Demand Planner, Salon, Italy

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

Job summary

A leading consumer products company in London seeks a Demand Planner for their Salon Division. The role involves developing and driving demand planning forecasts, collaborating with commercial teams, and improving forecasting accuracy. Candidates should have 2 years of experience in FMCG, ideally in cosmetics, and advanced Excel skills. This crucial position supports inventory optimization and financial risk minimization. Join a company recognized for strong ethical values and a collaborative work environment.

Benefits

Competitive salaries

Flexible work environment

Ongoing development opportunities

Qualifications

• 2 years’ experience in a similar position within FMCG.
• Experience in cosmetics and toiletries industry preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and drive demand planning forecasts.
• Collaborate with commercial teams for accurate product demand.
• Improve forecasting accuracy through demand analysis.
• Lead monthly S&OP / Demand planning meetings.
• Report on forecast deviation and propose improvements.

Skills

SAP experience

Advanced Excel (PowerQuery, PowerPivot, Macros, VBA)

Statistical Forecast methodologies

Supply Chain knowledge

Education

Degree level or equivalent professional qualification

Job description

Overview

Who we are: 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 customers as well as 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 to be listed among the World´s Most Ethical Companies since 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.

This Position is an interim position covering Maternity leave

Position

The role: To provide product demand for Kao Salon Division business in Italy to a high level of accuracy, which enables efficient planning within appropriate time fences.

Responsibilities

• Own, develop and drive KAO Salon Division Demand Planning 12-month forecasts utilizing KAO forecasting system & tools
• To work with the KAO Salon Division Commercial teams in Italy to gather all information regarding product demands for their customers is used to maximum effect in establishing an internal forecast that reflects actuals as closely as possible, e.g. promotions planning input, NPD volumes validation.
• To continuously improve forecasting accuracy by analysing the demands vs actual sales & proposing corrective actions for both products forecast and process optimization.
• To organize and lead monthly S&OP / Demand planning meetings with appropriate consensus and sign offs on decisions
• To deliver monthly reports on forecast deviation and proposals on improvements on demand planning parameters to reach ultimately the best practice benchmark.
• To provide analysis of write-off risks and disposal costs for Finished Goods, Components & raw materials (with support from supply planners) to identify slow movers and enable short-term sales and marketing activities to minimize that financial risk
• Joint responsibility with the Supply Planner(s) to ensure that inventory levels are optimized and maintained at the targeted levels.

Qualifications

• Educated to a degree level or equivalent professional qualification preferred, but not essential.
• Supply Chain specific subject matter an advantage
• 2 years’ experience in similar position, within FMCG industry, ideally cosmetics and toiletries.
• SAP experience in working in Demand Planning environment is strong plus
• Proven experience of successful interaction with internal and external customers, and ability to manage own delivery of short- and medium-term objectives.
• Advanced level of Excel strong plus (PowerQuery, PowerPivot, Macros, VBA) a strong plus
• Knowledge of Statistical Forecasts methodologies a strong plus
• Knowledge of Supply Planning a plus

How we work

Having been selected among the World´s Most Ethical Companies for 16 consecutive years, we are a company with a purpose and strong corporate values. We never compromise on quality and craft our products with care for the consumer and the environment. At Kao, each employee can actively shape their job and their career. We work collaboratively to achieve our common goals, always aiming to deliver the best for our customers.

What we offer

A friendly and flexible work environment with competitive salaries, benefits package, ongoing development and the opportunity to enhance your skills and deliver tangible results. At Kao your voice will be heard. Your opinion really counts. We believe that change comes from taking opportunities into your own hands, so we value and reward entrepreneurial thinking and innovation.

Hiring Process

Kao embraces the diversity and the individual personalities of its people because we believe it is diversity that makes us strong. This is why we welcome applications from all areas of the global community.

Want to learn more

If you feel you are as unique as our products and want to find out why 33,000 people across the globe opted for a career with us please visit https://www.kao.com/emea/en/