Demand Planning Manager

Danone; City Of London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global food and beverage company is seeking a Demand Planning Manager in the City of London. The role entails delivering accurate forecasts, improving performance metrics, and leading cross-functional teams. Ideal candidates have over 3 years of demand planning experience, preferably within FMCG, strong data analytics skills, and proficiency in Excel and Power BI. The position offers a salary between £50k - £60k plus bonus and benefits.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of demand planning experience, preferably with chilled or volatile products.
• Understanding of S&OP processes.
• Excellent communication and senior stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Deliver accurate SKU volume forecasts through S&OP process.
• Utilize historical data and market trends for forecasting.
• Lead cross-functional demand reviews and KPIs reporting.

Skills

Demand planning functional experience

Experience of FMCG Demand Planning

Strong data analytics skills

Statistical forecasting knowledge

Excellent interpersonal skills

Machine learning experience

Tools

Excel

Power BI

IBP experience

Job description

At Danone, we’re driven by a powerful mission: to bring health through food to as many people as possible. As one of the world’s leading FMCG companies, our brands span Dairy & Plant-Based Products, Waters, Early Life Nutrition, and Medical Nutrition. We’re proud to be a purpose-led business, committed to healthier diets, sustainable practices, and inclusive growth.

Role Purpose

Working collaboratively with the sales, marketing and operations teams, the Demand Planning Manager is responsible for delivering an accurate daily level SKU volume forecast through the monthly S&OP process and continuously improving performance of key metrics such as forecast accuracy, bias, service levels and wastage. We are looking for an experienced Demand Planner to join the team to help support on the continued delivery of all of our key KPIs.

• Utilize historical data, market trends and sales insights to create precise customer and SKU level forecasts for a rolling 18 month horizon
• Responsible for both short (daily) and long term (weekly & monthly) forecasts, flexing between these accordingly
• Run and evaluate statistical and Machine Learning (ML) forecasting models
• Use internal and external data to identify risks and opportunities, providing deep dive analytics and scenario planning as required and support the ‘fill the gap’ mindset
• Lead monthly collaborative and cross-functional demand reviews
• Translate business case assumptions for innovation into forecast, providing relevant forecast scenarios based on customer launch plans
• Closely monitor performance of all NPD and give recommendations on forecast changes
• KPIs reporting and animation
• Anticipate forecast change impacts on supply and proactively communicate to Supply Planning and Logistics
• Drive continuous improvement within Demand, exploring digital enablers and tools to automate processes and reports

About you

• Demand planning functional experience 3+ years => preferably experience with chilled and / or volatile product planning experience (NPD, highly promotional etc)
• Experience of FMCG Demand Planning (preferable)
• Understanding of S&OP processes
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and influencing skills as well as senior stakeholder management – enjoys cross functional working
• Strong data analytics skills, ability to produce, interpret and draw conclusions from data
• Statistical forecasting knowledge and experience (preferably machine learning experience also)
• Strong agility, taking responsibility/making decisions in uncertain environments
• A results driven profile and demonstrates a high level of continuous improvement
• Systems experience: Competent on excel, ideally has used Power BI and IBP experience is advantageous

Please note that the salary on offer for this position is between £50k - £60k + bonus & benefits

About Danone

At Danone UK & Ireland, we are committed to delivering better health through better nutrition for millions of consumers and patients in our communities.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is deeply embedded in Danone's DNA, representing our core values and beliefs. We embrace diversity as a driving force for positive change, nurturing an inclusive workplace where every individual is valued.

The closing date for applications is 24/11/25, you will therefore hear about your application after this date

Job details

Dedicated to bringing health through food to as many people as possible, we are a leading global food & beverage company built on four businesses: Essential Dairy and Plant-Based Products, Waters, Early Life Nutrition and Medical Nutrition.