The Role
Product Demand Planner (Frozen foods)
Location: Spalding, Lincolnshire (This is a fully office-based role)
Salary: £35,000 to £40,000 per annum (Dependent on experience)
Vacancy Type: Permanent
Hours: Full Time office based, plus flexible Fridays (8.15 am to 5.00 pm Monday to Thursday and 08:15 to 14:30 Friday on a rota basis)
Our client is seeking a well-organised and experienced Product Demand Planner who has experience in demand planning, supply chain, and stock management. This role will play a pivotal role in delivering the highest levels of service to all of their customers.
Day-to-day aspects of the role
- In bound Supply & Demand Planning
- Build, maintain, and improve demand forecasts using historical sales data, seasonality, promotions, and commercial input.
- Translate Demand Plan into a procurement plan and be responsible for raising and managing all stock orders for inbound materials from CN (main supplier) and 3rd party suppliers.
- Manage call-offs against contracts and monitor balances for 3rd party suppliers, tracking performance and highlighting risks in advance.
- Monitor stock levels against budget, ensuring holdings remain within agreed limits and aligned with monthly sales forecasts.
- Review orders versus forecasts, identifying significant variances and escalating where required.
- Regularly review stock at risk, ensuring best before dates are managed in line with customer requirements, and proactively identify solutions for short-dated or slow-moving stock.
- Track obsolete stock using the stock at risk tracker, identifying items without future demand and recommending clearance action.
- Complete monthly system stock reconciliations with coldstores, investigating differences and documenting adjustments.
- Managing the company's forecast system to reflect accurate data versus customer demand/forecast information
Collaboration & Communication
- Work closely with commercial, technical & development, supply chain & customer service teams to align demand/forecast plans with business objectives.
- Communicate shortages and potential issues with stakeholders in a clear and timely manner.
- Liaise with suppliers regarding substitutions and product availability, ensuring customer requirements are maintained.
- Support customer service team during absences in the team, assisting with order processing, queries and related tasks.
Data, Knowledge & Insight
- Full understanding of the CN SAP system together with other available tools that provide business information
- Analyse demand trends and forecast accuracy, identifying root causes of deviation and recommending improvements.
- Provide reporting and KPIs in a timely and accurate manner.
- Identify risks or opportunities from emerging issues or changes in demand and work with Supply Chain & Procurement Manager on solutions.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives in demand planning tools, processes, and reporting.
- Maintain awareness of changes in legislation or customer requirements that may impact supply.
Skills and Qualifications
- Experience in demand planning, supply chain, and stock management
- Experience of building and maintaining forecasts using data and business input
- Customer service experience in a similar environment
- Strong IT skills, including data handling, forecasting tools, and system use (e.g: SAP, Excel, ERP, planning systems)
- Ability to interpret figures, analyse data, and manage it accurately
- Strong organisational and planning skills
- Ability to manage conflicting priorities and work to deadlines
- Attention to detail with a proactive, problem-solving approach
- Professional attitude with clear and confident communication skills
- Able to work effectively with suppliers, customers, and colleagues across the business
- Flexible, adaptable, and solution-focused
- Team player with a hands-on approach
Personal Qualities
Benefits
- Workplace Pension Scheme
- 25 days holidays plus bank holidays
- Free on-site car parking
- Company sick pay scheme
- Company events
- Career progression
To Apply
If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for this reputable company, please do not hesitate to apply.