Long-Term Demand Planner

Overview At PepsiCo Romania, we’re more than beloved brands — we’re a united team of approximately 1,400 colleagues working together, as One PepsiCo, to bring consumers the products they enjoy every day. With over 20 years of local presence and modern operations across our two manufacturing sites in Popești‑Leordeni and Dragomirești, our portfolio includes global brands such as Pepsi, Mirinda, 7UP, Lay’s and Doritos, as well as local products tailored to the preferences of Romanian consumers.​ We are guided by the principles of the One PepsiCo Way — working as one team, with a strong focus on the consumer, performance and integrity. We are stronger together, combining our capabilities to deliver meaningful impact.​ If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and unlock your potential, explore the role below. The Long-Term Demand Planner owns 4 – 18 month demand outlook for assigned categories/channels, translating commercial strategy into a consensus, driver-based forecast within the IBP framework. This role builds a transparent “building-block” forecast (base, seasonality, promo uplift, innovation, distribution, pricing, macro/channel growth, etc.), leads cross-functional alignment (Sales, Marketing, Finance, Supply, Revenue Management), and ensures the forecast is decision-ready for AOP/Strategic Plan, capacity, sourcing, and financial commitments. Responsibilities Own the Long-Range Forecast within IBP Develop and maintain the rolling long-term demand plan by channel/sub-channel/brand/pack (as applicable). Drive DMR inputs and outputs, ensuring a single aligned view of demand for leadership decisions. Build Driver-Based (“Building Block”) Forecasts Create a bottoms-up forecast using agreed building blocks, typically including: Base demand / run-rate Trend and seasonality Price / mix and elasticity impacts (where applicable) Promotional uplift and event impacts Innovation / renovation / discontinuations (NPD, delists) Distribution, merchandising, and execution assumptions Channel/customer growth assumptions and macro indicators Ensure each block is clear, defendable, measurable, and traceable (assumptions documented, timing defined, ownership agreed). Lead Cross-Functional Consensus & Governance (IBP Ways of Working) Facilitate monthly Demand Reviews and pre-alignments with Sales/Marketing/Finance/RGM/Supply. Manage the assumptions log, decisions, and trade-offs, escalating gaps and risks early. Align with Finance on volume/value bridge (e.g., PY → Plan bridge) and support AOP/LTP financial commitments. Scenario Planning & Decision Support Forecast Accuracy, Bias, and Performance Insights Track forecast performance using appropriate horizons/metrics Lead root-cause analysis of variance: forecast vs. actuals, and plan vs. latest outlook. Tools & Data Quality Maintain and enhance forecasting in planning tools (Jda & Power BI). Reduce Excel dependency by standardizing templates, automation, and governing inputs where Excel remains necessary. Strategic Planning Deliverables Own topline volume outlook for AOP, Strategic Plan, and key business reviews. Prepare leadership-ready materials: demand bridges, key assumptions, risks/opportunities, and sensitivity analyses. Qualifications Education Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Business, Economics, Statistics, or similar. Experience 3–5+ years in demand planning, S&OP/IBP, supply planning, commercial planning, or forecasting/analytics. Proven experience building multi-horizon forecasts (mid/long range preferred) in FMCG, beverages, consumer goods, retail, or fast-moving environments. Experience leading cross-functional planning forums (Demand Review / IBP cycles). Technical / Functional Skills Strong knowledge of IBP/S&OP processes and planning governance. Advanced analytics: data interpretation, causal thinking, scenario analysis. Tool proficiency: demand planning tools and ERP planning data (e.g., SAP, JDA/Blue Yonder, SAP IBP, Prolink or similar); strong Excel required, Power BI/Tableau a plus. Behavioral / Leadership Skills Ability to influence without authority and align Sales/Marketing/Finance/Supply around one number. Clear storytelling: can translate complexity into executive-ready insights. Strong ownership, structured problem solving, and comfort with ambiguity in a changing market.