Demand Planner (Purchasing)

Universal Business Team; Bradford; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established manufacturer is seeking a Demand Planner (Purchasing) to lead the demand planning process and optimize inventory. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in demand planning, strong analytical skills, and effective communication abilities. This role offers a competitive salary of up to £45,000 and includes benefits such as a profit share bonus scheme and free lunch options. The position is based on-site in Chesterfield.

Benefits

Profit share bonus scheme

Free lunch options daily

24 days holiday plus bank holidays

Pension plan and life assurance

Company sick pay scheme

Discounts on company products

Newly refurbished offices with on-site gym

EV charging points and on-site parking

Qualifications

• Proven experience in demand planning and/or purchasing within a manufacturing or supply chain environment.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret large datasets.
• Effective communicator, able to influence and build strong relationships across teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the demand planning process, delivering accurate forecasts and optimised inventory.
• Collaborate across teams to align demand with production and supply chain capability.
• Assist in the day-to-day management of purchasing activities.

Skills

Demand planning and/or purchasing

Analytical skills

Communication

Stakeholder management

Problem-solving

Tools

ERP systems

Netstock

Job description

Overview

Demand Planner (Purchasing)

Location: Chesterfield (On-site)

Salary: Up to £45,000 per annum (depending on experience)

Contract: Permanent

Hours: 40 per week, Monday to Friday

Key Benefits

• Profit share bonus scheme
• Free lunch options daily
• Newly refurbished offices with on-site gym
• EV charging points and on-site parking

About the Company

Our client is a well-established and award-winning manufacturer, recognised globally for their engineering excellence and high-quality safety products. They play a vital role in ensuring compliance and protection in buildings worldwide, and are committed to innovation, technical expertise, and investment in training and certification.

The business has recently undergone significant investment in their facilities, offering modern offices designed to provide a collaborative and supportive working environment.

The Role

We are seeking a Demand Planner (Purchasing) to play a pivotal role in planning, forecasting, and ensuring the efficient flow of materials into the business.

Working closely with colleagues across sales, supply chain, operations, and finance, you will be responsible for accurate demand forecasting, stock management, and supplier performance. This role combines data-driven planning and hands-on procurement, requiring someone with strong analytical skills and the ability to influence business outcomes.

The role will also involve infrequent overseas travel to visit suppliers, supporting relationship management and supply chain performance.

Key Responsibilities

Demand Planning

• Lead the demand planning process, delivering accurate forecasts and optimised inventory.
• Analyse sales data, customer trends, and product launches to refine forecasting models.
• Collaborate across teams to align demand with production and supply chain capability.
• Incorporate promotions, regulatory updates, and new product launches into plans.
• Monitor KPIs and report on forecast accuracy, stock levels, and supply performance.
• Present risks, opportunities, and insights to senior leadership to guide decision-making.

Purchasing

• Assist in the day-to-day management of purchasing activities.
• Use Netstock and other planning systems to monitor, analyse, and forecast stock requirements.
• Raise purchase orders and follow up with suppliers to ensure timely delivery.
• Maintain accurate records of orders, supplier details, and stock levels.
• Work closely with the planning and operations teams to align stock levels with demand.
• Identify opportunities to improve procurement efficiency and reduce costs.
• Support supplier performance monitoring and assist with supplier relationship management.
• Handle administrative tasks related to purchasing, invoicing, and compliance.
• Undertake occasional overseas supplier visits as required.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in demand planning and/or purchasing within a manufacturing or supply chain environment.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret large datasets.
• A strategic thinker with excellent problem-solving skills.
• Effective communicator, able to influence and build strong relationships across teams and suppliers.
• Previous experience in stakeholder management and leadership.
• Proficiency in ERP, Netstock, and demand planning systems.
• Willingness to travel internationally on an occasional basis.

Why This Role Matters

The company’s products are designed, tested, and certified to the highest standards of safety and performance. As Demand Planner (Purchasing), you will ensure these critical solutions are supported by strong planning and procurement practices—helping the business deliver products where and when they are needed most.

• Competitive salary up to £45,000 per annum (depending on experience)
• Profit share bonus scheme
• Free lunch options daily
• 24 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Pension plan and life assurance
• Company sick pay scheme
• Discounts on company products
• Newly refurbished offices with on-site gym
• EV charging points and on-site parking