Demand Planner

AFM - Association Française du Marketing; London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the FMCG sector is seeking a Demand Planner to create and manage demand forecasts for their Salon Division in the UK. Candidates should have experience in a similar role within the FMCG industry and advanced Excel skills, along with a commitment to continuous improvement and collaboration. Opportunities for professional growth in a supportive environment are provided.

Benefits

Flexible work environment

Ongoing development opportunities

Competitive salaries and benefits

Impactful work and entrepreneurship support

Qualifications

• 2 years' experience in FMCG, preferably cosmetics.
• Experience with Demand Planning tools and stakeholder management.
• Knowledge of Supply Planning is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide accurate product demand forecasts for efficient planning.
• Collaborate with teams to gather demand information.
• Organize and lead monthly S&OP meetings.

Skills

Supply Chain knowledge

Advanced Excel

Forecasting

Statistical methodologies

Education

Degree-level education or equivalent

Tools

SAP

Job description

Founded in Japan in 1887, Kao is passionate about making a difference in people's lives with our high-quality products and services to create a Kirei Life for all – a beautiful life that respects the needs of our consumers and the planet. We never compromise on quality and craft our products with care for the consumer and the environment.

As a company driven by purpose and strong corporate values, we pride ourselves on being listed among the World's Most Ethical Companies for 16 consecutive years. Our corporate philosophy, the Kao Way, guides us in everything we do – acting with integrity, courageously driving innovation, and treating each other with trust and respect.

The role

To provide accurate product demand forecasts for Kao Salon Division business in the UK to enable efficient planning within appropriate timeframes.

What you will do

• Own, develop, and drive KAO Salon Division Demand Planning 12-month forecasts utilizing KAO forecasting system & tools (SAP – IBP integrated business planning).
• Collaborate with the KAO Salon Division Commercial teams in the UK to gather all relevant product demand information, including promotions planning input and NPD volumes validation, to establish a forecast that closely reflects actuals.
• Continuously improve forecasting accuracy by analyzing demand versus actual sales and proposing corrective actions for both forecast accuracy and process optimization.
• Organize and lead monthly S&OP / Demand planning meetings, achieving consensus and sign-offs on decisions.
• Deliver monthly reports on forecast deviations and propose improvements to demand planning parameters to reach best practice benchmarks.
• Analyze write-off risks and disposal costs for Finished Goods, Components, and Raw Materials (with support from supply planners) to identify slow-moving inventory and enable short-term sales and marketing actions to minimize financial risks.
• Jointly ensure inventory levels are optimized and maintained at targeted levels with supply planners.

Qualifications and Experience

• Degree-level education or equivalent professional qualification preferred but not essential.
• Supply Chain-specific knowledge is advantageous.
• At least 2 years' experience in a similar role within the FMCG industry, preferably cosmetics and toiletries.
• Experience with SAP in a Demand Planning environment is highly desirable.
• Proven ability to interact successfully with internal and external stakeholders and manage objectives effectively.
• Advanced Excel skills (PowerQuery, PowerPivot, Macros, VBA) are a strong plus.
• Knowledge of statistical forecasting methodologies is advantageous.
• Knowledge of Supply Planning is a plus.

How we work

Having been recognized among the World's Most Ethical Companies for 16 consecutive years, we are committed to purpose and strong corporate values. We prioritize quality and environmental care in our products. At Kao, employees actively shape their careers through collaboration and innovation.

What we offer

A friendly, flexible work environment with competitive salaries, benefits, ongoing development opportunities, and the chance to make a tangible impact. Your voice matters at Kao, and we encourage entrepreneurial thinking and innovation.

Hiring Process

We embrace diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds, believing that diversity strengthens our company.