Demand Planner

Scotch Whisky; Bellshill; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus plan

Private Healthcare

Doctor@Hand

Pension scheme

Cycle to Work

Life Assurance

Charity match £1,000

Learning resources

Job summary

Scotch Whisky in Bellshill is seeking a Demand Planner to drive robust demand plans with Distributor partners and regional commercial teams.

You will manage phase-in/phase-out, new product launches, obsolescence, and rolling 24-month forecasts using statistical modelling, while aligning with S&OP.

The role focuses on forecast accuracy, bias, and KPI reporting, building strong cross-functional relationships and maintaining governance.

Qualifications

• Strategic thinker with experience in demand planning.
• Strong analytical skills and sound knowledge of S&OP processes.
• Proven track record in demand forecasting and market trend analysis.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to lead Demand Review meetings and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Support and lead Demand Review meetings in key markets in line with S&OP process.
• Work closely with the Commercial teams and Markets to identify and develop key opportunities and mitigate key forecast risks.
• Understand and analyse trends and seasonal profile, to support and advise the commercial teams where there is evidence that the demand plan may require revision.
• Ensure demand is in line with the agreed global allocations policy and process through regular reviews with the commercial teams and the Allocations Planner, highlighting opportunities and risks where appropriate.
• Create and maintain the rolling 24-month demand forecast using appropriate statistical modelling, analysing market and purchase plans, historical sales data, brand changes, new product development and obsolete products.
• Support the effectiveness of innovation and renovations core teams - ensuring that there are realistic pipe-fill plans and assumptions, minimising obsolescence and ensuring product is available for launch.
• Develop and maintain professional and productive relationships with third parties distributors.
• Develop professional and productive relationships across all key stakeholders to support operational performance and ensure that accurate and relevant information is shared in a timely manner.
• Support Supply Chain KPIs e.g. Forecast Accuracy and Bias, inventory and obsolescence.
• Accountable for reporting and influencing MAPE (Mean Absolute Percentage Error) and BIAS (Absolute Value Variance) within the demand plan at SKU, Market and Regional level.
• Maintain a proper process framework and detailed process documentation with the appropriate governance structure.
• Develop depletion forecasting in appropriate markets and manage the accuracy and robustness of the forecasting Database.
• Participate and contribute to team performance by engaging in team meetings and taking an active part in problem solving activities.
• Work collaboratively with peers and colleagues and apply learnings from identified training and development activities required to perform in role.

Skills

Demand planning

Analytical skills

Statistical modelling

S&OP processes

Interpersonal skills

Stakeholder engagement

Tools

Excel

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Demand Planner to join our team at Bellshill, to actively engage with Distributor partners and regional commercial teams to deliver a robust demand plan.

You will successfully demand manage including Phase-in and Phase-Out and New Product launches, ensuring obsolescence minimised and launches met.

Key responsibilities

• Support and lead Demand Review meetings in key markets in line with S&OP process.
• Work closely with the Commercial teams and Markets to identify and develop key opportunities and mitigate key forecast risks.
• Understand and analyse trends and seasonal profile, to support and advise the commercial teams where there is evidence that the demand plan may require revision.
• Ensure demand is in line with the agreed global allocations policy and process through regular reviews with the commercial teams and the Allocations Planner, highlighting opportunities and risks where appropriate.
• Create and maintain the rolling 24-month demand forecast using appropriate statistical modelling, analysing market and purchase plans, historical sales data, brand changes, new product development and obsolete products.
• Support the effectiveness of innovation and renovations core teams - ensuring that there are realistic pipe-fill plans and assumptions, minimising obsolescence and ensuring product is available for launch.
• Develop and maintain professional and productive relationships with third parties distributors.
• Develop professional and productive relationships across all key stakeholders to support operational performance and ensure that accurate and relevant information is shared in a timely manner.
• Support Supply Chain KPIs e.g. Forecast Accuracy and Bias, inventory and obsolescence.
• Accountable for reporting and influencing MAPE (Mean Absolute Percentage Error) and BIAS (Absolute Value Variance) within the demand plan at SKU, Market and Regional level.
• Maintain a proper process framework and detailed process documentation with the appropriate governance structure.
• Develop depletion forecasting in appropriate markets and manage the accuracy and robustness of the forecasting Database.
• Participate and contribute to team performance by engaging in team meetings and taking an active part in problem solving activities.
• Work collaboratively with peers and colleagues and apply learnings from identified training and development activities required to perform in role.

About you

• Strategic thinker with experience in demand planning, strong analytical skills, proficient in statistical modelling and a sound knowledge of S&OP processes.
• Proven track record in demand forecasting, market trend analysis, and managing product lifecycles.
• Strong problem-solving abilities, proficiency in managing MAPE and BIAS metrics.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to lead Demand Review meetings and collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Excel in data-driven decision-making, stakeholder engagement, and maintaining efficient processes to meet business targets.

Are you that ‘Rare Character’ we are looking for?

Reward and benefits

• We offer a competitive salary and benefits which are designed to promote our employees financial wellbeing. Employees are also eligible to participate in a bonus plan.
• Our employees enjoy a generous holiday entitlement and an opportunity to ‘buy’ or ‘sell’ some holiday entitlement.
• Private Healthcare and Doctor@Hand (remote GP service).
• Our employees can join a defined contribution pension plan. Employees contribute either 4% or 5% of salary, the company contributes 8% or 10% depending on the employee contribution. Employee contributions can be made through salary sacrifice.
• Our Employee Assistance Programme offers practical, impartial support on everyday matters ranging from medical, financial and legal to home and family issues.
• Our Life Assurance cover is a multiple of eight times your annual basic salary.
• Product allocation so that you can enjoy our fantastic portfolio of brands.
• Our Cycle to Work scheme allows you to hire a bike for an agreed length of time, and then snap it up for a fraction of its original value. All while making savings (at least 25%) and spreading the cost.
• Every employee has the opportunity to claim up to £1,000 per year for a charity or charities for which they have raised money, volunteered their time or personally donated.
• Learning resources to help you be your best self.