Location: Mumbai
About the Role:
We are seeking a highly analytical and proactive Branch Demand Planner to improve the accuracy and reliability of the demand plan through the projection of the most accurate estimate of customer demand and structured exception management. The role is responsible for creating statistical forecasts, preparing bottom-up demand plans, supporting consensus forecasting forums, and enhancing the responsiveness of the Supply Chain in fulfilling customer demand. The ideal candidate will bring hands-on planning experience, strong analytical capability, and a sound understanding of forecasting tools, supply chain planning processes, and market dynamics.
Key Responsibilities:
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Provide the best estimate of customer demand by cleaning historical orders and generating baseline statistical forecasts across a 4-month horizon.
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Drive weekly exception management through the DSR process to improve supply chain responsiveness and service outcomes.
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Prepare bottom-up forecasts using baseline assumptions and event uplifts, and present them in MFR meetings at regional and branch levels to build consensus for the following 4 months.
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Maintain and update forecast profiles in APO for SKU-DC combinations across relevant category and region combinations.
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Communicate key demand planning information and highlight gaps to the Branch Manager in line with the consensus demand planning process.
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Maintain proportional factors in APO to split the final confirmed plan to distribution center level.
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Maintain a learning log of major events and historical demand drivers to support future planning quality and institutional learning.
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Monitor and improve weekly customer service level (CSL) by analyzing demand deviations and taking corrective actions.
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Support freshness in the market through regular monitoring and close coordination with Sales and Supply Chain teams.
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Manage phase-in / phase-out SKUs and promotional SKUs while keeping control over ageing stock, bad goods, and freshness metrics.
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Ensure accuracy of the demand plan at customer/distribution level and continuously improve planning effectiveness through disciplined follow-up.
What We’re Looking For
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Graduate in Supply Chain, Operations, Business, Engineering, or a related field; relevant advanced qualification is an advantage.
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Two or more years of relevant operational experience at market or business level in one or more of the following areas: Customer Channel Sales Development, Customer Service, or Branch DRP.
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Hands-on knowledge of APO Demand Planning and forecasting techniques.
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Sound understanding of the Supply Chain planning cycle, planning processes, competitive activities, and market dynamics.
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Strong analytical and data management skills, with the ability to interpret demand trends and convert insights into actions.
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Good communication skills and the confidence to work cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, Supply Planning, and Customer Service teams.
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Able to work proactively, independently, and with a strong results orientation in a dynamic branch environment.
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Understanding of compliance expectations, business performance management, and end-to-end supply chain impacts.
Key Relationships:
Sales / Generating Demand, CCSD & Marketing, Supply Planning, and Customer Service Team.
Functional / Professional Competencies:
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End-to-end business insight
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Results focus
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Manage compliance and risk
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Optimize and manage performance
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Proactive cooperation
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Plan resources and capacity
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Future and external focus
“Nestlé is committed to providing equal opportunities without any discrimination on the grounds of age, color, disability, origin, nationality, religion, race, gender, or sexual orientation. We are an equal opportunity employer, and we value diversity at our company. For any reasonable accommodation in the recruitment process for persons with disabilities, kindly reach out to your recruiter. Reasonable accommodation includes any appropriate modifications to ensure that persons with disabilities are provided an equal platform in the recruitment process.”
