Demand Planners are the statistical backbone of FMCG supply chains. They build and maintain demand forecasts by SKU, customer, and distribution centre, feeding the S&OP process and enabling supply chain to procure, produce, and deliver to meet demand. Accuracy has a direct impact on OTIF, waste, and working capital.
Supply Chain Analyst (0–2 yrs)
Entry level — gaining FMCG foundations
Demand Planner (2–4 yrs)
Mid-level — building core expertise (1–4 years)
Senior Demand Planner (4–7 yrs)
Senior — leading teams and strategy
Demand Planning Manager (6–10 yrs)
Head / Controller — full functional ownership
Head of Supply Chain Planning
Director / C-Suite — board-level accountability
Statistical demand modelling
Core competency for Demand Planner roles
S&OP process management
Core competency for Demand Planner roles
SAP APO/IBP or equivalent
Core competency for Demand Planner roles
Excel (advanced) / Power BI
Core competency for Demand Planner roles
Promotional uplift analysis
Core competency for Demand Planner roles
Forecast accuracy measurement (MAPE/BIAS)
Core competency for Demand Planner roles
Cross-functional communication
Core competency for Demand Planner roles
Data cleansing & exception management
Core competency for Demand Planner roles
These are the skills that differentiate senior Demand Planners: Python or R for forecasting models, Machine learning / AI forecasting tools, New product baseline development, Aggregated demand planning. Investing in these capabilities alongside core skills typically unlocks faster progression and higher salary offers.
Browse live FMCG Demand Planner jobs posted on FMCG Hire — updated daily.