Divisional Head - Demand Planning Lead

The Divisional Head – Demand Planning will lead the end-to-end demand planning function for Apollo Tyres' India business across both Replacement and OEM channels. The role is accountable for driving a robust, data-driven demand planning process that delivers a single, aligned demand signal across the organization.

The incumbent will lead the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process, ensuring strong cross-functional collaboration among Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Finance, R&D and Product Management teams. This role will play a critical leadership position in enhancing forecast accuracy, improving service levels, optimizing inventory, and enabling business growth.As Apollo Tyres continues its digital transformation journey, the role will also serve as a key business leader and super user for the o9 planning platform, driving adoption, capability building, and process excellence in demand planning and S&OP.

Major ResponsibilitiesDemand Planning LeadershipLead the end-to-end demand planning process for India across Replacement and OEM businesses.Develop and maintain statistically driven and market-informed demand forecasts at appropriate levels of granularity.Drive continuous improvement in forecast accuracy, bias reduction, and demand planning maturity.Establish governance mechanisms and performance metrics for demand planning excellence.

S&OP LeadershipOwn and facilitate the monthly S&OP cycle to ensure alignment across commercial and supply chain functions.Drive consensus-based planning and enable decision-making through structured review forums.Ensure alignment between demand, supply, inventory, and financial plans.Deliver a single, agreed organizational demand plan ("One Number") that supports business objectives.

Cross-Functional Stakeholder ManagementPartner closely with Sales, Marketing, R&D, Finance, Manufacturing, Procurement, Supply Planning, and Logistics teams.Challenge assumptions and facilitate data-driven decision-making across functions.Build strong collaboration mechanisms to proactively manage demand risks and opportunities.

Business Performance ManagementMonitor and report key demand planning KPIs including:Forecast Accuracy (Statistical & Consensus)Forecast Bias (Statistical & Consensus)Service Level (Replacement & OEM)Inventory Days vs TargetNPD Forecast AccuracyS&OP AdherenceProvide actionable insights to senior leadership regarding market trends, risks, and growth opportunities.

Digital Transformation & Planning SystemsAct as the business super user and process champion for the o9 planning platform.Support the ongoing APS (Advanced Planning System) transformation journey and drive business adoption.Partner with IT, transformation teams, and external partners to enhance planning capabilities.Identify opportunities for automation, advanced analytics, AI/ML-driven forecasting, and scenario planning.Lead user training, capability development, and continuous process improvement initiatives.

Team LeadershipLead, coach, and develop a high-performing demand planning team.Build future-ready planning capabilities and succession pipelines.Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Skills & Knowledge

14+ years of experience in Demand Planning, Supply Chain Planning, Integrated Business Planning (IBP), or S&OP.Strong understanding of demand planning processes, statistical modeling, and forecasting techniques.Significant experience managing demand planning for large-scale FMCG, automotive, industrial, manufacturing, or consumer-facing businesses.Proven experience leading enterprise-wide S&OP/IBP processes.Strong exposure to Replacement and OEM business environments is preferred.Experience in tyre, automotive, industrial manufacturing, or related sectors will be advantageous.Hands-on experience with APS platforms such as o9, Kinaxis, Blue Yonder, SAP IBP, Anaplan, or equivalent is highly desirable.Strong understanding of Statistical Forecasting Concepts and S&OP and IBP Integration.Prior experience in planning transformation programs and digital supply chain initiatives is a strong plus. Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex projects.Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.Excellent communication, facilitation, and stakeholder management skillsExcellent collaboration and negotiation skillsStrong interpersonal and communication skills to build and sustain a vast range of working relationships across multiple functions, cultures, and ability to flex styles for effective influence.

EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS: Master’s Degree/MBA from a reputed institute. Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Technology.