Demand Planner

Sotalent; Neuss; Hybrid; EUR 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Sotalent in North Rhine-Westphalia (Neuss) is seeking a data-driven Demand Planning professional to shape accurate forecasts for assigned product portfolios. You will partner with Sales, Marketing, Finance and Supply Chain to translate business assumptions into actionable demand projections and align planning with inventory and service goals.

The role emphasizes continuous improvement of planning processes, sophisticated forecasting methodologies, and clear communication of risks and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree in supply chain, business, engineering, economics, data analytics, or related field.
• Experience in demand planning, supply chain, commercial planning, or financial analysis.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to translate insights into forecasts.
• Understanding of forecasting methodologies and performance metrics.
• Advanced Excel; ERP systems and planning tools helpful.

Responsibilities

• Develop and improve demand forecasts for product portfolios or business segments.
• Analyze historical trends, market dynamics, and promotions to build reliable demand plans.
• Monitor forecast performance; identify variances and implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Supply Chain to align forecasts.
• Translate business strategies into measurable demand projections.
• Identify demand risks and opportunities and communicate impact to stakeholders.
• Support planning for launches, promotions, portfolio changes, and phase-outs.
• Balance demand and supply to support inventory and service-level goals.
• Contribute to inventory optimization through lifecycle planning.
• Drive continuous improvement of planning processes and reporting methods.

Skills

Forecasting

Data analysis

Stakeholder management

Excel

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Supply Chain/Business/Engineering/Economics/Data Analytics

Tools

ERP systems

Planning tools

Job description

Location: North Rhine-Westphalia, Neuss, Germany (Hybrid)

Industry: Personal Care Product Manufacturing

Work Setting: Hybrid

Are you passionate about transforming data into actionable business insights and driving better planning decisions? Join a collaborative environment where you'll play a key role in forecasting demand, optimizing business performance, and partnering with cross-functional teams to create accurate, data-driven plans that support operational and commercial success.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, own, and continuously improve demand forecasts for assigned product portfolios or business segments.
• Analyze historical trends, market dynamics, customer activities, promotions, and business drivers to build reliable demand plans.
• Monitor forecast performance, identify variances, and implement corrective actions to improve accuracy and reduce bias.
• Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Supply Chain teams to align forecasts and business expectations.
• Translate commercial strategies and business assumptions into measurable demand projections.
• Proactively identify demand‑related risks and opportunities and communicate their potential impact to stakeholders.
• Support planning activities for product launches, promotional campaigns, portfolio changes, and product phase‑outs.
• Partner with supply and operations teams to balance demand and supply requirements while supporting inventory and service‑level goals.
• Contribute to inventory optimization initiatives through effective demand and lifecycle planning.
• Drive continuous improvement by enhancing planning processes, reporting capabilities, and forecasting methodologies.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Economics, Data Analytics, or a related discipline.
• Experience in demand planning, supply chain management, commercial planning, financial analysis, or a similar analytical function.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to convert business insights into quantitative forecasts and recommendations.
• Understanding of forecasting methodologies, demand planning concepts, and performance measurement metrics.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel; experience with ERP systems and planning tools is advantageous.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with confidence to challenge assumptions and influence decision‑making.
• Strong organizational skills with a structured, solution‑focused approach to work.
• Continuous improvement mindset with the ability to streamline processes and drive greater efficiency.
• Proficiency in English; additional language skills are considered a plus.