Demand Planning SME - o9 IBP & SOE

Overview

Demand Planning SME for the o9 IBP and SOE implementation in the AMEA region, combining integration testing, UAT, data validation and end-user training with demand analysis and forecasting responsibilities.

What you'll do

• Develop the 0-24-month IBP forecast by brand and at SKU level, coordinating, challenging and influencing building blocks with input from sales, marketing and other partners.
• Review the disaggregated short-term demand plan, including SKU/location mix and weekly pacing, and provide the finalized detailed demand plan by SKU to supply planners.
• Contribute to the demand management cycle of the integrated business planning process for your categories, including strategy and structure discussions.
• Liaise with commercial and operational teams to improve communication between functions and support delivery of business KPIs.
• Manage the forecast compilation process, owning the short-term weekly plan and the long-term forecast (three or more months).
• Interact with the modelling team to generate statistical forecasting and manage the demand planning tool.
• Perform root-cause analysis for key service issues, forecast error and bias, and share output with appropriate leadership.
• Execute Integration Test (iTest) and UAT test scripts end-to-end for Demand Planning processes, ensuring 100% script coverage per the test strategy.
• Validate pre-load and post-load data accuracy during User Cutover Testing, flagging discrepancies and coordinating resolution with data and cutover teams.
• Perform security role validation, testing user access, roles and permissions ahead of each testing phase.
• Log, track and follow up on defects in qTest/Jira, ensuring timely resolution within SLA and supporting retesting.
• Execute end-to-end scenario testing including cross-stream scenarios with Data Science, Supply Planning and IBP Support.
• Participate in daily testing war rooms, morning kick-offs and end-of-day recaps to report progress, blockers and pass rates.
• Support delivery of Pre-UAT and UAT training for BU end users, including o9 basics, Day-in-the-Life walkthroughs and advanced DP system training.
• Conduct shadow testing sessions and act as a go-to resource for end users during testing phases.
• Support the BU Champion in change management, user communications and adoption governance.
• Assist with Parallel Run execution, BU Readiness Checkpoints, UAT sign-off documentation and hypercare support post go-live.
• Ensure high data quality before modelling runs, working with market planners and data scientists on master, transaction and driver data.
• Conduct forecast review and analysis to assess demand trends, measure forecast accuracy and recommend data-driven adjustments.
• Propose and implement forecasting improvements, and provide weekly performance recaps including root cause analysis and action plans.

What you'll need

• Experience in a fast-moving consumer goods or consumer packaged goods environment.
• Experience within an IBP/S&OP environment.
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams, working on priorities and improving the plan.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, and ability to understand and interpret data.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Team player who can work with many other functions on a daily basis.
• Solid understanding of demand planning processes (statistical forecasting, consensus planning, demand sensing).
• 4–8 years of relevant experience in supply chain planning or a related operational role.
• Familiarity with planning tools and systems, with exposure to advanced planning solutions (o9, Kinaxis, OMP, SAP IBP) as a necessity.
• Strong attention to detail, ability to execute test scripts methodically and identify data discrepancies.
• Comfortable working with testing tools (qTest, Jira) and documenting test results and defects.
• Good communication skills, with ability to train and support peers in a clear, structured manner.
• Collaborative mindset, able to work in cross-functional, multi-market teams under tight timelines.
• Growth mindset, quick learner, and comfortable navigating ambiguity in a fast-paced transformation environment.
• Proficiency in English.
• Bachelor's Degree or postgraduate, with relevant demand planning experience.

Nice to have

• Experience in food or other fast-moving, dynamic industry where shelf life is a constraint.
• Additional regional language skills.

Details

• Location: Mumbai, India.
• Regular position in Demand Planning, Customer Service & Logistics.
• No relocation support available.
• Reports into the region DP transformation lead.