Demand Planning Manager - Fixed Term

UNAVAILABLE; Chiswick; Hybrid; GBP 49,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Danone is seeking a Demand Planning Manager on a 1-year fixed term contract in the UK. You will own customer- and SKU-level forecasts, lead cross-functional demand reviews, and drive improvements in forecast accuracy and efficiency.

You will work closely with Commercial, Marketing and Operations, translating insight into robust forecast scenarios and ensuring supply alignment. Hybrid office attendance is expected with flexible benefits and a focus on innovation.

Qualifications

• A strong understanding of S&OP processes and cross-functional decision-making.
• Excellent communication, influencing and interpersonal skills, with experience managing senior stakeholders.
• Strong analytical capability, with the ability to interpret complex data and translate insights into action.
• Knowledge and practical experience of statistical forecasting; machine-learning experience is desirable.
• Agility and sound judgement, with the confidence to take ownership and make decisions in uncertain environments.
• A results-focused, improvement-oriented mindset.
• Strong Excel capability; experience with Power BI and SAP IBP is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain accurate customer- and SKU-level forecasts across an 18-month horizon.
• Own short- and long-term demand views balancing operational priorities and business needs.
• Run and improve statistical forecasting models and machine-learning approaches.
• Combine internal/external data for risks, opportunities, and scenario planning.
• Lead monthly cross-functional demand reviews with clear actions.
• Translate innovation plans into robust forecast scenarios.
• Monitor product performance and adjust forecasts as needed.
• Own KPI reporting and drive corrective actions.
• Inform supply planning and logistics of demand changes.

Skills

S&OP processes

Stakeholder management

Analytical ability

Statistical forecasting

Machine-learning awareness

Excel

Interpersonal communication

Decision making

Problem solving

Tools

Power BI

SAP IBP

Job description

Short Intro and About the Job

This is a 1 year Fixed Term Contract.

Danoners are steering us to a more sustainable future, helping to make the world healthier. As a certified B-Corp, we have our Danone Impact Journey to 2027. This will only be possible with each and every one of our leaders. Do you want to be one of them? For more information on our Danone Impact Journey clickHERE.

Role Purpose:

Working in close partnership with Commercial, Marketing and Operations, the Demand Planning Manager owns the delivery of an accurate, unbiased customer- and SKU-level demand forecast through the monthly S&OP process. The role converts data, market insight and commercial assumptions into a robust demand plan, while driving continuous improvement in forecast accuracy, bias, service and waste. We are looking for an experienced Demand Planner who can challenge constructively, influence cross-functional decisions and help deliver our key business KPIs.

Key Activities:

• Build and maintain accurate customer- and SKU-level forecasts across a rolling 18-month horizon, using historical performance, market trends and sales insights
• Own both short- and long-term demand views, balancing immediate operational priorities with longer-term business needs
• Run, evaluate and continuously improve statistical and machine-learning forecasting models
• Combine internal and external data to identify risks and opportunities, lead deep-dive analysis and scenario planning, and support a proactive "fill the gap" mindset
• Lead monthly cross-functional demand reviews, ensuring assumptions, decisions and actions are clearly captured and aligned
• Translate innovation business cases and customer launch plans into robust forecast scenarios
• Monitor new product performance closely and recommend timely forecast adjustments
• Own KPI reporting and performance reviews, turning results into clear actions
• Anticipate the impact of demand changes on supply and communicate risks and priorities proactively to Supply Planning and Logistics
• Drive continuous improvement across Demand Planning by simplifying ways of working and using digital tools to automate processes and reporting

About You

We would like you to demonstrate your following key skills:

• A strong understanding of S&OP processes and cross-functional decision-making
• Excellent communication, influencing and interpersonal skills, with experience managing senior stakeholders
• Strong analytical capability, with the ability to interpret complex data, draw clear conclusions and translate insights into action
• Knowledge and practical experience of statistical forecasting; machine-learning experience is desirable
• Agility and sound judgement, with the confidence to take ownership and make decisions in uncertain environments
• A results-focused, improvement-oriented mindset
• Strong Excel capability; experience with Power BI and SAP IBP is advantageous

Salary Bracket: £49,000 - £55,000 + bonus and benefits.

About Us, We offer and What's next

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

Our market-leading products reach millions of consumers and patients every day. Our iconic brands span across the dairy, plant-based and water industries, including Actimel, Alpro and evian.

We're also a leading provider of specialised early-life nutrition through our Aptamil and Cow & Gate brands and medical nutrition products and services through our Nutricia brand.

Depending on the needs of your role, you'll spend an average of 2 to 3 days per week in the office hub, enhancing community, problem solving, and innovation.

We offer a flexible benefits package that you can tailor to your needs. This includes core benefits like pension, life assurance, and healthcare, plus options such as private medical insurance, gym memberships, cycle to work and holiday trading.

You'll also have access to employee discounts and wellbeing support, helping you look after your health, finances and lifestyle in a way that works for you. Discover More: https://careers.danone.com/uki/en/our-learning-and-rewards.html

Inclusion and Diversity (I&D) 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 Friday 6th November, you will therefore hear about your application after this date.