Demand Planning (S&OP) Manager – FMCG Sector

A prominent and leading company in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector in Kuwait is actively seeking to hire a Demand Planning (S&OP) Manager. This role is a critical linchpin connecting commercial strategy with operational execution. The successful candidate will be central to balancing market demand with product supply, thereby driving high operational efficiency and enhancing customer satisfaction levels.

Job Description & Key Responsibilities

The Demand Planning Manager will be entrusted with a range of vital strategic and operational responsibilities, including:

• Leading the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) Process: Managing and facilitating regular S&OP meetings with Sales, Marketing, Finance, Operations, and Production departments to align on a unified and accurate demand plan.
• Developing & Implementing Demand Forecasting Strategies: Utilizing advanced tools, historical data analytics, market trends, and commercial intelligence to build dynamic and highly accurate forecasting models at various levels (SKU, channel, region).
• Performance & Gap Analysis: Continuously monitoring forecast performance, analyzing gaps between projections and actuals, identifying root causes of deviations, and proposing corrective actions to improve future accuracy.
• Supply Chain Integration: Working closely with Supply, Production Planning, and Logistics teams to translate demand plans into effective supply requirements, ensuring product availability at the right time and place.
• Reporting & Management: Developing key performance indicator (KPI) dashboards and reports on forecast accuracy, service levels, inventory turnover, and presenting them to senior management.
• Continuous Improvement: Proposing and implementing initiatives to enhance demand planning processes and promoting best practices within the team and related departments.

Qualifications & Requirements

To qualify for this leadership opportunity, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Educational Background: A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Industrial Engineering, Statistics, or a related field. A postgraduate degree (Master’s in Supply Chain Management or MBA) or professional certifications (such as CPIM from APICS) is a strong advantage.
• Professional Experience: Minimum 7-10 years of proven experience in Demand Planning or Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP), with extensive and demonstrated expertise specifically within the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry. Experience in the Gulf or Kuwaiti market is a significant plus.
• Technical Skills: Advanced proficiency in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems like SAP or Oracle, and specialized forecasting tools (e.g., SAP IBP, Kinaxis, o9). Exceptional analytical skills with expert-level mastery of Microsoft Excel (PivotTables, advanced functions) and data analysis software (Power BI, Tableau).
• Soft Skills: Strong leadership ability to manage cross-functional meetings and influence stakeholders. Excellent communication and presentation skills. Analytical thinking and complex problem-solving capabilities. Ability to work under pressure and adapt to the fast-paced changes inherent in the dynamic FMCG market environment.

Job Location

The position will be based in Al Farawaniyah, Kuwait.

How to Apply

Applications for this position are to be submitted via the Naukrigulf online job portal. Please search for the job listing titled "Demand Planning (S&OP) Manager – FMCG" with the location set to "Kuwait". Ensure your Curriculum Vitae (CV) is updated to highlight your relevant experience in Demand Planning and S&OP within the FMCG sector, citing tangible achievements and quantifiable results that demonstrate your competency (e.g., percentage improvement in forecast accuracy, enhanced service levels, or reduced operational costs).

This role offers a stimulating work environment within a market leader and clear pathways for professional growth in a vital industry. We look forward to receiving applications from qualified candidates who possess the passion to achieve excellence in supply chain planning.