Strategic Demand Planning Lead (Forecast & S&OP)

Euro Car Parts Ltd.; Birchmoor; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Enhanced annual leave

Career growth across UK & Europe

Life assurance

24/7 employee assistance programme

Exclusive gym discounts

Comprehensive healthcare perks

Cycle to work scheme

Retail & staff discounts

Job summary

LKQ Europe is seeking a Demand Planning Manager to forecast and optimise purchasing for the distribution network across the UK. You will lead a small team, align cross-functional stakeholders, and drive improvements in forecast accuracy and stock rotation.

This role requires strong S&OP leadership, lifecycle planning for launches, and a deep understanding of ERP/APS tools to support efficient stock management and seasonal demand.

Qualifications

• Bachelor/Master degree preferred.
• Significant demand planning experience (Automotive/Retail preferred).
• Strong S&OP leadership and demand forecasting expertise.
• Advanced ERP/APS/demand planning tools expertise.
• Team leadership and cross-functional influence.
• Strong commercial awareness and financial understanding.
• Experience of purchase forecasting.
• Proven track record of inventory optimization and management.

Responsibilities

• Translate regional demand strategy into an executable demand planning roadmap aligned with commercial and financial objectives.
• Drive scenario modelling to evaluate demand volatility, promotional impact, and financial implications.
• Drive improvement of forecast accuracy, bias reduction, and forecast value add across the region.
• Partner with senior commercial and marketing stakeholders to align forecasts with market strategy, promotions, and growth targets.
• Own demand readiness for product launches, promotions, and discontinuations ensuring alignment with commercial strategy.
• Lead and develop high-performing demand planning teams through coaching, prioritisation, and capability development.
• Own LKQ ECP’s purchase forecast.
• Supporting proper rotation of stock.
• Be a leading figure in supplier meetings regarding collaborative forecasting.
• Promote a continuous improvement mindset within the Supply Chain department.

Skills

S&OP leadership

Demand forecasting

Team leadership

Commercial awareness

Financial understanding

Purchase forecasting

Inventory optimization

Education

Bachelor/Master degree preferred

Tools

ERP/APS tools

Job description

LKQ Europe is seeking a Demand Planning Manager to forecast and optimise purchasing for the distribution network across the UK. You will lead a small team, align cross-functional stakeholders, and drive improvements in forecast accuracy and stock rotation.

This role requires strong S&OP leadership, lifecycle planning for launches, and a deep understanding of ERP/APS tools to support efficient stock management and seasonal demand.