Position Title: Category Manager
Department: Planning Service Center – Nestlé Egypt NBS
Location: Cairo

Main Purpose of the Job

Lead the Category Demand & Supply Planning team in applying best practices and efficient end‑to‑end planning processes. The role manages category‑level supply planning across the supply network to ensure optimal product availability, high customer service levels, and minimized Total Delivered Cost (TDC). The role also drives a strongly customer‑ and consumer‑centric mindset within the team and across stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Supply & Demand Planning Leadership

• Promote a customer‑centric supply planning approach to ensure availability of fresh finished and semi‑finished goods at the right locations while optimizing costs.
• Challenge market demand plan quality and accuracy, driving ongoing improvements in DPA (Demand Planning Accuracy) and BIAS.
• Align with Dynamic Forecasts (DF) at market and regional category levels.

Category Operations & Network Management

• Support new business models, channels, and category‑specific requirements.
• Lead allocation and arbitration processes, providing direction to markets in adherence with approved business rules.
• Develop and execute contingency sourcing solutions; contribute to crisis management committees.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Serve as the first point of escalation for regional, market, and factory partners.
• Maintain strong communication with procurement, logistics, manufacturing, quality, marketing, sales, and finance teams to ensure alignment.
• Collaborate with operations and business heads to support strategic objectives.

Continuous Improvement

• Drive DSP Excellence initiatives and lead continuous improvement efforts across all planning processes.
• Enhance visibility, accuracy, and efficiency of demand and supply plans.

Team Leadership & Talent Development

• Lead, develop, and motivate a skilled multinational planning team.
• Build and sustain a robust talent pipeline for future organizational needs.
• Ensure continuous capability building, coaching, and performance management.

Required Skills & Competencies

Required Experience

Professional Background

• 9+ years of experience in demand and/or supply planning.
• Strong proficiency in supply chain planning, inventory management, and end‑to‑end planning strategies.
• Proven success in improving supply chain efficiency and adapting to market demands.
• 5+ years of people management experience, leading and developing high‑performing teams.
• Demonstrated experience in process optimization and planning automation initiatives.

Academic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or Economics (required).
• Master’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, or MBA (preferred).

Knowledge Requirements

• Deep understanding of end‑to‑end supply chain operations and interdependencies.
• Strong knowledge of regional category complexities and stakeholder landscapes.
• In‑depth familiarity with Nestlé’s regional factories, distribution centers, capabilities, and operational nuances.

Leadership Behaviors (Nestlé Leadership Framework)

• Compete & Connect Externally: Influences with integrity and finds collaborative solutions.
• Lead to Win: Coaches, develops, and builds strong people capabilities.
• Manage for Results: Aligns long‑term strategies with daily execution.
• Grow Talent & Team: Creates trust, ownership, and engagement within the team.
• Collaborate Internally: Considers both internal and external perspectives in decision‑making.
• Make a Difference: Courageously challenges processes and leads change effectively.