Demand Planner, Gulf

Short Intro and About the Job PURPOSE OF THE ROLE The Demand Planner supports the demand planning function in the Gulf by generating accurate short- and medium-term forecasts, maintaining data integrity, and contributing to the GPS process.

Ensure system closing on stocks & sales, management & validation of GIT with prior validation.

Drive Continuous Improvement programs on increasing Distributor management efficiencies. KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS Forecast Accuracy & Bias (Mid & Long Term): as per division targets Inventory Aging Management GPS Health check Order Management Accuracy % in stock @ distributor Write off and expiries/ returns % in stock @ distributor Accurate stock & sales reporting with min discrepancies JOB DIMENSIONS Business impact (Value added of this role and contribution to the business (direct and indirect CANN impact, size of budget and/or headcount to manage): The role has a direct impact on business results as its KPIs directly affect the set targets. Strategic contribution (leadership team membership, size and significance of portfolio to be managed, level of responsibility in the strategic planning process of the CBU, number and size of projects, etc.): The candidate should be a strategic thinker with the ability to develop a road map for the supply chain and route to market for 3 years.

Responsibilities

• The role aims to enhance forecast accuracy, reduce bias, and ensure product availability while minimizing waste and inventory costs.
• Working closely with cross-functional teams (Sales, Marketing, Supply Planning) and in partnership with distributors, the Demand Planner helps translate market insights into reliable demand plans that support business growth.
• He / She will Lead and Facilitate the Demand Review Process as an integral part of the Regional GPS process.
• He / She will ensure Quality is always in the forefront on how we manage our business in Distributors Process.BUSINESS CONTEXT & KEY CHALLENGES Volatile demand in the region Distributor management in a maturing market MTO model: Make to Orders Level of Distributor engagement in Operations & Distribution Practice Engagement with internal/external stake holders KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES Ensure high collaboration with local teams (commercial, marketing, regulatory & finance) as well as distributors on In Market Sales forecasting accuracy over a period of 30 months.
• Strong collaboration and alignment with Demand planning manager and Country Director to ensure healthy inventory holding and management of In Market Sales Lead and facilitate the Demand Review Process as an integral process for GPS (DRM).
• Advanced Scenario Planning Co-facilitate the cluster GPS Ensure Order negotiations and management with Distributors.
• Ensure proper maintenance of systems (APO DP).
• Ensure healthy inventory at local warehouses with proper follow up (transfers).
• Liaison with Regional Hub – Customer Service for logistics operations & Supply planning.

Preferred

• from a multinational FMCG and/or Pharmaceutical company Primarily hands on knowledge on local distributor management and supply chain management.

Geographic scope of the job

Gulf ( countries TBC) – Based in Cairo ( Egypt ) Team management (size of team to hierarchically manage, local or remote management, national or international teams, diversity of skills and competencies managed): not applicable Functional management (project leader or contributor, size of project team to manage, local or remote management, national or international teams, diversity of skills and competencies managed): will be required to contribute to international teams / projects Main internal relations (size and function of the internal network (customers, peers, etc.) and the role of this position in these networks): The role involves a high level of interaction between internal stakeholders at the Middle East regional office, next to the local commercial teams in Maghreb Main external relations (size and function of the external network (HCPs, scientists, stakeholders, etc.) and the role of this position in these networks): Liaison with Distributors & 3rd party providers as required.

About You

CANDIDATE PROFILECREATES a Meaningful Future Dares to Challenge and Drives for Transformation Co-Builds a Compelling Vision OPENS Connections inside & outside Connects and Builds Authentic Relationships Influences and Mobilizes Stakeholders through his/her Convictions DRIVES for Sustainable Results Delivers Value for Danone, Customers & Communities with high Standards Takes Accountability and Makes Decisions EMPOWERS Self and Diverse Teams Fosters Collective Impact through Teamwork and Diversity Assesses Fairly, Cares and Develops People SELF AWARE Maintains Self-Balance Maintains Self-Balance Understands Self & Strives for Development FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES: Forecast Analytical skill set Planning tools (e.g., SAP IBP, APO, or similar Route to market Distributor Partnership management Logistics Operations Value creation through cross functional management SOFT SKILLS: Strong analytical skills Strong leadership skills on daring to challenge Stakeholder management Highly process / KPI driven Strong communication skills Good interpersonal skills / team player Project Management Team player Conflict management Able to absorb pressure Education Bachelor Degree in business administration or equivalent Advance user of Microsoft Office especially Excel and Power Point Experience / knowledge required A minimum of 2 years’ experience in Demand Planning.

Preferably

Intermediate to advanced level of proficiency in Microsoft Excel Languages required : (Business English is required for all CODI roles) Fluent in English and Arabic (Reading, Speaking & Writing) Mobility Candidates should be open to move within the region or outside the region with Danone in 3-4 years if such opportunity will arise which will contribute to his/her career growth Danone Values Candidates are expected to adhere to Danone’s core values: Humanism, Openness, Proximity & Enthusiasm About Us, We offer and What's next Nutricia Middle East DMCC (part of Danone Group) acting in the field of infant and young child nutrition is committed to respect specific rules to comply with the WHO Code of Breast Milk Substitutes and any related regulations applying locally”.