Demand Planning Manager - Groceries

The Demand Planning Manager at Careem is primarily responsible for demand forecasting using historical sales data and market trends, managing demand variability, leading the Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) process, and preparing detailed demand reports for stakeholders. You'll ensure that inventory levels are optimized to meet customer demand while minimizing costs, engaging in collaborative forecasting with other teams, and continuously improving demand planning processes.

To qualify for the Demand Planning Manager role at Careem, candidates should have at least 3 years of experience in a supply chain or similar role, ideally in tech or logistics. A Bachelor's degree in Engineering with a focus on Supply Chain or Operations Management is preferred. Candidates should also possess strong analytical capabilities, mastery of Excel, and technical skills in SQL would be beneficial.

The Demand Planning Manager plays a crucial role in ensuring that Careem's grocery vertical meets its ambitious growth goals. By accurately forecasting demand and managing inventory, the role directly impacts customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. This position also involves cross-functional collaboration, which helps align various teams to drive successful marketing initiatives and product launches, ultimately contributing to the overall success of the business.

In the Demand Planning Manager role at Careem, you'll leverage advanced demand planning tools and statistical forecasting software to enhance accuracy and optimize processes. Your role will involve data analysis tools for identifying patterns and utilizing statistical models to generate demand projections, which are vital for supporting effective inventory management and supply chain initiatives.

Careem offers an array of benefits for the Demand Planning Manager position, including opportunities to work on impactful projects, access to healthcare benefits, and fitness reimbursements. Employees enjoy a flexible work schedule with the option to work remotely part of the week, along with unlimited vacation days. The company culture encourages personal and professional development, providing a vibrant environment for growth.

In approaching demand forecasting for a new grocery product, I would start by analyzing historical sales data of similar products, market trends, and customer preferences. Collaborating with marketing and sales teams to gather insights on customer behavior and potential promotions will also be key. Utilizing statistical forecasting methods and tools would help create a reliable demand forecast, which I would then adjust based on ongoing feedback.

Certainly! At my previous job, I encountered significant demand variability during holiday seasons. I implemented a strategy that included adjusting inventory levels, working closely with suppliers for flexible agreements, and proactively communicating potential fluctuations with the logistics team. This proactive approach ensured that we had enough stock while minimizing excess inventory, ultimately leading to a successful holiday sales period.

For effective Sales and Operations Planning, I would emphasize regular communication and collaboration across departments. Establishing a structured cadence for S&OP meetings with clear agendas can help align forecasts with operational capabilities. I would also focus on harnessing data-driven insights and developing action plans for identified gaps to ensure that supply meets demand effectively.

I analyze data for demand planning by utilizing various techniques such as trend analysis, seasonality assessments, and customer segmentation studies. By employing statistical models and demand forecasting tools, I can derive actionable insights and identify the key drivers of demand. Regularly reviewing this data allows me to adjust forecasts in a timely manner based on changing market conditions.

In my previous role, I was responsible for managing inventory levels across multiple product lines. This involved regularly monitoring stock levels, analyzing demand patterns, and making data-informed decisions to minimize stockouts while avoiding excess inventory. Collaborating closely with suppliers and logistics teams ensured a streamlined replenishment process.

I find that fostering relationships is key to successful cross-functional collaboration. I make it a point to engage with teams from marketing, sales, and operations frequently, ensuring that everyone is aligned with demand forecasts and any promotion strategies. Regular check-ins and collaborative workshops help us leverage insights from each department, leading to more accurate forecasting.

One significant challenge I faced was during a major product launch that coincided with a holiday season. The unpredictability of customer demand made forecasting complex. I utilized historical data to predict potential demand spikes, collaborated closely with marketing to assess promotional impacts, and set up a flexible inventory system that allowed for rapid adjustments, which ultimately led to a successful launch.

I have used several tools for demand planning and analysis, including Excel for data manipulation and statistical analysis, as well as forecasting software like SAP Integrated Business Planning and Python for advanced analytics. Familiarity with SQL has also allowed me to extract relevant data from databases efficiently, enhancing my demand planning capabilities.

To ensure accurate forecasts, I rely on a combination of quantitative data analysis and qualitative insights from stakeholders. Regularly reviewing forecasting accuracy metrics is critical; this includes tracking errors and adjusting methodologies as needed. Engaging with sales and marketing teams helps incorporate recent trends and customer feedback, enhancing the overall accuracy of the forecasts.

I believe the most important quality for a Demand Planning Manager is adaptability. Given the ever-changing market conditions, the ability to pivot and adjust strategies based on new data or unexpected challenges is crucial. Additionally, strong analytical skills and effective communication are vital for collaborating with various teams and ensuring everyone is aligned with demand planning objectives.