Demand Planner, Salon, Nord

KAO; City Of London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent global company based in London seeks a Demand Planner for its Salon Division. The role involves developing demand forecasts, collaborating with commercial teams, and enhancing forecasting accuracy. Ideal candidates should have FMCG experience, preferably in cosmetics, alongside strong skills in SAP and Excel. This position offers a supportive work environment and competitive benefits.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Flexible work environment

Ongoing development opportunities

Qualifications

• 2 years’ experience in FMCG demand planning, ideally in cosmetics.
• Experience in managing delivery of objectives with customers.
• Knowledge of Supply Planning is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Drive and develop 12-month demand forecasts for KAO Salon Division.
• Collaborate with commercial teams to gather product demand info.
• Analyze demand vs sales for forecasting accuracy.
• Lead monthly S&OP and demand planning meetings.
• Provide reports on forecast deviations and improvements.
• Analyze write-off risks for finished goods and components.

Skills

Experience in demand planning

Advanced Excel skills

Knowledge of Statistical Forecasting methodologies

Proven interaction with customers

Education

Degree or equivalent professional qualification

Tools

SAP

Job description

Overview

Kao is a company founded in Japan in 1887, dedicated to making a difference in people’s lives with high quality products and services to create a Kirei Life for all. We never compromise on quality and craft our products with care for the consumer and the environment. Kao has been listed among the World´s Most Ethical Companies for 16 consecutive years. Our corporate philosophy, the Kao Way, guides us in acting with integrity, driving innovation, and treating each other with trust and respect.

This Position is an interim position covering Maternity leave.

Role

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

Responsibilities

• Own, develop and drive KAO Salon Division Demand Planning 12-month forecasts utilizing KAO forecasting system & tools
• Work with the KAO Salon Division Commercial teams in Italy to gather information regarding product demands for their customers and translate it into internal forecasts reflecting actuals (e.g., promotions planning input, NPD volumes validation)
• Continuously improve forecasting accuracy by analysing demand vs actual sales and proposing corrective actions for both product forecasts and process optimization
• Organize and lead monthly S&OP / Demand planning meetings with appropriate consensus and sign-offs on decisions
• Deliver monthly reports on forecast deviation and proposals for improvements on demand planning parameters to reach best practice benchmarks
• 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 actions
• Joint responsibility with Supply Planners to ensure inventory levels are optimized and maintained at targeted levels

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level or equivalent professional qualification preferred, but not essential
• Supply Chain subject matter is an advantage
• 2 years’ experience in a similar position within FMCG, ideally cosmetics and toiletries
• SAP experience in a Demand Planning environment is a strong plus
• Proven experience in successful interaction with internal and external customers, and ability to manage delivery of short- and medium-term objectives
• Advanced Excel skills (PowerQuery, PowerPivot, Macros, VBA) a strong plus
• Knowledge of Statistical Forecasting 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 shape their job and career. We work collaboratively to achieve our goals and 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 skills and deliver tangible results. At Kao your voice will be heard. Your opinion counts. We value entrepreneurial thinking and innovation.

Hiring Process

Kao embraces diversity and welcomes 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/