Planning & Trade Insights Executive

BAT is evolving at pace - truly like no other organisation.

To achieve the ambition, we have set for ourselves, we are looking for colleagues who are ready to live our ethos every day. Come be a part of this journey!

SENIORITY LEVEL: Experience Professional G34

FUNCTION: Marketing

LOCATION: KSA

ROLE POSITIONING AND OBJECTIVES

Lead the end-to-end EMF2 process for the KSA business, driving strategic business planning and forecast accuracy through a structured, insight-led approach to Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP). Act as the central integrator of internal performance data and external market intelligence, enabling scenario-driven decision-making and agile course correction. Champion cross-functional alignment and foresight generation to ensure volume delivery, market responsiveness, and long-term commercial sustainability.

Reports to: TM&D Manager

Reporting Level: Senior Level

Geographic Scope: KSA

WHAT YOU WILL BE ACCOUNTABLE FOR

1. Lead the EMF2 Process:

1. 1. Act as the single point of accountability for the EMF2 process within the KSA business, ensuring seamless integration across cycles and stakeholders.
   2. Lead the development of high-impact presentation decks and stimuli for C-DRMs, GMA, ASOP, and other EMF2 forums, proactively coordinating cross-functional inputs in alignment with cycle agendas and business priorities.
   3. Serve as custodian of C-DRM content, guaranteeing full compliance with EMF Terms of Reference (TORs) and maintaining consistency, quality, and governance across all submissions.
   4. Consolidate bottom-up sales plans from branch and channel levels, incorporating RM insights to ensure grounded, realistic forecasts for KSA C-DRM deliberations.
   5. Develop SKU-level baseline forecasts by triangulating historical performance, sell-in/sell-out trends, trade inventory, market insights and seasonality - establishing a robust foundation for each planning cycle.
   6. Strategically oversee volume building blocks across all categories, embedding the impact of trade and brand interventions into the forecast architecture.
   7. Partner with functional leads to align volume phasing with business ambition and sales plans, driving forecast accuracy (LAG 1: 80%, LAG 3: 70%) through disciplined planning and agile adjustments.
   8. Support scenario planning and sensitivity modelling to evaluate forecast risks and upside opportunities, enabling proactive adjustments to volume phasing and resource allocation in response to market shifts.
   9. Govern end-to-end forecast updates by integrating actual sales, sensitivities, and GLF inputs where relevant — and ensure timely, accurate SKU-level submissions for CY+2 in alignment with EMF2 outcomes and KSA LT coordination.
   10. Drive post-meeting accountability by tracking and following through on actions and decisions from all EMF-related forums.

2. Analytics and Insights Generation:

1. 1. Lead comprehensive SKU-level diagnostics across the KSA market, leveraging internal KPIs and external data to uncover growth levers across categories, price segments, formats, and competitive sets.
   2. Drive localized performance deep dives at branch and channel levels, integrating field-force insights and competitive activity to identify targeted interventions aligned with TM&D and brand strategies.
   3. Transform sell-out data from Key Accounts and Wholesale into foresight-driven insights to inform proactive decision-making at both national and channel levels, enabling agile response and future-fit planning.

3. Stakeholder Engagement:

1. 1. Act as the principal EMF2 interface with above-market teams, ensuring transparent, timely, and aligned communication across planning forums.
   2. Champion cross-functional collaboration with Field Force (AMs, RMs) and support functions (Planning, SC, Activation, RTM, Finance) to drive integrated commercial execution.

4. KSA EMF Workbook Management:

1. 1. Own the preparation and ongoing management of the KSA EMF Workbook, consolidating historical performance, forecast data, and actionable dashboards at both branch and channel levels to support decision-making and planning rigor.
   2. Simplify volume reporting by developing dynamic, user-friendly templates tailored to Management, SC, and Cluster Planning — ensuring agility, accuracy, and alignment across the chain.
   3. Identify opportunities to digitize and automate EMF reporting and planning processes, working with relevant teams to explore and implement scalable tools that enhance data integrity, agility, and visibility across stakeholders.

5. Market Reviews and Reporting:

1. 1. Lead structured reviews of market dynamics in partnership with Cluster Planning and KSA LT - covering market sizing, manufacturer share, segmentation, and brand trends to guide strategic decision-making.
   2. Develop and maintain market bust reports aligned with GMA-approved R1 figures, ensuring that any proposed adjustments to market sizing are validated through relevant EMF forums before integration into official reporting.

6. Topline and Competitor Reporting:

1. 1. Maintain and regularly update topline actuals, price trackers, brand boards, competitor intelligence, and monthly performance commentaries - ensuring data accuracy, timeliness, and responsiveness to ad-hoc requests from above-market stakeholders.
   2. Deliver competitor benchmarking that evaluates strategic intent and investment levels vs. BAT, generating insights to inform cycle planning and optimize trade ROI.

7. Cross-Functional Collaboration:

Collaborate with stakeholders across EM, Cluster, and Area teams to develop data-backed business cases that bridge volume/share forecasts with production plans, supply continuity, and NCL risk management — ensuring operational readiness matches commercial

ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE, SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

1. Knowledge, Skills & Experience:

1. 1. Demonstrated expertise in business and volume planning, with the ability to convert data-driven insights into actionable foresight and long-term commercial strategies.
   2. Strong analytical mindset with deep proficiency in scenario planning, sensitivity modelling, and diagnostics at both SKU and market levels.
   3. Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills; self-driven, collaborative, and capable of influencing cross-functional teams while upholding high standards of integrity and leadership.
   4. Solid understanding of integrated planning processes across supply chain, trade marketing, and route-to-market operations.
   5. Working knowledge or active interest in digital enablement tools and process automation, with a future-oriented approach to optimizing planning and reporting systems.

2. Key Success Factors

1. 1. Consistent, high-quality delivery of timely and accurate forecasts through a disciplined, insight-led, and process-driven approach to Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) and EMF2 cycles.
   2. Improved forecast accuracy (e.g., LAG 1: 80%, LAG 3: 70%) through scenario-based planning, cross-functional alignment, and agile course correction.
   3. Proactive market and competitor insights that shape trade and brand strategies, contributing to volume delivery, channel performance, and strategic investment decisions.
   4. Clear visibility and governance across all commercial planning forums, ensuring business needs are anticipated, well-supported, and aligned with broader regional objectives.

3. Working Relationships

1. 1. Cultivate strong collaborative relationships with key stakeholders across KSA Trade, Area/Cluster Planning, Marketing, Finance, RTM, and Supply Chain to ensure seamless execution of integrated commercial plans.
   2. Partner with the Country Manager to deliver business insights, manage forecast accuracy, and provide visibility on risks and opportunities impacting national performance.
   3. Support the National Sales Manager (NSM) and Regional Managers (RMs) with market diagnostics, forecast alignment, and actionable plans to unlock performance at the channel and branch level.

WE ARE BAT

At BAT we are committed to our Purpose of creating A Better Tomorrow. This is what drives our people and our passion for innovation. See what is possible for you at BAT.

• Global Top Employer with 53,000 BAT people across more than 180 markets
• Brands sold in over 200 markets, made in 44 factories in 42 countries
• Newly established Tech Hubs building world-class capabilities for innovation in 4 strategic locations
• Diversity leader in the Financial Times and International Women’s Day Best Practice winner
• Seal Award winner – one of 50 most sustainable companies

BELONGING, ACHIEVING, TOGETHER

Collaboration, diversity and teamwork underpin everything we do here at BAT. We know that collaborating with colleagues from different backgrounds is what makes us stronger and best prepared to meet our business goals. Come bring your difference!