Manager Demand & Supply Planning

The Demand & Supply Planning Manager is responsible for developing accurate demand forecasts and balancing supply capabilities to ensure optimal inventory, customer service levels, and efficient production planning. This role integrates business insights, sales forecasts, and operational constraints to deliver a synchronized Sales, Inventory, and Operations Plan (SIOP) for the cable, connector, and wiring harness portfolio.

Role & responsibilities

Demand Planning :

• Lead the monthly demand planning cycle in alignment with sales, marketing, and customer service teams.
• Analyze historical data, order patterns, and market intelligence to create an accurate demand forecast.
• Manage forecasting at product family and SKU levels for cables, connectors, and harnesses.
• Collaborate with product management to integrate new product introductions (NPI) and phase-outs.
• Evaluate demand bias and forecast accuracy; implement corrective actions to reduce forecast error.

Supply Planning :

• Translate demand forecasts into feasible supply plans.
• Balance manufacturing capacity, material availability, and logistics constraints and work with Production Planning teams
• Drive RM with material planning team for copper/aluminium conductors, PVC compounds, terminals, and connectors.
• Maintain a robust Master Production Schedule (MPS) aligned with customer delivery and working capital targets.
• Support make-or-buy and inventory allocation decisions to optimize total cost and service.

SIOP / IBP Process Leadership :

• Facilitate monthly SIOP reviews with Sales, Operations, and Finance teams.
• Align demand, inventory, and capacity plans with strategic business objectives.
• Support scenario planning to mitigate supply risks and market volatility (e.g., copper price, logistics delays).
• Integrate digital planning tools (SAP APO/IBP, Kinaxis, o9, or equivalent) for improved planning accuracy.

Performance & Process Improvement :

• Track and report key planning KPIs (Forecast Accuracy, OTIF, Inventory Turns, Slow-Moving Stock).
• Drive cross-functional projects to reduce lead times and improve plan adherence.
• Implement Lean and Six Sigma practices for continuous improvement in the planning process.
• Develop and coach team members in analytical and collaborative planning skills.

Preferred candidate profile

8-15 years of experience in Demand and Supply Planning within the Cable, Connector, or Wiring Harness industry.
Proven track record in implementing SIOP/IBP processes. Strong exposure to SAP (MM, PP, APO, IBP) or equivalent advanced planning systems. Experience in handling multi-location manufacturing, project-based orders, and distribution forecasting.