Sales and Marketing organization. The role involves active participation in strategic meetings, workshops, and growth initiatives—up to the General Manager level—where demand insights are essential to decision-making and business planning.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Maintain and refine statistical forecasting models to generate accurate baseline demand forecasts.
- Gather, validate, and incorporate Step 1 (new activities) and Step 2 inputs from Sales and Marketing into the demand planning process.
- Lead forecast alignment meetings with Country Sales and Marketing Managers to secure Step 2 sign-off before handing over the forecast to the Lubricants Supply Chain (LSC) team.
- Participate in Step 3 of the planning cycle and support Step 4 by providing relevant demand insights as needed.
- Track and report current month performance by comparing actual orders against forecasts, and work with Sales and Marketing to improve forecast adherence and “sell the plan.”
- Manage short-term forecast adjustments by collecting updates from Sales and Marketing and coordinating the Short-Term Adjustment (STA) process with Supply Planning.
- Act as the primary liaison between Demand (Sales & Marketing) and Supply teams, ensuring clear and timely communication across functions.
- Support Finance teams in updating the “Latest Estimate” and identifying potential gaps against quarterly and annual targets.
- Contribute to the annual Integrated Business Planning (IBP) process, helping to build detailed multi-year demand plans.
What You Bring
- Extensive experience in data analysis, with a strong track record of uncovering actionable insights to drive business decisions.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage effectively across all organizational levels and collaborate with cross-functional teams including Sales, Marketing, Contracts & Procurement, and Value Delivery.
- Skilled at synthesizing complex information and presenting it in a clear, strategic manner to support high-level decision-making.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel—a critical tool for data manipulation, reporting, and visualization.
- Authentic leadership style, with the confidence to stand by well-founded perspectives even under pressure.
- Highly adaptable, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in fast-paced, dynamic environments.
- Industry knowledge in Lubricants and Supply Chain is preferred; familiarity with SAP and APO is an advantage.
- Experience in digital project management, with a focus on delivering scalable and sustainable solutions.
- Committed to continuous improvement of processes, tools, and stakeholder relationships.
- Background in FMCG and Oil & Gas industries is a strong asset.