Demand Planner

ASC Connections Ltd; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Demand Planner to drive forecasting processes across the EMEA region. The role involves developing robust demand forecasts, leading consensus meetings, and utilizing data to improve accuracy while collaborating with sales, marketing, and finance teams. Suitable candidates will have 2-3 years of demand planning experience, ideally with expertise in SAP MRP/APO. This position offers a chance to significantly impact business outcomes through strategic analytical skills.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of experience in demand planning using a formal forecasting model.
• Experience working across multiple countries within the EMEA region.
• Educational background in Supply Chain Management, Business Operations, or an analytical field.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain demand forecasts across various product lines.
• Lead monthly demand review to align forecast drivers.
• Use historical data to identify trends and refine forecast models.
• Collaborate with sales and marketing for improved forecast accuracy.
• Prepare reports and analysis for S&OP cycle.
• Communicate potential forecast risks to stakeholders.
• Monitor forecast performance using KPIs.

Skills

Analytical skills

Cross-functional teamwork

Forecasting principles

Problem-solving

Organizational skills

Education

Degree in Supply Chain Management or related field

Tools

SAP MRP/APO

Job description

Ready to own the forecast for a leading business across the EMEA region? We're seeking a highly analytical and experienced Demand Planner to become the core driver of our clients forecasting process. If you thrive on data, possess a strong understanding of supply chain dynamics, and excel at cross‑functional alignment, this is the perfect opportunity to advance as a Demand Planner and directly influence their commercial success.

Your Mission as a Demand Planner

As our Strategic Demand Planner, you will be responsible for creating, maintaining, and communicating robust demand forecasts across various product lines and time horizons. You'll lead the consensus process, ensuring the forecast is the single source of truth that aligns Sales, Marketing, and Finance. You won't just report numbers; you'll uncover insights, mitigate risks, and champion process improvements within our S&OP framework.

Core Responsibilities

• Forecast Ownership: Develop and maintain accurate multi‑horizon demand forecasts, ensuring seamless alignment with commercial and regional sales strategies.
• Consensus Leadership: Facilitate and lead the monthly demand review with Sales and Account Management to align on forecast drivers, inputs, and assumptions.
• Data Analysis: Utilise historical performance data to identify critical trends, seasonality, and demand variability to inform and refine the forecast models.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with Sales, Marketing, and Finance to gather quantitative and qualitative intelligence to continuously improve forecast accuracy.
• S&OP Contribution: Prepare all necessary reports, variance analysis, and presentation materials to support the monthly Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) cycle and leadership review.
• Risk Management: Proactively identify and communicate potential forecast risks and opportunities to stakeholders, enabling rapid, informed business decisions.
• Performance Tracking: Measure, monitor, and drive improvements in forecast performance and planning effectiveness using established Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Process Enhancement: Actively contribute to the development, design, and continuous refinement of our forecasting tools and underlying models.
• Supply Chain Support: Participate in broader supply chain initiatives, reporting, and efforts focused on process optimisation.

Skills and Experience Required

• Experience: A minimum of 2‑3 years dedicated experience in demand planning using a formal forecasting model or tool.
• Geographical Scope: Proven experience working across multiple countries within the EMEA region for at least 2‑3 years.
• Background: Educational foundation in Supply Chain Management, Business Operations, or a related analytical field (degree completed or near completion).
• Analytical Acumen: Expert understanding of forecasting principles, trend identification, and performance measurement through KPIs. Must possess strong problem‑solving skills to tackle forecast deviations and supply challenges.
• Technical Proficiency: Skilled in data management, inventory planning, and demand system administration. Previous experience with SAP MRP/APO is highly desirable.
• Soft Skills: Excellent organisational skills, a proven ability to manage competing priorities, and strong communication and interpersonal skills necessary for effective cross‑functional relationship building.

Ready to be our next Demand Planner?

If you are a driven, strategic thinker looking for a role where your analytical skills make a measurable difference, we want to hear from you. Apply now and become the vital Demand Planner connecting our sales strategy to our supply chain execution!

ASC Connections Ltd acts as an employment business for temporary positions and an employment agency for permanent positions. We are committed to equal opportunity and diversity.