Demand Planner

Hollybank Trustees Ltd; Ashbourne; On-site; EUR 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Hollybank Trustees Ltd seeks a commercially focused Demand Planner to own forecasting and demand planning across a portfolio of categories and brands in Ashbourne, Co Meath, Ireland. You will bridge Brand Partners, Commercial, Finance, Supply Chain and Operations to ensure demand plans reflect market opportunities and business objectives.

You will drive the S&OP process, support launches and promotions, and help optimise inventory and service levels.

Qualifications

• 3–4 years' experience in Demand Planning or S&OP.
• Strong analytical skills and data-driven mindset.
• Experience with SAP S/4HANA or Dynamics 365.
• Advanced Excel and Power BI skills.
• Knowledge of the Irish Grocery/Convenience market.

Responsibilities

• Own and maintain demand forecasts for assigned categories, customers, and channels.
• Analyse sales trends, promotions, seasonality, market insights to improve forecast accuracy.
• Support launches, promotions, and range reviews with robust forecasting.
• Identify forecast risks and opportunities and recommend actions.
• Develop reports and dashboards using Excel and Power BI.
• Monitor service levels and inventory health; contribute to S&OP.

Skills

Forecasting & Demand Planning

Power BI

Excel

Stakeholder management

Cross-functional collaboration

Tools

SAP S/4HANA

Microsoft Dynamics 365

Excel

Power BI

Job description

Location: On site / Ashbourne, Co. Meath, Ireland
job type: Permanent / Full-time
Sector and subsector: FMCG | Commercial
Salary: Negotiable salary

Demand Planner

About the Role

We're looking for a commercially focused Demand Planner to take ownership of forecasting and demand planning across a portfolio of categories and brands.

As the key link between Brand Partners, Commercial, Finance, Supply Chain, and Operations teams, you'll ensure demand plans accurately reflect market opportunities, customer requirements, and business objectives. You'll play a central role in the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process, helping to drive service levels, inventory optimisation, and sustainable business growth.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys combining data analysis, commercial insight, and cross-functional collaboration to influence business performance.

What You'll Do

Demand Forecasting & Planning

• Own and maintain demand forecasts for assigned categories, customers, and channels.
• Analyse sales trends, promotions, seasonality, market intelligence, and customer insights to improve forecast accuracy.
• Support new product launches, promotional activity, and range reviews through robust forecasting and planning.
• Identify forecast risks and opportunities and recommend actions to improve performance.
• Continuously improve forecasting processes, reporting, and planning tools.

Stakeholder & Commercial Collaboration

• Act as the primary contact for Brand Partners on forecasting and demand planning activities.
• Work closely with Commercial, Category, Finance, Supply Chain, and Operations teams to align demand plans with business objectives.
• Translate commercial plans and market opportunities into actionable forecasts.
• Facilitate monthly demand reviews and contribute to the wider S&OP process.
• Support budgeting, financial forecasting, and business planning activities.

Performance & Insights

• Monitor and report key planning metrics, including Forecast Accuracy, Forecast Bias, Service Levels, Inventory Health, and OTIF performance.
• Analyse forecast variances and identify root causes and improvement opportunities.
• Develop reports and dashboards using Excel and Power BI to support decision-making.
• Provide data-driven insights and recommendations to stakeholders and senior management.

Supply & Inventory Optimisation

• Partner with Supply Planning and Operations teams to ensure forecasts can be effectively delivered.
• Support inventory optimisation initiatives and help manage supply constraints through proactive demand insights.
• Monitor inventory performance and highlight potential risks impacting availability or customer service.

What We're Looking For

• 3–4 years' experience in Demand Planning, Forecasting, S&OP, Commercial Planning, or a similar role.
• Strong understanding of demand planning principles and forecasting methodologies.
• Advanced analytical skills with the ability to translate data into actionable insights.
• Experience using planning systems such as SAP S/4HANA, Microsoft Dynamics 365, or similar.
• Advanced Excel and Power BI skills.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Experience working cross-functionally with Commercial, Finance, and Supply Chain teams.
• Knowledge of the Irish Grocery and Convenience Retail market.
• FMCG or Consumer Goods industry experience.
• Experience working directly with retailers and Brand Partners.
• Proven success in improving forecast accuracy and planning performance.
• Experience supporting product launches, promotional planning, and category growth initiatives.

Why Join Us?

You'll have the opportunity to work with leading brands, influence key commercial decisions, and make a measurable impact on business performance. This role offers broad exposure across the organisation and the chance to contribute to a collaborative, fast-paced environment where continuous improvement is valued.