Demand Planning Manager

SF Recruitment; Manchester; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading B2B distributor in Manchester is seeking a Demand Planning Manager to drive forecasting and inventory planning across multiple categories. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in demand or supply planning, ideally in consumer goods or FMCG, and possess advanced skills in Excel and Power BI. This role is essential for ensuring product availability and optimizing inventory strategies. You will lead a team and present actionable insights to senior stakeholders, contributing to strategic decisions.

Qualifications

• Experience in consumer goods, FMCG, or seasonal product environments.
• Experience leading or mentoring planning teams.
• Comfortable with strategic thinking and operational tasks.

Responsibilities

• Lead short-, mid-, and long-term demand forecasting.
• Build and maintain rolling forecasts and category plans.
• Own inventory health and stock optimisation.

Skills

Strong demand or supply planning background

Advanced Excel

Power BI

Confident communicator

ERP planning experience

Tools

Dynamics 365

Navision

Forecasting tools

Job description

Demand Planning Manager

SF Recruitment are working with a leading B2B distributor to recruit a Demand Planning Manager to own forecasting, replenishment, and inventory planning across a multi-category, fast-moving business. This role plays a key part in enabling growth by ensuring the right products are available at the right time - without over-stocking.

Responsibilities

• Lead short-, mid-, and long-term demand forecasting at SKU and category level
• Build and maintain rolling 18-month forecasts and 3-year category plans
• Translate demand plans into purchase and production requirements
• Own Open-to-Buy, inventory health, and stock optimisation across channels
• Identify risks, gaps, and opportunities in forecasts and recommend actions
• Drive continuous improvement in forecasting accuracy and planning processes
• Support range reviews, product lifecycle decisions, and in-season adjustments
• Maintain and optimise ERP replenishment parameters in line with demand shifts
• Act as the planning link between Sales, Category, Operations, Finance, and Marketing
• Incorporate promotions, launches, and seasonal activity into demand plans
• Present insights and recommendations to senior stakeholders
• Lead and develop a team of demand planners or analysts

What success look like:

• High forecast accuracy and strong availability performance
• Inventory held within plan with healthy stock turn
• Clear, actionable demand insight supporting commercial decisions

What we're looking for:

• Strong demand or supply planning background, ideally in consumer goods, FMCG, or seasonal product environments
• Advanced Excel, Power BI, and forecasting tool experience
• ERP planning experience (Dynamics 365 / Navision or similar)
• Confident communicator who can influence cross-functional teams
• Strategic thinker who's comfortable rolling up their sleeves
• Experience leading or mentoring planning teams