Estée Lauder Companies Manager, Brand Demand Planning – APAC

Role & Responsibilities

• Analyze Affiliate and brand demand plans at the major category level (Skincare, Makeup) to identify risks, opportunities, and gaps, driving decisions to close variances
• Review new product launch demand plans to ensure sufficiency and reasonability, executing actions to address any shortfalls
• Generate demand plans at the Affiliate level for assigned brands, aligned with overarching business objectives and channel dynamics
• Validate Affiliate and cluster demand trends and key sales driver assumptions, inputting accurate data into forecasting systems
• Conduct monthly reviews of demand trends, sales driver assumptions, and plan accuracy across multiple aggregation levels and sales channels
• Maintain robust demand plans by optimizing statistical forecasting models and incorporating relevant sales drivers at the Affiliate and cluster levels
• Lead Brand Consensus and selected Affiliate Integrated Business Planning meetings, presenting demand insights, validating sales driver assumptions, and conducting scenario planning
• Manage gap resolution between demand plans, supply plans, and Latest Estimates, escalating major variances to regional leadership
• Prepare monthly reports, scenarios, and recommendations supporting Affiliate and Regional IBP processes
• Escalate key insights and exceptions at the Affiliate and brand level to drive cross-functional decision-making
• Collaborate with Affiliate execution planners and brand teams to shape demand in response to market conditions and supply constraints
• Act as subject matter expert on forecasting systems (o9, AFO, Power BI) and planning processes, leading training and enhancement initiatives
• Review statistical forecast reasonableness on a rolling 12-month basis, partnering with global and regional forecasting teams on continuous improvement
• Oversee demand planning KPIs including Weighted Forecast Accuracy, Bias, Attainment, and Forecast Value Add across assigned brands
• Identify and implement initiatives to enhance forecast accuracy through optimization of statistical forecasting adoption and root-cause analysis

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in demand planning, supply chain planning, or related analytical roles
• College degree or equivalent professional experience
• Demonstrated proficiency with forecasting and replenishment systems such as JDA, JustEnough, SAP, or i2
• Advanced proficiency with Excel, MS Access, Power BI, and data analysis tools
• Deep understanding of inventory models, metrics, allocation and replenishment systems, and safety stock parameters
• Strong foundational knowledge of retail planning, inventory management, and store operations
• Proven ability to analyze large datasets, identify patterns, and translate insights into actionable recommendations
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with ability to manage competing priorities and meet firm deadlines
• Demonstrated capability to work independently and collaboratively across functional and regional teams
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with ability to present complex analyses to senior leadership
• Track record of continuous process improvement and system optimization
• Self-starter mentality with ability to learn new systems and methodologies rapidly

Skills

Experience

5 years of professional experience in demand planning, supply chain analytics, inventory management, or related fields involving forecasting, retail operations, or integrated business planning.

Education

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, or equivalent professional experience demonstrating advanced supply chain competency.

Workplace

About Cerulean

Cerulean is the definitive career portal for the global luxury industry. We match exceptional professionals with exclusive opportunities at the world's most prestigious brands. From haute couture and fine watchmaking to prestige beauty, hospitality, and boutique retail, Cerulean centralises luxury employment to help you find the career for which you were destined.