Demand Planning Job Description SPAR Hypermarkets in India is a result of a strategic partnership between Dubai based Landmark Group's Max Hypermarkets India Pvt. Ltd. & Amsterdam based SPAR International. The company started with one store in 1932 and now comprises of 12,500+ stores in 44 countries across 4 continents. The success story of SPAR has been underpinned by a set of values that have guided the organization since its inception which was more than 80 years ago. At the heart of these core values is the commitment of SPAR stores worldwide towards Freshness, Choice, Value, & Service. SPAR India (Max Hypermarket India Pvt Limited) currently has 24 stores across 10 cities; Bengaluru, Mangalore, Shimoga, Udupi, Thanjavur, Chennai, Coimbatore, Hyderabad, New Delhi, Gurugram, & Ghaziabad. Our vision is to be the most engaging and innovative hypermarket in India, making a difference in the lives of teams, customers, communities and shareholders, Everyday! Job Summary We are looking for an experienced and strategic Demand Planning Manager to lead the forecasting and demand planning function for our retail business. This role is critical in driving inventory optimization, ensuring product availability, and supporting business decisions through accurate demand forecasting. The ideal candidate will bring strong analytical skills, leadership capabilities, and a deep understanding of the retail environment. Key Responsibilities Lead the development and execution of demand forecasts across multiple product categories and channels (in-store, e-commerce, etc.). Own and drive the monthly S&OP (Sales & Operations Planning) cycle, coordinating with Buying, Merchandising, Marketing, and Finance teams. Analyse historical sales data, promotions, market trends, and store performance to improve forecast accuracy. Collaborate closely with inventory planners and buyers to ensure the right stock levels at the right locations. Translate marketing and promotional plans into forecast adjustments with measurable business impact. Manage demand planning systems, ensuring clean data and system integrity (ERP, forecasting tools, BI dashboards). Build and report on KPIs such as forecast accuracy, inventory turnover, in-stock rates, and service levels. Identify risks and opportunities related to demand shifts and recommend mitigation strategies. Provide leadership, mentoring, and performance management for demand planning analysts or team Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Economics, Statistics, or related field (Master's or MBA 5-8 years of progressive experience in demand planning or supply chain management, with at least 2+ years in a managerial or lead role. Experience in retail or consumer goods (fashion, electronics, groceries, etc.) is essential. Proven success managing high-SKU complexity and multi-channel retail operations. Skills Advanced Excel skills and proficiency with forecasting tools (e.g., SAP, Oracle etc.). Experience with retail ERP and planning systems (e.g., NetSuite, Dynamics, or similar). Strong analytical mindset with a data-driven approach to decision-making. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for cross-functional leadership. Ability to manage ambiguity and operate in a fast-paced, seasonal, and promotional retail environment. Key Competencies Strategic Forecasting Retail Business Acumen Leadership & Team Development Cross-functional Collaboration Risk Mitigation & Scenario Planning Continuous Improvement & Innovation (ref:iimjobs.com) Show more Show less