UI South Asia Supply Planning Assistant Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UI South Asia Supply Planning Assistant Manager

Company: Unilever

Location: Mumbai, India

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Supply Chain Operations / Planning

Date Posted: 2026-06-23

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is instrumental in optimizing the end-to-end supply chain network for Unilever International (UI) in South Asia, with a strong emphasis on inventory management, service level optimization, and cost reduction.

• The Assistant Manager will lead and inspire a team of central supply and network planners, alongside the branch customer service team, to enhance operational efficiencies and proactively manage supply chain disruptions.

• A key focus will be on driving the adoption of new technologies within planning and customer service, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and digital transformation within the supply chain operations.

• The position requires a strategic approach to supply chain leadership, aiming to build an agile, efficient, collaborative, and aligned network that supports UI's ambitious growth objectives in underserved markets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is positioned within Unilever International (UI), described as a "White Space Arm" and a "decacorn in-making," indicating a high-growth, entrepreneurial, and innovative segment of Unilever. This suggests the role will involve a dynamic, fast-paced environment with significant potential for impact and personal growth, distinct from traditional Unilever operations. The focus on "underserved markets" and "white space geographies" implies dealing with unique logistical challenges and market entry strategies.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage the end-to-end supply planning processes for finished goods in the South Asia region, with a primary focus on short-to-medium term planning horizons and effective inventory management.

• Conduct regular reviews of Master Production Scheduling (MPS) and Material Requirement Planning (MRP) to ensure alignment with demand forecasts and production capabilities.

• Analyze medium-term demand and capacity plans to proactively identify and address potential bottlenecks or constraints, ensuring robust supply chain execution.

• Collaborate closely with regional Supply Units (SUs) and procurement teams to achieve high service levels at optimal costs, actively identifying and implementing capacity unlock initiatives and cost-saving projects.

• Partner with the logistics team to identify opportunities for service level improvements, support digitization efforts, and drive overall efficiency within the distribution network.

• Lead and contribute to various supply planning projects, including process simplification, strategic network optimization, and the identification of new saving ideas to enhance operational performance.

• Work cross-functionally with Supply Chain Finance, Procurement, and SUs to identify and implement opportunities for optimizing transfer prices (TPs) and ensuring financial efficiency.

• Minimize business waste by strengthening the MRP process, conducting regular inventory reviews, efficiently managing product transitions, and ensuring robust Supply and Demand Review meetings.

• Collaborate with the broader HUL (Hindustan Unilever Limited) planning team to enhance processes and foster stronger collaboration between central and regional supply chain functions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a hands-on role involving direct management of planning processes (MPS, MRP) and inventory. The emphasis on "capacity unlock," "saving ideas," and "optimizing TPs" points towards a strong focus on cost optimization and efficiency improvements, common in operations management roles. The requirement to "reduce business waste" highlights a commitment to lean principles and waste reduction within the supply chain.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A Graduate degree in Engineering, Finance, or an MBA with a specialization in Supply Chain Management is required. Experience:

• A minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience within Supply Planning, Demand Planning, Customer Service, or other related supply chain verticals is essential. Required Skills:

• Supply Planning Excellence: Proven ability to manage and optimize short-to-medium term supply plans, ensuring product availability and efficient inventory deployment.

• Inventory Management: Deep understanding of inventory control principles, including value, Days of Inventory (DOI), and managing Material Availability Targets (MAT).

• Master Production Scheduling (MPS) & Material Requirement Planning (MRP): Proficiency in developing and reviewing MPS and MRP to align production with demand and material availability.

• Capacity Planning: Skill in assessing and managing production capacity to meet forecasted demand, identifying constraints, and developing mitigation strategies.

• Customer Service Management: Experience in ensuring high service levels, managing order-to-invoice lead times, and understanding key service metrics like Service-DR.

• Supply Chain Strategy: Ability to contribute to and execute broader supply chain strategies, focusing on agility, efficiency, and network alignment.

• Cost Optimization: Demonstrated experience in driving cost savings, reducing business waste, and optimizing operational expenditures within the supply chain.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Strong ability to partner effectively with internal teams (Marketing, Sales, Finance, Procurement, Logistics, R&D) and external stakeholders.

• Stakeholder Management: Capability to manage relationships and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders across different business functions and levels.

Preferred Skills:

• Digitization & Technology Adoption: Experience in implementing or leveraging digital tools and technologies to enhance planning processes and customer service operations.

• Logistics Optimization: Understanding of logistics operations and ability to collaborate with logistics teams to improve service and efficiency.

• Project Management: Experience in leading or contributing to supply chain projects focused on simplification, efficiency gains, and strategic initiatives.

• Financial Acumen: Understanding of supply chain finance, including transfer pricing and cost analysis, to support financial optimization efforts.

• Lean/Six Sigma Principles: Familiarity with methodologies aimed at waste reduction and process improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required experience level (8-10 years) for an "Assistant Manager" role suggests a significant scope of responsibility, likely including team leadership and direct impact on key performance indicators. The emphasis on both tactical (MPS, MRP) and strategic (Supply Chain Strategy, Digitization) skills indicates a need for a well-rounded operations professional.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Process Optimization Case Studies: Showcase successful projects where you identified inefficiencies in supply planning, inventory management, or customer service processes and implemented solutions that led to measurable improvements.

• Inventory Management Examples: Provide examples of strategies implemented to optimize inventory levels (e.g., safety stock calculations, ABC analysis, inventory reduction initiatives) and their impact on value and MAT.

• System Implementation/Enhancement Contributions: Highlight any involvement in the implementation, upgrade, or optimization of planning systems (e.g., ERP modules, APS systems) or customer service platforms.

• ROI Demonstration: Quantify the financial impact of your contributions, demonstrating cost savings, waste reduction, or service level improvements with clear Return on Investment (ROI) metrics.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Be prepared to discuss your experience in designing, documenting, and optimizing supply planning workflows, including demand-supply balancing, inventory control, and material planning processes.

• Implementation & Automation: Demonstrate understanding of how to implement new processes and leverage automation tools to improve efficiency and accuracy in planning and customer service operations.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Showcase your ability to define key performance indicators (KPIs), establish reporting mechanisms, and analyze performance data to drive continuous improvement in supply chain operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a supply planning role, a portfolio should clearly demonstrate quantitative achievements in areas like inventory reduction, service level improvement, lead time reduction, and cost savings. Applicants should be ready to articulate the "before and after" state of processes they've influenced.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Given the 8-10+ years of experience requirement for an Assistant Manager role in Mumbai, India, with a company of Unilever's stature, a competitive salary range is anticipated. Based on industry benchmarks for Supply Chain Management professionals in Mumbai with this experience level, a potential annual salary range could be between ₹15,00,000 to ₹25,00,000 (Indian Rupees). This estimate considers factors such as cost of living in Mumbai, industry standards for FMCG companies, and the specialized nature of Unilever International's operations. Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Coverage for employees and potentially dependents, including medical, dental, and vision.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Contribution-based provident fund or similar retirement savings schemes.

• Performance-Based Bonuses: Annual or semi-annual bonuses tied to individual and company performance.

• Paid Time Off: Generous annual leave, sick leave, and public holidays.

• Employee Well-being Programs: Access to wellness initiatives, counseling services, and fitness programs.

• Learning & Development Opportunities: Support for professional development, training courses, and potential for international assignments within Unilever.

• Subsidized Meals/Canteen: On-site dining facilities.

• Transportation Allowances: Potential assistance with commuting costs.

Working Hours:

• A standard 40-hour work week is typical for this role, with flexibility often available. However, given the nature of supply chain operations and potential for global coordination, occasional work outside standard hours may be required to manage time-sensitive issues or collaborate with teams in different time zones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on general market data for similar roles in Mumbai. Actual compensation will be determined by Unilever based on the candidate's specific qualifications, experience, and internal compensation structures. Unilever is known for offering robust benefits packages to its employees.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) and Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), with a specialized focus on "White Space" markets and channels through Unilever International.

Company Size: Unilever is a global conglomerate, employing over 120,000 people worldwide. Unilever International, while a distinct arm, operates with the agility of a startup within this large corporate structure.

Founded: Unilever was formed in 1929 through the merger of Dutch margarine producer Margarine Unie and British soap maker Lever Brothers. This long history signifies stability, extensive market knowledge, and established operational frameworks.

Team Structure:

• Operations Focus: The role is embedded within Unilever International's supply chain operations, specifically focusing on the South Asia region.

• Reporting: The Assistant Manager will likely report to a Supply Planning Manager or Head of Supply Chain for UI South Asia.

• Team Leadership: The role involves direct leadership of a team comprising central supply planners, network planners, and the branch customer service team.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Extensive collaboration is expected with category teams (Marketing, Customer Marketing), factory operations, Customer Development (Sales), central Demand and Distribution Planning teams, Supply Chain Finance, Procurement, R&D, and Logistics.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on using data from MRP, MPS, and inventory reviews to inform planning decisions and optimize operations.

• Agile Innovation & Execution: As part of Unilever International, the approach likely involves agile methodologies for launching products and adapting to market needs in challenging geographies.

• Process Optimization: A continuous focus on improving existing processes, reducing waste, and enhancing efficiency through initiatives like digitization and simplification.

• Collaborative Planning: Strong reliance on close partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure alignment and effective execution of supply chain strategies.

Company Website: https://www.unilever.com/ (Global) and potentially specific Unilever International portals.

📝 Enhancement Note: Unilever's established reputation in the FMCG sector provides a strong foundation, while Unilever International's "white space" approach suggests an environment that values entrepreneurial spirit, rapid execution, and innovative problem-solving. The dual nature of being part of a large corporation yet operating with startup agility is a key cultural aspect.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at the Assistant Manager level, typically signifying a mid-to-senior level position within the operations or supply chain function. It requires significant professional experience and the ability to manage both operational execution and team leadership.

Reporting Structure: The Assistant Manager will report into a higher-level Supply Chain leadership role within Unilever International's South Asia operations. They will also manage a team of planners and customer service personnel, indicating a direct reporting line for these individuals.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on business performance by ensuring product availability in key markets, optimizing inventory levels to reduce holding costs and waste, and managing supply chain costs. Effective supply planning is critical for meeting sales targets, maintaining customer satisfaction, and supporting Unilever International's aggressive growth objectives in its target geographies.

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression to Managerial Roles: Successful performance can lead to promotion to Supply Planning Manager, Head of Supply Chain, or similar leadership positions within Unilever International or broader Unilever operations.

• Specialization & Cross-functional Exposure: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas of supply chain (e.g., network design, advanced planning systems) or gain exposure to other operational functions through project work or internal mobility.

• International Opportunities: Unilever's global presence and Unilever International's expansive reach offer potential for international assignments or roles in different regions.

• Leadership Development Programs: Unilever typically offers structured leadership development programs designed to cultivate future leaders within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Assistant Manager" title, coupled with 8-10+ years of experience and team management responsibilities, positions this role as a critical stepping stone for aspiring operations leaders. The unique context of Unilever International suggests potential for rapid career advancement driven by performance and adaptability.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is based in Mumbai, India, and is designated as "On-site." It is expected to be within a corporate office environment typical of a large multinational organization like Unilever.

Office Location(s): The specific office is located in "Mumbai HO" (Head Office), indicating a central corporate location. This likely provides access to corporate resources, amenities, and a professional working atmosphere.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role necessitates close proximity and regular interaction with cross-functional teams, including marketing, sales, finance, and other supply chain functions. The office environment will likely support this through open-plan areas, meeting rooms, and collaborative workspaces.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to necessary IT infrastructure, including computers, relevant software for planning and communication, and potentially advanced analytical tools, will be provided.

• Team Interaction: Frequent team meetings, one-on-ones with direct reports, and collaborative sessions with stakeholders will be integral to the daily work.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is likely Monday to Friday, approximately 40 hours per week. However, the dynamic nature of supply chain operations, especially within a high-growth international division, may require flexibility to address urgent issues, manage global timelines, or participate in critical planning sessions that fall outside typical business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" designation in Mumbai implies a traditional office setting. For operations roles, this often means a blend of desk work involving data analysis and system interaction, interspersed with frequent meetings and collaborative discussions.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with the minimum experience and educational requirements.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion focusing on your experience in supply planning, inventory management, team leadership, and your understanding of FMCG supply chains. Be prepared to provide specific examples from your career.

• Case Study/Problem-Solving Exercise: You may be presented with a hypothetical supply chain challenge relevant to Unilever International's operations (e.g., managing a sudden demand surge, resolving a supply disruption in an underserved market). This assesses your analytical skills, problem-solving approach, and ability to apply operations principles.

• Cross-functional Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with representatives from key stakeholder teams (e.g., demand planning, logistics, customer marketing) to evaluate your collaboration skills and ability to manage relationships.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader within Unilever International's operations or supply chain division, focusing on strategic thinking, leadership potential, and cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For each project or responsibility highlighted, provide specific metrics and data to demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., "Reduced inventory holding costs by 15%," "Improved on-time delivery rate from 85% to 92%").

• Focus on Process Improvement: Showcase instances where you identified a process gap, designed a solution, implemented it, and measured the results. Detail the "before" and "after" state.

• Highlight Team Leadership: If applicable, include examples of how you've coached, mentored, or led a team to achieve operational goals.

• Tailor to UI Context: Emphasize experiences relevant to dynamic markets, agility, and potentially complex logistical challenges, aligning with Unilever International's mission.

• Prepare for Walkthrough: Be ready to verbally present a key project or case study from your portfolio, explaining the situation, your actions, and the outcomes.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand UI's Business Model: Research Unilever International's focus on "white space" markets, their agile innovation model, and the types of challenges they might face (e.g., regulatory hurdles, underdeveloped infrastructure, diverse consumer needs).

• Sharpen Analytical Skills: Practice problem-solving scenarios involving inventory optimization, capacity balancing, lead time reduction, and cost management.

• Review Supply Chain Fundamentals: Refresh your knowledge on core supply chain concepts, including demand forecasting, inventory policies, production planning, and logistics.

• Formulate Strategic Responses: Be ready to discuss how you would approach building an agile and efficient supply chain network, considering volatility and diverse market conditions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely assess not only technical proficiency in supply planning but also the candidate's ability to thrive in Unilever International's unique, fast-paced, and growth-oriented environment. The portfolio should be a tangible demonstration of past successes and operational capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• ERP System (e.g., SAP): Essential for managing core supply chain data, including inventory, production, and materials. Proficiency in modules relevant to planning (e.g., PP, MM) is crucial.

• Advanced Planning & Scheduling (APS) Systems: Tools like Kinaxis, Blue Yonder (JDA), or Oracle SCM Cloud may be used for more sophisticated demand, supply, and inventory optimization.

• Microsoft Excel: Advanced proficiency is a must for data analysis, modeling, scenario planning, and ad-hoc reporting. Experience with advanced functions, PivotTables, and data visualization is expected.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Business Intelligence (BI) Tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau): For creating dashboards and reports to visualize KPIs, track performance, and communicate insights to stakeholders.

• Data Analysis Tools: Familiarity with tools or techniques for extracting, cleaning, and analyzing large datasets to identify trends and opportunities.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems (e.g., Salesforce): While not primary for planning, understanding how CRM data might influence demand forecasting or customer service interactions is beneficial.

• Automation Tools: Experience with or understanding of how to leverage automation for routine planning tasks or data management processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific systems aren't listed, a strong foundation in major ERP systems (like SAP) and advanced Excel skills are fundamental for supply chain planning roles. Experience with dedicated APS or BI tools would be a significant advantage, reflecting the increasing sophistication of supply chain operations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Purpose-driven Operations: Aligning supply chain activities with Unilever's broader purpose of making sustainable living commonplace, potentially by minimizing waste and optimizing logistics for efficiency.

• Agility and Responsiveness: Embracing a fast-paced, adaptable approach to planning and execution, especially critical for Unilever International's "white space" and underserved market focus.

• Data-Driven Excellence: A commitment to using data analytics to inform decisions, drive performance improvements, and ensure accuracy in planning and inventory management.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Fostering a supportive and collaborative environment where teams work together effectively across functions to achieve common supply chain goals.

• Continuous Improvement: A mindset focused on identifying opportunities for enhancement, implementing best practices, and driving efficiency gains in all aspects of supply chain operations.

Collaboration Style:

• Partnership-Oriented: Building strong, trusting relationships with internal stakeholders (marketing, sales, finance) and external partners (suppliers, logistics providers) is key.

• Proactive Communication: Regularly sharing insights, potential risks, and proposed solutions to ensure alignment and enable timely decision-making.

• Feedback Culture: Openness to constructive feedback and a willingness to provide it to foster growth and continuous improvement within the team and across functions.

• Solution-Focused: A collective effort to identify challenges and collaboratively develop practical, efficient solutions that support business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: Unilever generally promotes a culture of integrity, respect, and passion. Within Unilever International, these values are likely amplified by an entrepreneurial spirit, a drive for innovation, and a focus on rapid execution in challenging environments.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Volatility: Dealing with unpredictable demand fluctuations, supply disruptions, and dynamic market conditions inherent in "white space" and underserved markets.

• Optimizing Inventory in Complex Geographies: Balancing the need for sufficient stock to meet service levels against the risks and costs of holding inventory in diverse and potentially less developed logistical infrastructures.

• Driving Digitization: Implementing new technologies and digital processes in a potentially varied operational landscape, ensuring buy-in and effective adoption.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring seamless collaboration and alignment across multiple departments (marketing, sales, finance, R&D, factory) with potentially competing priorities.

• Cost Management: Continuously identifying and executing cost-saving initiatives while maintaining or improving service levels in a competitive FMCG environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Supply Chain Techniques: Gaining deeper expertise in areas like Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP), Integrated Business Planning (IBP), network optimization, and advanced forecasting methodologies.

• Leadership Skills Enhancement: Developing team management, strategic planning, and stakeholder influencing capabilities through practical experience and potentially formal training.

• Industry Best Practices: Staying abreast of evolving supply chain technologies, sustainability initiatives, and best practices within the FMCG sector.

• Exposure to Global Operations: Learning from and contributing to the diverse operational landscapes within Unilever International's global network.

• Mentorship: Potential access to experienced leaders within Unilever who can provide guidance and career advice.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for high-growth, international supply chain roles, requiring adaptability, strategic thinking, and strong problem-solving skills. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering a clear path for career advancement within a global organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to manage significant supply chain volatility. What was the situation, what actions did you take, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your process, decision-making under pressure, and impact on KPIs like service and inventory.)

• "How would you approach building an agile and efficient supply chain network for a new market with limited infrastructure?" (Demonstrate strategic thinking, understanding of trade-offs, and innovative solutions.)

• "How do you collaborate with demand planning and sales teams to ensure alignment between forecasts and supply capabilities?" (Highlight your communication, negotiation, and cross-functional partnership skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Unilever International specifically, compared to other FMCG companies or traditional supply chain roles?" (Show you've researched UI's unique business model and value proposition.)

• "How do you foster a culture of continuous improvement and efficiency within a planning team?" (Discuss your leadership style, methods for driving change, and experience with process optimization.)

• "Describe your experience with digitization initiatives in supply chain operations. What was your role, and what were the results?" (Focus on your understanding of technology's role in modern operations.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Key Projects: Choose 2-3 impactful projects that best showcase your supply planning, inventory management, cost reduction, and leadership capabilities.

• Structure Your Story: For each project, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or a similar framework. Clearly articulate the problem, your specific role and actions, and the quantifiable outcomes.

• Emphasize Process & Metrics: Clearly explain the processes you influenced or implemented and present the key performance indicators (KPIs) that demonstrate success (e.g., reduced lead times, improved service levels, cost savings).

• Connect to UI's Needs: Frame your experiences in a way that directly addresses the requirements and challenges of the UI South Asia Supply Planning Assistant Manager role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only technical competence but also strategic thinking, leadership potential, and an understanding of Unilever International's unique business context. Quantifiable results are key for showcasing impact.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday application link.

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight specific experiences in supply planning, inventory management, demand forecasting, and cost optimization, using keywords from the job description (e.g., MPS, MRP, Service-DR, MAT, Business Waste). Quantify your achievements with specific metrics where possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Gather examples of successful supply chain projects, process improvements, and inventory optimization initiatives. Be ready to discuss case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and impact on key performance indicators.

• Research Unilever International: Understand their "white space" strategy, their agile innovation model, and their presence in underserved markets. Familiarize yourself with their brands and business objectives.

• Practice Interview Questions: Prepare responses to common supply chain and behavioral interview questions, focusing on clarity, conciseness, and demonstrating your operational expertise and leadership potential.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.