Demand Planning Manager

About SKF

SKF started its operations in India in 1923. Today, SKF provides industrial engineered solutions through its five technology-centric platforms: bearings and units, seals, mechatronics, lubrication solutions and services. Over the years the company has evolved from being a pioneer ball bearing manufacturing company to a knowledge-driven engineering company helping customers achieve sustainable and competitive business excellence.

SKF's solutions provide sustainable ways for companies across the industrial sectors to achieve breakthroughs in friction reduction, energy efficiency, and equipment longevity and reliability. With a strong commitment to research-based innovation, SKF India offers customized value-added solutions that integrate all its five technology platforms.

About the organization: www.skf.com/in

SKF Purpose Statement

Together, we re-imagine rotation for a better tomorrow.

By creating intelligent and clean solutions for people and the planet

Job Title:         Demand Planning Manager

Reports to:      General Manager - Logistics & Demand Chain 

Role Type:       Team Manager

Location:         Chinchwad, Pune

Purpose of the role :

The Demand Planning Manager is responsible for developing accurate demand forecasts, leading the S&OP and S&OE process, optimizing inventory levels, and ensuring product availability while minimizing costs. This role partners closely with Sales, Supply Chain, Production, Finance, and Procurement to drive data-driven decision-making and support business growth.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Demand Forecasting & Analysis

Develop monthly, quarterly, and annual demand forecasts using statistical models and market intelligence.

Analyze historical data, trends, seasonality, promotions, and customer inputs.

Maintain forecast accuracy KPIs (MAPE, Bias, Forecast Accuracy) and drive improvements.

2. S&OP, S&OE & IBP Process

Lead and facilitate the Demand Review in the S&OP cycle.

Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, and Finance to align on demand assumptions.

Present demand outlook and risks/opportunities to leadership.

3. Inventory & Supply Optimization

Work with Supply Planning and Production teams to optimize inventory levels across network.

Identify potential stockouts, excess inventory, and initiate corrective actions.

Ensure safety stock parameters and planning policies are maintained.

4. Cross-Functional Alignment

Partner with Sales to gather market insights and customer forecasts.

Coordinate with Procurement and Logistics to ensure material availability.

Support Finance in budgeting and long-range planning.

5. Data Management & Systems

Maintain planning systems (SAP IBP, DOH, SO99 etc.).

Drive automation, dashboarding, and advanced analytics in forecasting.

Ensure master data accuracy for planning parameters.

6. Performance Management

Track and report key KPIs including, Net Inventory % of sales, Availability, Forecast Accuracy, Inventory Turns, Days of Supply, Backorders and Block stock.

Develop improvement plans and root-cause analysis for deviations. Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean/Six Sigma methodologies.

Profile Requirements:

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Business, Engineering, or related field.
• 10 to 12+ years of experience in Demand Planning, Supply Chain Planning, or related functions.
• Strong knowledge of forecasting tools, statistical models, and ERP/APS systems.
• Advanced Excel and data analytics skills; experience with Power BI/Tableau preferred.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

Key Competencies

• Analytical thinking and problem-solving
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Strategic planning
• Attention to detail
• Ability to work under pressure with tight timelines
• Leadership and team management

Interested candidate/s can share their resume to hema.chaudhary@skf.com