Leading the monthly demand planning cycle for the Chocolates category is the core of this role, generating a robust, data-driven forecast across various product lines, channels, customers, and regions. The position involves using advanced statistical models and analytical tools to build, maintain, and continuously improve forecasts, directly impacting service levels, working capital, and costs.
Responsibilities
Lead the monthly demand planning cycle for the Chocolates category, generating a robust, data-driven forecast across SKUs, channels, customers, and regions
Use advanced statistical models and analytical tools to build, maintain, and continuously improve short-, medium-, and long-term forecasts
Own and drive improvements in forecast quality (accuracy, bias, fidelity, forecast value add), directly impacting service level, working capital, ageing, and cost-to-serve
Lead the demand stream of the S&OP/IBP process, running structured demand reviews and ensuring a single, aligned consensus forecast with Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Supply
Translate commercial drivers (baseline, promotions, activations, NPD, price changes, distribution expansion, mix changes) into clear demand signals and scenarios
Partner closely with Revenue Growth Management, Category, and Sales teams to understand elasticity, ATL/BTL plans, seasonality, and demand-shaping actions and reflect these in the demand plan
Monitor and report key KPIs such as forecast accuracy and bias, case fill rate, OTIF, inventory turns, ageing, and write-offs; conduct root-cause analysis and lead corrective action plans
Manage and continuously improve S&OE/ITP processes to connect weekly execution with the medium-term demand plan, proactively addressing risks and opportunities
Champion the deployment and enhancement of advanced planning systems (e.g., o9, SAP IBP, APO, Anaplan), including adoption of AI/ML-based forecasting where relevant
Lead or support core implementation projects for demand planning / IBP solutions, working with IT and global/regional teams
Build forecasting and demand planning capability across the broader team through coaching, best-practice sharing, and process standardization
Provide clear, insight-driven narratives to senior leadership on demand risks, opportunities, and scenario impacts on service, revenue, and working capital
Ensure differentiated planning approaches for emerging channels such as Q-Commerce, E-commerce, and Omni-channel retail, reflecting their unique demand patterns and volatility
Requirements
8–10 years of hard-core Demand Planning / IBP / S&OP experience in FMCG food categories, with a demonstrable track record of impact on service, inventory, and cost
Advanced understanding of demand (baseline, elasticity, ATL/BTL, seasonality, demand shaping) and strong business acumen to make sense of RTM, RGM, distribution, offtakes, and trade pipelines
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Experience handling all categories or a major flagship category of roughly $1.5 billion revenue and a minimum of 500 SKUs
Background in leading MNC organizations; a mix of MBB consulting plus industry experience is preferable
Proven o9 implementation experience – core design, configuration, testing, and deployment for demand planning / IBP
Solid foundation in AI/ML and statistical forecasting models, with the ability to select and apply the right model by segment and horizon
Clear, practical understanding of forecast quality metrics (accuracy, bias, fidelity, FVA) and their impact on service levels, working capital, and cost
Solid understanding and hands-on experience of the 5-step Oliver Wight IBP process, including running mature IBP/S&OP cycles
Hands-on expertise in running S&OE / ITP processes that connect operational execution with the tactical demand plan
Seasoned professional with superior communication skills, capable of leading and steering consensus meetings with Commercial, Finance, and Supply Chain stakeholders
Exposure to and understanding of demand dynamics in upcoming channels such as Q-Commerce, E-commerce, and Omni-channel, and how these influence planning strategies
Postgraduate degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations, Engineering, Statistics, or Business Management
Strong command of advanced planning tools (o9, SAP IBP, APO, Anaplan, or similar) and high proficiency in Excel and data analytics
Strong commercial orientation with the ability to link demand plans to P&L, pricing, trade investments, and portfolio decisions
High learning agility, problem-solving orientation, and comfort working in a dynamic, fast-paced FMCG environment
Important Details
Relocation support: available within the country; minimal support offered for candidates voluntarily moving internationally through the Volunteer International Transfer Policy
About the Company
Mondelez India Foods Private Limited (formerly Cadbury India Ltd.) has been in India for over 70 years, offering local and global brands such as Cadbury chocolates, Bournvita and Tang powdered beverages, Oreo and Cadbury Bournvita biscuits, and Halls and Cadbury Choclairs Gold candies. Headquartered in Mumbai, the company has more than 3,300 employees working across sales offices in New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai and in manufacturing facilities at Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh, at its global Research & Development Technical Centre and Global Business Hub in Maharashtra and in a vast distribution network across the country. It has been recognized by Avatar as the Best Companies for Women in India in 2019, for the fourth time.
