Demand Planning Manager, NEAR (1-year contract) at Bel Brands USA – Cairo, Illinois

The Bel Group is a major player in the food industry through portions of dairy, fruit and plant-based products, and one of the world leaders in branded cheeses. Its portfolio of differentiated and internationally recognized brands includes The Laughing Cow®, Kiri®, Babybel®, Boursin® Nurishh®, Pom'Potes® and GoGo squeeZ®, as well as some 30 local brands. Together, these brands helped the Group generate sales of €3.74 billion in 2024.

Do you want to join a company with strong brands that puts consumers and responsibility at the heart of the decision-making process? Then Bel is made for you!

Are you bold, pragmatic, and determined? Do you want to contribute to the transformation of an international agri-food company? Them come join us and measure the impact of your talent and energy in realizing an ambitious and sustainable company project!

#IWorkForAllForGood

Job Summary:
Oversee end-to-end demand forecasting processes, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and leverage analytical tools to deliver accurate demand plans. Your expertise will ensure the alignment of supply with customer needs, enabling efficient inventory management and supporting business growth.

Main Accountabilities:

• Create and maintain a rolling forecast based on growth assumptions, historical trends, and investment analyses for up to three years (Y+3) or the end of the IBP horizon. Convert IMS forecasts into shipment forecasts and regularly update systems (JDA and IBP for export markets, JDA for Egypt market) on a monthly and weekly basis.

• Build and maintain forecasting models for customers by integrating business intelligence and information from sales, marketing, finance, retailer analysts, and external sources (e.g., Nielsen consumer data).
• Own the pipeline estimation for new products and develop supporting scenarios based on assumptions.
• Prepare and analyze reasonability checks for final forecasts. Continuously monitor and improve forecast accuracy through root cause analysis.
• Collaborate with business teams to gather, verify, document, and monitor key assumptions, and communicate adjustments and proposals for orders in line with performance and IMS guidelines.
• Gather and validate volume assumptions to support forecasting and analyze historical data for future trend validation.
• Maintain and communicate accuracy on key metrics (MAPE, MAD, BIAS, Sales Performance indicators) and perform root cause analysis for discrepancies.
• Propose and coordinate SKU portfolio optimization and rationalization with the Business Unit lead team.
• Prepare, lead, and attend S&OP-related meetings (product review, demand meeting, BU Demand Review) and update IBP tools with outcomes from these cycles.
• Track and report on risks, opportunities, and deviations in forecasts as cycles progress.
• Collect, analyze, and report on stock freshness at distributor warehouses and stock levels at key wholesalers.
• Support and maintain the yearly budget process related to demand planning.
• Lead the business planning process within the Business Unit, including reporting, gap analysis, and budgeting.
• Ensure regular and productive communication with supply chain, sales, marketing, and finance teams, especially regarding new launches and promotions.
• Weekly tasks include updating and validating open stocks in Egypt, revising run rate progress and monthly targets, assessing and communicating risks and opportunities, and coordinating with the master planner.

Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience in Demand Planning or Supply Chain.
• Prior experience in FMCG, manufacturing or food industry.
• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Business Management or relevant
• Experience with demand planning software tools.
• Strong analytical skills with attention to details
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for cross-functional collaboration.
• Fluency in English & Arabic.

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