Demand Planner - Africa

UPL Corp is committed to shaping a future where agriculture works for everyone. As the Regional Demand Planner, you will play a critical role in supporting the demand planning process for your region. You will work closely with commercial, supply, and regional planning teams to deliver accurate forecasts, drive APS/SONAR adoption, and improve forecast quality.

In this role, you will contribute to monthly S&OP cycles, strengthen demand‑supply alignment, and help enhance service levels and working capital efficiency. This position requires strong analytical skills, cross‑functional collaboration, and the ability to apply global planning standards to regional needs - without direct team‑management responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Activities

• Track the main regional demand metrics like MAPE, Bias (forecast vs. actual), and Fidelity (forecast stability)
• Follow the global demand planning process and apply it consistently across all SKUs and markets in the region
• Support the rollout of AI/ML forecasting tools, especially for segmented SKUs like Y and Z categories
• Work with the Global S&OP CoE to ensure regional forecasts match global guidelines while meeting local needs
• Help run the region’s budgeting and annual demand planning cycles, coordinating closely with commercial and finance teams

Tactical Activities

• Track and execute regional demand review meeting outcomes; ensure issues are identified and resolved with stakeholders
• Ensure monthly forecasts (both constrained and unconstrained) are completed on time to support supply planning
• Maintain and improve the regional SKU-level demand list, ensuring better accuracy and visibility
• Work with supply planners and commercial teams to balance demand and supply, protecting both inventory health and service levels
• Track product margins and promotions to understand their impact on the sales forecast
• Support portfolio rationalization activities across countries to remove low-performing SKUs
• Create and maintain demand planning templates that match APS system needs and global standards
• Prepare for new product launches (NPLs) by ensuring codes, forecasts, and alignment with commercial and supply teams are completed on time

Operational Activities

• Coordinate with supply to balance service levels and inventory health; manage trade-offs
• Share regular updates with regional leadership and RSOP on demand risks, opportunities, and action plans
• Keep APS/SONAR data clean and accurate, such as product hierarchy and forecast inputs
• Promote and support APS/SONAR adoption, help users with training, and encourage system-based forecasting
• Provide feedback to the Global CoE on system improvements or regional customization needs

Key KPIs

• WMAPE (%), Bias & Demand Fidelity
• SONAR & APS Utilization incl. adoption
• NPL Demand accuracy and launch readiness metrics

Required Skills and Qualifications

• 3–7 years of experience in demand planning, forecasting, supply chain management, or S&OP in a regional or multi‑country environment
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Industrial, Chemical, Production, Mechanical), Supply Chain Management, Operations, Logistics, Business, or a related field.
• Master’s degree in supply chain, Operations, Industrial Engineering, or Business is an added advantage.
• Strong understanding of statistical forecasting methods and practical experience using APS/AI/ML‑based forecasting tools
• Good knowledge of inventory concepts, demand–supply balancing, and basic constrained material planning principles
• Familiarity with global S&OP/IBP processes and ability to work effectively with commercial, finance, and supply planning teams
• Strong proficiency in data analytics, demand planning systems, APS/SONAR, and ERP tools; advanced Excel and visualization capabilities
• Strong communication and stakeholder‑management skills across functions and geographies
• Ability to support change management, process adoption, and standardization across multiple countries
• Analytical mindset with strong problem‑solving and decision‑support skills
• Willingness to travel regionally/internationally for key meetings and planning reviews