Demand Planner
Chengdu, China Fixed Term (Fixed Term) Posted on Dec. 09, 2025 Closing on Feb. 10, 2026About us
At Sanofi, we chase the miracles of science to improve people’s lives. All our decisions are taken with our most important stakeholder in mind – the patients.
Having a rich history of innovation that dates back over 100 years, Sanofi more than ever stays true to its commitment to transform the practice of medicine by providing potentially life-changing treatments and the protection of life-saving vaccines to millions of people. This history includes the first treatments for many rare diseases and the establishment of standards of care in diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Sanofi’s commitment to public health has helped protect hundreds of millions of people from influenza every year for decades and pushed polio to the brink of eradication, while its scientific vision has led to breakthrough innovations in the treatment of inflammatory diseases.
~ 43.07Bn€ Net Sales FY23
~ 90 countries
~ 91K employees
~ 59 manufacturing sites
~ 20 R&D sites
About the Job
Job Purpose
The Demand Planner is a key driver in generating and managing accurate customer demand signals in Sanofi planning tools (Kinaxis). This position ensures the alignment of Business Units (BUs) and markets with Manufacturing and Supply (M&S) through collaboration with stakeholders at the market such as Commercial BUs, Regulatory, Finance and local Supply Chain (Demand Managers, Logistics and Customer Fulfillment/Engagement).
This is achieved by translating local conditions such as product life cycles, sales patterns and what-if scenarios in actionable data in our planning tools. Another element of the role is on continuous improvement through performance analysis and actions to help achieve the goals of the organization to supply products in a reliable and competitive way.
Key Accountabilities
In close collaboration with key stakeholders, mainly the Demand Managers, BUs and upstream M&S planners:
Gather past and future demand factors (e.g., tenders, competition, market share, price changes, new/discontinued products, short shelf-life impacts, out-of-stock situations, S&OE impacts, promotion plans, sales history cleansing) from Business Units (BUs) and forecast/model their impacts on demand in planning tools
Integrate statistical forecasting with local market knowledge to enrich demand planning, accounting for deviations from statistical models, ensuring that statistical forecasts are only adjusted when we expect the accuracy increase
Ensure a strong focus on accurate master data in planning and ERP tools and proper use of demand planning parameters, such as code switches, disaggregation rules, phase in/out, sales attributes etc.
Analyze and question assumptions, consolidate sales forecasts from various markets, and ensure the coherence of the final plan.
Capture active and inactive opportunities in planning tools to enable scenario planning, including supply constraints.
Review significant deviations from forecast, budget, market trends, ensuring global data consistency.
Participate in the Sales & Operations Execution (S&OE) by delivering root cause analysis of demand plan changes in the short-term horizon, and sharing supply risks received from GBU Supply Chain teams upstream.
Work towards continuously improving the objective of forecast accuracy to maximize OTIF to the client.
Analyze and track products at risk of destruction due to short shelf-life or lack of demand, and engage relevant stakeholders to set up and execute action plans
Conduct a Monthly Root Cause Analysis review of forecast deviations, Out-of-Stocks products to identify and implement actions to improve.
Periodically check data consistency in planning tools and data.
Work in coordination with Product Planners to ensure an effective communication of demand shifts to enable agile changes in the supply plan.
Participate in all the committees where decisions are taken about new products, new adoptions, discontinuations, stock at risk due to short shelf-life etc. .. ensuring a good understanding of volumes, formats and dates. Update the Demand plan accordingly in Planning tools.
Support the preparation and presentation of demand plans in IBP meetings.
About you
Skills/Expertise/Experience
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and min 1 year of experience in demand planning
Fluent English communication and writing skills
Fluent Mandarin communication is highly preferred
Preferred Skills/Expertise/Experience
Knowledge of pharmaceutical primary and secondary manufacturing processes preferred
Understanding of basic manufacturing processes and ability to apply to supply chain management and specifically in demand planning
Basic knowledge of regulatory processes and requirements an advantage
Skilled in scenario planning, risk / benefit analysis, contingency planning and problem solving
Strong willingness to drive change as well as good internal marketing and communication skills
Excellent systems (SAP and Kinaxis an advantage) skills and basic understanding of financial function
Competency Requirements
A high level of accountability and attention to details required
Demonstrated high standards of integrity, professionalism, and commitment
Good team facilitation and relationship building skills
Sanofi Values
Stretch to go beyond the level we have operated at up until now
Act in the interest of our patients and customers
Take action instead of waiting to be told what to do
Put the interests of the organization ahead of my own or those of our team
Pursue progress, discover extraordinary
Better is out there. Better medications, better outcomes, better science. But progress doesn’t happen without people – people from different backgrounds, in different locations, doing different roles, all united by one thing: a desire to make miracles happen. So, let’s be those people.
At Sanofi, we provide equal opportunities to all regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, or gender identity.
Watch our ALL IN video and check out our Diversity Equity and Inclusion actions at sanofi.com!
Pursue Progress. Discover Extraordinary.
Join Sanofi and step into a new era of science - where your growth can be just as transformative as the work we do. We invest in you to reach further, think faster, and do what’s never-been-done-before. You’ll help push boundaries, challenge convention, and build smarter solutions that reach the communities we serve. Ready to chase the miracles of science and improve people’s lives? Let’s Pursue Progress and Discover Extraordinary – together.
At Sanofi, we provide equal opportunities to all regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
You have not viewed any jobs yet.
You have not saved any jobs yet.
Sanofi careers in China
From research and engineering to sales, we're all working toward the same ambitious goal – halving the time from discovery to therapy. Our people develop incredible careers, alongside 40 new innovative drugs and vaccines for China. We also support the national health department in preparing for China 2030. It's how we've become a China Top Employer and have continued to grow since opening our first China site in 1982.
Find out more about this location
Experience possibility
-
Our culture & values
We're the first in Pharma to have a DE&I board. We also have Employee Resource Groups that create spaces for every Sanofian to be heard. Your voice matters – use it to shape our future.
-
Why Sanofi
Get access to the tools, training, and support to reach your goals. By fulfilling your potential, you’ll help us achieve our aim of halving the time from discovery to therapy.
-
Build a career with purpose
Bring your passion to your role and impact millions of people around the world. You're in the driver's seat – just set your goals, and we'll provide the training and support that will get you there.
Join our
talent community
What could we achieve together? Every Sanofian works on projects that truly make a difference to people’s lives.
Sign up today and discover our latest opportunities as soon as they’re available.