Demand Planner EMEA H/F

We are looking for a skilled and analytical Demand Planner, EMEA to play a key role in translating business strategy into actionable demand planning initiatives across the region. In this position, you will own the regional demand planning process and lead the monthly consensus cycle, from short-term forecasting to long-range planning, in close collaboration with Marketing, Sales, and Finance stakeholders.

You will act as a central coordinator for regional demand aggregation and ensure timely and accurate inputs into global planning processes, including Worldwide Demand & Supply Reviews and Regional S&OP cycles. This role is critical in ensuring alignment between market demand, supply capabilities, and overall business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Demand Planning
- Own and manage the EMEA demand planning process, directly influencing global production planning and product availability.
- Lead and facilitate the monthly demand consensus process across countries and business functions.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Marketing, Sales, Finance, Country Analysts) to ensure alignment and consistency in forecasting.
- Develop and enhance statistical forecasting models using available SCM tools and systems.
- Monitor forecast performance, system alerts, and BI reports to identify risks and opportunities.
- Drive product segmentation and classification based on volume, value, volatility, and strategic importance.
- Support allocation decisions in constrained supply situations.
- Contribute to the implementation and optimization of AI/ML-based forecasting solutions.

S&OP Process Facilitation
- Facilitate regional demand reviews and represent EMEA in S&OP forums.
- Ensure accurate and timely consolidation of demand inputs into planning systems.
- Act as key liaison between regional stakeholders and global supply chain planning teams.
- Support global supply chain initiatives aimed at improving forecast accuracy and end-to-end efficiency.

Business Performance Management
- Monitor and improve key planning KPIs, including forecast accuracy and bias.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and benchmarking methodologies.
- Contribute to annual long-term planning (LTP) processes by consolidating and challenging country-level inputs.
- Provide insights on market dynamics, demand drivers, and business strategy implications.

Profile & Qualifications

- University degree in Business, Supply Chain, Economics, or a related field (recent graduates may be considered).
- Strong understanding of demand planning, supply chain processes, and S&OP frameworks.
- Experience with forecasting metrics (e.g., MAPE, Bias) and root cause analysis.
- Proficiency in statistical forecasting tools and ERP systems (SAP or similar; APO/SCM experience is a plus).
- Advanced Excel and strong PowerPoint/Word skills.
- Analytical mindset with the ability to translate complex data into business insights.
- Strong communication skills and ability to influence stakeholders at different organizational levels.
- Fluent in English; additional European languages are an asset.
- Experience in supply chain or demand planning is preferred.
- APICS certification is a plus.