UKI Demand Planning Lead – Forecast Excellence

Akzonobel; Slough; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

AkzoNobel is seeking a Customer Demand Manager UKI to lead Demand Planning across the UK&I business, driving forecast accuracy and building a high-performing team of Demand Planners. You will translate Sales and Marketing plans into robust demand plans using forecasting tools and market intelligence.

You will partner with Sales, Marketing and Supply Chain to close gaps between target and unconstrained demand, own key KPIs, and contribute to the IBP process while promoting best practices across

Qualifications

• Strong analytical skills and the ability to work independently and make informed decisions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships across different functions and levels.
• Strong business acumen and an understanding of both internal and external customer requirements.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• Strong coordination and prioritisation skills, with the ability to manage multiple requirements and deliver end-to-end solutions.
• Experience working with ERP and forecasting systems such as SAP, Oracle or JDA, alongside strong Excel and PowerPoint skills.
• Excellent English skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage Demand Planning activities across the UK&I business, ensuring effective 2-36 month demand forecasting and that the Demand Management Review process is operating effectively.
• Be accountable for forecast accuracy and bias performance across the UK&I business.
• Lead and develop a team of Demand Planners, creating a high-performing team with strong demand planning behaviours and capabilities.
• Translate Sales and Marketing plans into robust Sales Demand Plans using forecasting systems, statistical tools and relevant market intelligence.
• Build and refine monthly forecasts, incorporating the latest business and market information.
• Work closely with Sales, Marketing, Business Managers and Supply Chain teams to identify and address gaps between target and unconstrained demand.
• Ensure Sales and Account Managers provide the necessary input to enrich forecasts in a timely way.
• Support and contribute to the IBP process, including driving the Demand Management Review.
• Monitor and report key demand KPIs including Forecast Accuracy, Bias, Vulnerabilities and Opportunities.
• Ensure forecasts are accurately uploaded to enable effective MRP and supply planning.
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve forecasting processes, systems and ways of working.
• Lead projects designed to improve customer satisfaction and drive continuous improvement across the UK&I business.
• Support the deployment of regional Demand Planning initiatives and promote best practice.
• Work with stakeholders to ensure appropriate customer segmentation, replenishment models and service levels are in place.
• Oversee an effective SLOB (Slow Moving and Obsolete) process.
• Investigate and resolve issues relating to customer satisfaction, working collaboratively across the organisation to deliver sustainable improvements.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Coordination and prioritisation

Decision making

Team leadership

Education

Degree in Supply Chain / Engineering / Business Administration / Science

Tools

SAP

Oracle

JDA

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

AkzoNobel is seeking a Customer Demand Manager UKI to lead Demand Planning across the UK&I business, driving forecast accuracy and building a high-performing team of Demand Planners. You will translate Sales and Marketing plans into robust demand plans using forecasting tools and market intelligence.

You will partner with Sales, Marketing and Supply Chain to close gaps between target and unconstrained demand, own key KPIs, and contribute to the IBP process while promoting best practices across