Deputy Manager

Job Title: Procurement & Planning Deputy Manager – OTC/FMCG Location: Gurgaon Department: Planning & Procurement Role Summary: We are seeking a dynamic and result-oriented Procurement & Planning Deputy Manager to manage end-to-end procurement, demand planning, and inventory optimization for OTC/FMCG categories. The role requires strong commercial acumen, supplier management expertise, and the ability to ensure high product availability while optimizing costs and margins. Key Responsibilities: 1. Procurement & Sourcing - Manage procurement from direct companies and distributors - Negotiate commercial terms including pricing, margins, schemes, and credit periods - Ensure alignment with company’s margin and profitability targets - Identify alternate sourcing opportunities to reduce dependency and risk 2. Demand Planning & Forecasting - Develop monthly and weekly demand forecasts based on historical sales and market trends - Collaborate with sales and marketing teams for promotion and seasonal planning - Ensure accurate forecasting to minimize stock-outs and overstock 3. Inventory Management - Maintain optimal inventory levels across categories and warehouses - Monitor slow-moving, non-moving, and near-expiry inventory - Implement FIFO/FEFO practices to reduce expiry losses - Drive improvements in inventory turnover and working capital efficiency 4. Vendor & Stakeholder Management - Build and maintain strong relationships with brands, distributors, and suppliers - Track vendor performance (fill rate, lead time, service levels) - Resolve supply issues, escalations, and discrepancies 5. Margin & Cost Optimization - Drive cost-saving initiatives through better negotiations and backend schemes - Optimize logistics and procurement costs - Monitor and improve category-wise margins 6. Promotion & Scheme Execution - Coordinate with brands for trade schemes and consumer offers - Ensure timely stock availability during promotions 7. Order Management & Execution - Oversee purchase order creation and timely execution - Ensure adherence to delivery timelines and quality standards - Coordinate with warehouse and logistics teams for smooth operations 8. MIS & Reporting - Prepare and analyze reports on procurement, inventory, and vendor performance - Track key KPIs such as fill rate, inventory turnover, and purchase vs sales ratio - Provide actionable insights to management 9. Risk Management - Identify and mitigate supply chain risks - Develop contingency plans for demand-supply fluctuations - Ensure business continuity in case of disruptions Key Skills & Competencies: - Strong negotiation and commercial skills - Expertise in demand planning and inventory management - Analytical mindset with strong Excel/ERP skills - Vendor management and relationship-building - Problem-solving and decision-making under pressure - Excellent communication and cross-functional coordination Qualifications & Experience: - Master’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, or related field (MBA preferred) - 8-10 years of experience in procurement/planning within FMCG or retail - Experience in handling direct brand procurement is highly preferred