Demand Planning Manager - FTC

itsu; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonus scheme

Holidays

Health insurance

Pension

Hybrid work

Shop discount

Free lunch

Retail discounts

Cycle and EV schemes

Development opportunities

Job summary

itsu is seeking a Demand Planning Manager (FTC, Maternity Cover) to join our Supply Chain team. You will lead the S&OP process, challenge and refine demand forecasts, and drive smarter decision-making across the business.

Working cross-functionally with Sales and key stakeholders, you’ll optimise forecast accuracy, manage NPD volumes, and communicate promotional forecasts with customers. A commercially minded planner who thrives on data and collaboration will fit in well.

Qualifications

• Analytical mindset with strong Excel skills and data-driven decision making.
• Proven FMCG demand planning experience.
• Ability to lead, communicate, and influence cross-functional teams.
• Self-motivated with a proactive approach to problem solving.
• Commercial mindset with a passion for continuous improvement.
• Thrives under pressure and can meet targets and deadlines.
• Open-minded, adaptable and collaborative attitude.
• Genuine enthusiasm for food and consumer brands.

Responsibilities

• Lead the demand planning function and share best practice across the team.
• Analyse and challenge the sales forecast to improve forecast accuracy.
• Ensure NPD volumes are correctly reflected in the forecast and flag risks/opportunities.
• Communicate promotional forecasts with customers and secure aligned forecasts.
• Develop and own the S&OP process, including demand and supply review meetings.
• Monthly reforecasting of storage and outbound distribution.

Skills

Analytical

Leadership

Communication

Team collaboration

Self-motivation

Proactive problem solving

Pressure handling

Flexible attitude

Passion for food

Open-minded approach

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

About Us

At itsu, we're passionate about making healthy eating exciting, accessible, and affordable. As an Asian-inspired food brand, we've grown to over 80 restaurants across the UK and Belgium, while building a thriving grocery business that reaches customers across Europe and beyond. Known for our fresh, high-quality food prepared daily in every shop, we're on an ambitious growth journey. With plans to expand our store estate, accelerate our grocery presence, and continue investing in innovation, technology, and our people, we're shaping the future of healthy fast food. itsu [grocery], where this role sits, extends the much-loved itsu brand beyond our shops and into supermarkets, health food retailers, online channels, wholesale partners, and international markets. Our growing product range includes customer favourites such as crispy seaweed thins, frozen gyoza and bao, brilliant'broth, rice'noodles, and miso'easy, bringing the taste and quality of itsu into homes around the world. Joining itsu means becoming part of a fast-paced, innovative business with big ambitions, a strong culture, and a shared mission to help people eat beautifully every day.

About The Role

At itsu [grocery] is seeking a Demand Planning Manager (FTC, Maternity Cover) to join our Supply Chain team. Working cross-functionally with Sales and key stakeholders, you'll lead our S&OP process, challenge and refine demand forecasts, and help drive smarter decision-making across the business.

Key Role Responsibilities

• Lead the demand planning function: share best practice & challenge current processes, we can always improve!
• Analyse and challenge the sales forecast to drive excellent DPA.
• Ensure NPD volumes are correct in the forecast with risks & opportunities clear to the supply planners.
• Communicate promotional forecasts with our customers, agreeing collaborative forecasts.
• Develop the company S&OP process, owning demand & supply review meetings.
• Monthly business reforecast of storage and outbound distribution.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a real impact by enhancing planning capabilities, influencing supply chain strategy, and supporting the continued growth of the business. We're looking for a commercially minded planner who thrives on data, collaboration, and finding ways to improve efficiency.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have

• Analytical with strong Microsoft Excel knowledge.
• Proven FMCG demand planning experience.
• The ability to lead and communicate effectively as part of a team, as well as with customers.
• The self-motivation to work within a rapidly growing business that is constantly evolving with changing priorities.
• Passion to make a difference and ambition to lead.
• Pro‑active, identifying issues as or before they arise.
• Ability to work under pressure, meet targets and deadlines.
• An open‑minded approach to the role and a flexible, can do, friendly attitude.
• A passion for food!

What We Offer

• Competitive Salary
• Competitive Bonus Scheme
• 25 days holiday + Bank holidays (two bank holidays are interchangeable for other religious holidays)
• Health Insurance
• Company Pension Scheme
• Hybrid Working model: This can vary by department, with some operating on a 3-day onsite/2-day WFH model and others on a 4-day onsite/1-day WFH. Opportunity to work from abroad 2 weeks of the year.
• 50% employee‑discount in itsu shops
• Free itsu lunch every day!
• Discounts at major retailers
• Salary sacrifice cycle and electric vehicle schemes
• Development & Growth opportunities

At itsu [grocery], everyone’s taste matters, and so does who’s behind it. We celebrate diversity and are an equal opportunities employer. Applications from all backgrounds are encouraged. If you need support or adjustments to apply, we’ll happily accommodate.