Head of Demand Planning at Nestle

Position Summary

• Lead the Demand Planning team, at NiM level, in the effective application of Best Practice and compliant and efficient processes, as well as in the efficient use of tools (Excel, PowerBI, SAP APO, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning).
• Formulate and implement demand planning strategies and policies which drive the quality of forecasting across NiM.
• Facilitate the alignment of this Demand Plan with internal and external partners through the Monthly Business Planning process, and lead initiatives to deliver continuous improvements at all levels of the process.
• Increase knowledge & capabilities of Demand Planners, and enhance knowledge of broader DSP team in demand planning and MBP.
• Benchmark and share knowledge with the Demand Planning community beyond the Nestle Market.
• Contribute to Strategic (3 years +) and Tactical (18-20 months) Business Planning via Monthly Business Planning and the Dynamic Planning Framework.

A day in the life of a Head of Demand Planning

• Manage and maintain a skilled and motivated team of Demand Planners (including Subject Matter Experts), who are competent in delivering a reliable forecast with a high level of insights, and can drive consensus demand plans with cross functional teams through the Monthly Business Planning process.
• Manage the relationship and the effective flow of information between the Demand Planning function and the internal business partners and key stakeholders within and outside Operations (e.g. Sales, Marketing and Finance).
• Participate actively in all Nestlé Demand Planning processes, including Monthly Business Planning (MBP), Dynamic Forecast (DF), Integrated Commercial Planning (ICP), Annual Volume Commitment (AVC), Annual Cost Estimate (ACE), and the Event Management Process (encompassing Innovations & Renovations and Promotions).
• Collaborate with the Planning Team to support the development and coaching of team members by establishing and maintaining an effective capability-building framework, ensuring resource allocation, and facilitating accurate onboarding for new employees.
• Ensure the necessary training and development or wider DSP team and other functions in Demand Planning, as required.
• Leverage system capabilities for all Demand Planning related tools and reports, and identify new ways of working making Demand Planning more efficient.
• Proactively engage with Demand Planning Network outside of the Market to share best practices and to drive continuous improvement and improve ways of working and efficiency. Ensure compliance to the latest standards/policies related to Demand Planning.
• Ensure sustained business and customer insights, through collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.

What will make you successful?

• A Degree/Diploma in Supply Chain or relevant qualification business qualification: (BSc Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, Data Science)
• At least 7 years’ experience in Supply Chain Management with a very good grasp of the different departments in SCM and of the end-to-end process.
• At least 4 years’ experience in Demand and Supply Planning (desirable to have had experience in Demand Planning).
• Strong Leadership role in one of the functions across Generating Demand or other Ensuring Supply areas of: Sales / Marketing; Customer Supply Chain; Demand & Supply Planning; Procurement - with direct people management.
• Accomplishment of key performance indicators including DPA M-1, M-3, W-3, and reduction of COF Reason Codes related to demand planning, working capital, and financial metrics.
• Implementation of tools as outlined in the digital roadmap.
• Proficient in the application of root cause analysis methodologies