BU Demand Planner

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Spain.

📋 Description

• Take ownership of the Business Unit demand planning cycle and share the consensus demand plan post sign-off.

• Create and uphold forecasting models by analyzing industry trends and demand patterns utilizing SAP IBP and various statistical, machine-learning, and AI-enhanced methods.

• Collaborate with, support, and constructively challenge sales organizations regarding their forecast submissions.

• Identify and manage risks and opportunities linked to the demand plan, initiating mitigation and gap-closing actions.

• Lead Demand Reviews alongside Sales VPs and Sales Directors.

• Coordinate with sites to examine forecast alterations and underlying assumptions.

• Deliver the unconstrained consensus demand signal to Supply Planning on a set schedule.

• Manage forecast dashboards and action plans during the monthly S&OP process.

• Oversee short-term demand within the S&OE horizon.

• Promote the adoption of standardized demand planning practices, planning calendars, consensus processes, and KPI definitions.

• Mentor commercial stakeholders and Business Unit teams on forecast ownership and consensus processes.

• Contribute to the development of demand planning tools, models, standards, and continuous improvement efforts.

• Ensure the analysis and simplification of product structure and finished-goods portfolio.

• Maintain the accuracy and completeness of demand-side planning master data.

• Define data requirements and collaborate with Planning Data Coordinator, BI, and IT partners to address data gaps.

• Develop and sustain demand visibility and forecast dashboards utilizing trusted, governed data.

• Partner with Sales and HR to create training and development plans for Customer Service and Planning teams.

• Assist in planner onboarding, SAP IBP implementation, and the adoption of common planning tools.

• Collaborate with the Supply Planning CoE on shared planning outcomes, including DIFOT and inventory performance.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.

• 5–8+ years of supply chain experience, ideally in an international B2B or FMCG matrix environment.

• Prior experience in forecasting and S&OP, utilizing analytics, marketing, and sales data.

• Direct experience partnering with commercial or sales organizations is highly preferred.

• Experience engaging and presenting to Director and VP-level stakeholders.

• Ability to interpret demand signals, challenge inaccuracies, and foresee demand risks.

• Capacity to conduct forecast cycles methodically and manage exceptions according to set rules.

• Understanding of how forecast quality and segmentation impact safety stock, DIO, and obsolescence outcomes.

• Proficient in statistical forecasting and structured root-cause analysis of forecast inaccuracies.

• Comfort in navigating diverse data landscapes.

• Strong skills in analytical tools, such as Power BI.

• Experience with SAP IBP or similar planning tools is preferred.

• Exceptional data analysis and critical-thinking abilities.

• Excellent communication, facilitation, and presentation skills.

• Ability to influence and mentor without direct authority.

• Capability to operate across cultures in a dynamic, international, multi-site organization.

• Advanced proficiency in Excel.

• Solid experience in statistical forecasting.

• Strong working knowledge of BI and analytical tools.

• Fluent in English and ideally one additional European language, such as French, German, or Spanish.

🏝️ Benefits

• Flexible location within Europe.

• Permanent contract.

• Approximately 10–20% travel, primarily to Business Unit and commercial locations, with occasional site visits.

• Training and development plans.

• Coaching and professional development opportunities.

• Involvement in planning system implementation and improvement initiatives.