Job Title: Procurement & Planning Deputy Manager – OTC/FMCG

Location: Gurgaon
Department: Planning & Procurement


Role Summary:

We are seeking a dynamic and result-oriented Procurement & Planning Deputy Manager to manage end-to-end procurement, demand planning, and inventory optimization for OTC/FMCG categories. The role requires strong commercial acumen, supplier management expertise, and the ability to ensure high product availability while optimizing costs and margins.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Procurement & Sourcing

- Manage procurement from direct companies and distributors
- Negotiate commercial terms including pricing, margins, schemes, and credit periods
- Ensure alignment with company’s margin and profitability targets
- Identify alternate sourcing opportunities to reduce dependency and risk

2. Demand Planning & Forecasting

- Develop monthly and weekly demand forecasts based on historical sales and market trends
- Collaborate with sales and marketing teams for promotion and seasonal planning
- Ensure accurate forecasting to minimize stock-outs and overstock

3. Inventory Management

- Maintain optimal inventory levels across categories and warehouses
- Monitor slow-moving, non-moving, and near-expiry inventory
- Implement FIFO/FEFO practices to reduce expiry losses
- Drive improvements in inventory turnover and working capital efficiency

4. Vendor & Stakeholder Management

- Build and maintain strong relationships with brands, distributors, and suppliers
- Track vendor performance (fill rate, lead time, service levels)
- Resolve supply issues, escalations, and discrepancies

5. Margin & Cost Optimization

- Drive cost-saving initiatives through better negotiations and backend schemes
- Optimize logistics and procurement costs
- Monitor and improve category-wise margins

6. Promotion & Scheme Execution

- Coordinate with brands for trade schemes and consumer offers
- Ensure timely stock availability during promotions

7. Order Management & Execution

- Oversee purchase order creation and timely execution
- Ensure adherence to delivery timelines and quality standards
- Coordinate with warehouse and logistics teams for smooth operations

8. MIS & Reporting

- Prepare and analyze reports on procurement, inventory, and vendor performance
- Track key KPIs such as fill rate, inventory turnover, and purchase vs sales ratio
- Provide actionable insights to management

9. Risk Management

- Identify and mitigate supply chain risks
- Develop contingency plans for demand-supply fluctuations
- Ensure business continuity in case of disruptions

Key Skills & Competencies:

- Strong negotiation and commercial skills
- Expertise in demand planning and inventory management
- Analytical mindset with strong Excel/ERP skills
- Vendor management and relationship-building
- Problem-solving and decision-making under pressure
- Excellent communication and cross-functional coordination

Qualifications & Experience:

- Master’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, or related field (MBA preferred)
- 8-10 years of experience in procurement/planning within FMCG or retail
- Experience in handling direct brand procurement is highly preferred