Demand Planner

MOLTON BROWN; London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Molton Brown is seeking a Demand Planner to optimize inventory and support sales strategies. The role involves forecasting, collaboration with cross-functional teams, and meticulous analysis of sales data. Candidates should have extensive experience in demand planning within the beauty or FMCG sectors and advanced Excel skills. Join a company committed to quality and diversity, working together to create a beautiful life.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in demand planning or merchandising in the beauty or FMCG sector.
• Strong understanding of statistical forecasting methodologies.
• Ability to analyze demand vs. actual sales and propose corrective actions.

Responsibilities

• Own and develop demand planning forecasts using KAO forecasting tools.
• Collaborate with sales and marketing for accurate internal forecasts.
• Lead monthly demand planning meetings and ensure cross-functional consensus.

Skills

Excel

Collaboration

Forecasting

Stakeholder Management

Education

Degree-level education or equivalent professional qualification

Tools

ERP systems

Statistical software

PowerBI

Python

R

Job description

The role:

You will work closely with cross-functional teams at Molton Brown, including Sales, Marketing, Production, and the wider Supply Chain, to analyze historical data, assess market trends, and develop demand forecasts to support sales and inventory management strategies.

What you will do:

• Own, develop, and drive Molton Brown's demand planning 12-month forecasts using KAO forecasting systems and tools.
• Collaborate with regional commercial teams to gather product demand information, including promotion planning and NPD volume validation, to create accurate internal forecasts.
• Improve forecasting accuracy by analyzing demand versus actual sales, proposing corrective actions, and delivering monthly reports on forecast deviations and improvement proposals.
• Serve as the key demand planning contact for sales and marketing teams regarding stock availability, allocation, and ad-hoc support, maximizing sales opportunities.
• Analyze write-off risks and disposal costs for finished goods, components, and raw materials to identify slow movers and support short-term sales and marketing activities.
• Work jointly with supply planners to ensure inventory levels are optimized and maintained at targeted levels.
• Organize and lead monthly demand planning meetings, ensuring consensus among cross-functional teams.

What you will need:

• Degree-level education or equivalent professional qualification (preferred).
• Supply chain expertise is advantageous.
• 3-5 years of experience in demand planning or merchandising within the beauty or FMCG sector.
• ERP experience in demand planning or statistical software knowledge is a strong plus.
• Proven ability to interact successfully with internal and external stakeholders and manage objectives.
• Advanced Excel skills (PowerQuery, PowerPivot, Macros, PowerBI) are advantageous.
• Ability to build and maintain strong business relationships with local commercial and internal supply chain teams.
• Knowledge of Python or R is a strong advantage.
• Familiarity with statistical forecasting methodologies.

About Molton Brown and Kao:
Molton Brown is part of Kao, founded in Japan in 1887. Kao is committed to making a difference with high-quality products and services that promote a beautiful life respecting the needs of consumers and the planet. Guided by the Kao Way, we act with integrity, drive innovation, and foster trust and respect.

Our working culture emphasizes collaboration, quality, and environmental care. We welcome applications from diverse backgrounds, reflecting our belief that diversity makes us stronger.

Learn more about us at Kao's website and our privacy policy at Kao Privacy Policy.