Demand Planner (China)

LIPTON Teas and Infusions is the world’s largest tea business, with world-class, purpose-driven brands such as Lipton, Pukka, Tazo, T2, PG Tips AND Brooke Bond. We are truly united in one purpose: growing a world of wellbeing to generate value for all. In July 2022, CVC Capital Partners Fund VIII took over the full ownership of the LIPTON Teas and Infusions business (previously called ekaterra) from its former owner, Unilever. As a standalone entity with a dedicated single-category focus, we are even better positioned to lead the tea industry, delivering higher growth and value, and a greater impact on the communities we serve / wider world. Under the ownership of CVC, LIPTON Teas and Infusions has an exciting future ahead with opportunities for increased investments in our iconic brands, our people, and our capabilities, underpinned by our Value Creation Plan (VCP) strategy. Combining the strength and scale of our brands with a focus on speed and agility, LIPTON Teas and Infusions is brewing a corporate start-up mindset that’s opening-up new opportunities for its people to flourish every day. E-commerce acceleration is at the heart of the strategy, and we are keen to have talented experts to join us on this exciting journey. We put consumer love & science at the heart of every decision. We celebrate diverse thinkers who take personal ownership to connect ideas and make impactful things happen; people who share our values around humanity and courage and give their commitment to nurturing the wellbeing of all. In return, we offer a working culture that gives our people freedom and flexibility, and where they can grow both personally and professionally to master their field. Your Role The Demand Planner for Global Distributor Markets oversees the forecasting process and collaborates with supply planners across multiple regions. This role is responsible for generating precise demand signals, ensuring seamless coordination with distributors, and supporting Integrated Business Planning (IBP) processes. The planner will work closely with both internal and external stakeholders to execute and facilitate S&OP process, enhance forecast accuracy, streamline supply planning, and drive continuous improvements within the supply chain. This role will oversee a diverse portfolio of countries across the Asia Pacific region, including Australia, New Zealand, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and additional markets. Your Key Tasks Demand & Supply Chain Planning • Demand Planning: Validate, consolidate, and manage demand forecasts in alignment with global standards. Collaborate with Business Development Managers (BDMs) and distributors to improve forecast accuracy and create baseline and consensus forecasts in line with the S&OP monthly calendar. Take full ownership of demand forecasting and S&OP facilitation, utilizing quantitative and qualitative methods, historical sales data, market trends, and promotional activities. Ensure alignment across all functions through effective S&OP leadership. • Collaboration: Work closely with sales, marketing, and production teams to gather insights and ensure alignment on demand planning strategies. • Data Analysis: Analyse demand patterns, identify trends, and provide actionable insights to improve overall forecast accuracy. • System Management: Utilize demand planning software - Kinaxis Rapid Response to support forecasting efforts and maintain accurate data. • Monitoring: Oversee distributor inventory performance by monitoring stock levels, inventory health, and replenishment activities. Collaborate with distributors and cross-functional teams to identify inventory risks, optimize stock holding, prevent stock shortages and overstock situations, and ensure continuous product availability in line with demand and supply plans. Additional Responsibilities • Logistics & Shipment Oversight: Supporting efficient shipment planning in coordination with suppliers, aligning with global Control Tower procedures and highlighting continuous improvement opportunities together with Logistics department. • Continuous Improvement: Identify areas for process optimization, collaborating with logistics and supply chain teams to streamline operations and drive system enhancements. Skills and Experience • Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Finance or related field. • Minimum of 4 years of experience in demand planning, preferably in the FMCG sector. • Experience in owning and driving the S&OP process in an FMCG company is a strong plus. • Experience in demand planning software such as Kinaxis, Blue Yonder, SAP IBP, or SAP APO. • Strong analytical skills with proficiency in data analysis. • Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities. • Fluency in English • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel; familiarity with Power BI and SAP/4HANA is a plus. Who we are looking for • Bias for action, drive for results • Networking and influencing • A strong sense of ownership and accountability • Organisationally and analytically strong • High level of resilience and problem solving • A dot connector • Curiosity: A customer centric mindset. • Ability to perform under tight deadlines • Relevant values, drivers for this role - Performance and growth mindset - Agility to thrive in a volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous world - Flexibility to drive change • Passionate about Tea Please apply online by clicking on “Apply” below. Your application will be reviewed against our requirements. Should you not meet our immediate requirements, your profile will be registered in our talent pool system and we will match your profile to suitable future vacancies.