Manager - Category Network Planning

About the Role:

We are looking for a highly analytical and agile Network Planner to drive real-time supply chain execution and ensure optimal product availability across our distribution network. This role sits at the heart of short-term planning, enabling seamless coordination between factories, warehouses, and market teams to balance service, cost, and inventory.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Product Availability: Ensure the right stock is available at the right DC at the right time by driving timely replenishment and prioritizing dispatches based on demand signals and SKU criticality.


2. Short-Term Dispatch Planning (W-1/W-2): Own weekly and daily dispatch plans aligned to production schedules; take real-time decisions based on invoicing trends and stock cover movements.


3. Forecast Adherence: Ensure dispatch and replenishment plans are aligned to system-generated demand forecasts at SKU–DC level; challenge deviations and drive disciplined execution.


4. Touchless Planning Adoption: Drive usage of automated tools (OMP/STPO) for planning and dispatch; reduce manual interventions through better data hygiene and system reliability.


5. Inventory Optimization: Monitor and manage finished goods stock cover across DCs; balance production, dispatch, and consumption to avoid stock-outs and excess.


6. Network Flow & Dispatch Efficiency:  Optimize vehicle loads, dispatch sequencing, lead times, and transit planning to reduce logistics cost and improve DC servicing.


7. Warehouse & Network Constraint Management: Monitor warehouse capacities, throughput limits, and detentions; adjust dispatch plans to prevent congestion and ensure smooth flow.


8. Market Event Responsiveness: Anticipate and prepare for demand spikes (festivals, promos, seasonality); pre-position inventory and adjust plans proactively to avoid disruptions.


9. Data-Led Planning & Continuous Improvement: Leverage data for decision-making, maintain strong data hygiene, and continuously refine planning inputs to improve availability, cost, and inventory outcomes.

Education & Experience:

1. MBA in Supply Chain Management from a Tier-1 institute (preferred)


2. 2–5 years of experience in supply chain planning, network planning, or distribution planning


3. FMCG / Consumer industry experience preferred


4. Strong understanding of end-to-end supply chain planning and network dynamics


5. Experience in short-term planning / dispatch planning / replenishment planning


6. Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making skills


7. Strong stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration


8. Exposure to planning tools / automation platforms (OMP, APO, or similar) preferred