Head of European Demand Planning & Inbound Logistics

Mission

The Head of European Demand Planning & Inbound Logistics is responsible for leading demand planning and inbound logistics across all European markets, ensuring accurate forecasting, effective supplier management, and seamless flow of goods from global suppliers into European distribution networks. The role partners closely with Product Managers (Marketing), Commercial Teams, Supply Chain Operations, and Finance to align demand, supply, and product strategies, supporting business growth, customer satisfaction, and working capital optimization

Main Responsibilities

 Strategic Leadership

• Lead the European demand planning and inbound logistics functions, ensuring alignment with business objectives and global supply chain strategy.
• Act as a key partner to Product Managers, ensuring demand forecasts incorporate product lifecycle events, NPI (new product introductions), and phase-outs.

 Forecasting & Demand Planning

• Deliver high-quality rolling demand forecasts at SKU, Channel, and category levels by warehouse.
• Ensure forecasts reflect market intelligence, promotional plans, product launches, and discontinuations in close collaboration with Product Managers.
• Lead and continuously improve the S&OP/IBP (Integrated Business Planning) process across Europe.

Inbound Logistics

• Own the inbound logistics strategy and execution, ensuring cost-effective and reliable transportation of goods from global suppliers into Europe.
• Optimize inbound logistics network design, freight costs, and lead times while maintaining service levels.
• Build strong partnerships with logistics providers, freight forwarders, and customs authorities.
• Oversee compliance with import regulations, trade compliance, and sustainability goals.

Process, Systems & Data

• Drive and improve planning systems and processes across European markets.
• Drive digitalization and use of analytics for forecasting accuracy, supply visibility, and logistics optimization.
• Establish KPIs for demand planning accuracy, logistics performance, cost, and service.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Lead, mentor, and develop a cross-functional team of demand planners professionals.
• Foster close collaboration between Demand Planning, Product Management, Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Supply Chain teams.
• Promote a culture of accountability, data-driven decision-making, and continuous improvement.

 Stock rebalancing

• Execute regular stock transfers between warehouses to cover shortages and balance overall demand vs supply

 Performance & Continuous Improvement

• Monitor forecast accuracy, bias, service levels, and inbound logistics performance, implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Identify opportunities to reduce costs, shorten lead times, and improve supply resilience.
• Lead cross-functional projects to enhance supply chain agility, efficiency, and sustainability.

Your Profile

• Master’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business Administration, or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in demand planning, inbound logistics, or supply chain management, with at least 5 years in a people management role.
• Strong experience managing inbound flows from global suppliers into Europe.
• Proven expertise in S&OP/IBP processes and forecasting.
• Solid knowledge of international trade, customs, and freight/logistics operations.
• Proficiency with Power BI, Excel macros et SQL.
• Experience in FMCG, Textile, Consumer Goods, or industrial products preferred.
• Strategic thinker with hands-on operational leadership.
• Strong business partnering skills; able to work closely with Product Managers and commercial leaders.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing ability across functions and geographies.
• Analytical, data-driven, and results-oriented.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and people development capabilities.
• Fluent in English; other European languages are an advantage