Our client, a leading FMCG firm, is seeking a Demand Planner to support demand forecasting processes within the Southeast Asia region. This is a 12-month engagement based in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, requiring a three-day work-from-office arrangement.

The ideal talent will manage day-to-day demand planning, focusing on improving forecast accuracy and bias while collaborating with country managers and other stakeholders. The role emphasizes accurate data collection, scenario planning, and effectively communicating actionable insights.

Reporting directly to the Planning Manager, the talent will also lead demand review meetings as part of the Integrated Business Planning (IBP) process.

What you will be doing

• Lead demand forecasting processes for two categories and 150 SKUs across Southeast Asia markets.

• Create forecasts using baselining and scenario planning methods.

• Ensure forecast accuracy (70%) and manage bias to +/-8% to meet organizational goals.

• Maintain stable forecasting processes to avoid significant month-to-month deviations in data.

• Act as a key partner to country managers, distributors, and the supply chain team to exchange data and align on planning objectives.

• Translate complex data into actionable insights and recommendations for business stakeholders.

• Generate and maintain reports in Excel, including KPI tracking, demand review meeting presentations, and scenario planning.

• Work confidently with advanced Excel functionalities (e.g., macros, if-then formulas) and PowerPoint for data visualization.

• Improve and maintain forecasting tools and templates to streamline processes.

• Utilize Power BI to enhance reporting (preferred but not mandatory).

• Conduct demand review meetings as part of the IBP process, presenting accurate forecasts and actionable insights to senior stakeholders.

• Support scenario planning for make-to-order (MTO) markets when required.

• Work closely with the Planning Manager to execute day-to-day demand planning while providing insights to improve processes.

• Proactively challenge existing systems and processes to drive continuous improvement in demand planning practices.

Your background

• 4–7 years of experience in demand planning or related supply chain roles; talent with at least 2 years of strong hands-on experience will also be considered if they demonstrate readiness to work independently.

• Prior experience in the FMCG sector is highly preferred. Talent with food and beverage industry experience will be prioritized, followed by those with end-to-end supply chain experience in other FMCG products.

• Strong expertise in Excel (including advanced formulas and macros) and PowerPoint for reporting and presentations. Familiarity with Power BI for reporting is a plus.

• Proven ability to manage forecast accuracy and bias effectively.

• Solid understanding of end-to-end supply chain processes, including sales, factory operations, and their impacts on business functions.

• Analytical mindset with a proactive approach to problem-solving and process improvement.

• APICS (CPIM or CSCP) certification is a plus but not mandato