Demand Planner

Farmlands; Christchurch; Hybrid; NZD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working conditions

Free onsite parking

Kiwi-owned brand

Job summary

Farmlands in New Zealand is seeking a Demand Planner to sit at the centre of commercial decision-making, connecting demand, market intelligence and financial outcomes across the business. You’ll turn complex data into forward-looking insights that influence senior stakeholders.

You’ll own the aggregate demand plan, quantify external drivers like market trends and weather, and elevate IBP conversations from reporting to real decision-making.

Qualifications

• 3+ years’ experience in demand planning, forecasting, or commercial analytics.
• Strong capability in data analysis, forecasting methods, and scenario modelling.
• Ability to connect numbers to narrative - translating data into clear business action.
• Proven experience working cross-functionally with finance, supply chain, or commercial teams.
• Confidence influencing stakeholders and challenging assumptions constructively.

Responsibilities

• Own and optimise demand forecasts across portfolios, improving accuracy and reducing bias.
• Translate market signals and commercial activity into clear financial impact.
• Partner with Finance on budgets, reforecasts, and long-range plans.
• Lead scenario planning and trade-off discussions in IBP forums.
• Identify and manage critical paths and dependencies impacting delivery and results.
• Surface risks and opportunities early, influencing proactive decisions - not reactive fixes.

Skills

Forecasting

Data analysis

Scenario modelling

Stakeholder influence

Cross-functional collaboration

Tools

Logility

Job description

• Competitive remuneration + benefits

• Flexible working conditions + free parking

• Kiwi-owned Brand - Aotearoa's largest farming co-operative

Mō te whai waahi | About the opportunity

This is not a traditional planning role.

As our Demand Planner, you’ll sit at the centre of commercial decision-making connecting demand, market intelligence, and financial outcomes across the business. You’ll turn complex data into clear, forward-looking insights that influence senior stakeholders and shape Farmlands’ performance.

You’ll own the aggregate demand plan, quantify external drivers (market, weather, customer behaviour), and elevate IBP conversations from reporting to real decision-making.

Key responsibilities:

• Own and optimise demand forecasts across portfolios, improving accuracy and reducing bias.

• Translate market signals and commercial activity into clear financial impact.

• Partner with Finance on budgets, reforecasts, and long-range plans.

• Lead scenario planning and trade-off discussions in IBP forums.

• Identify and manage critical paths and dependencies impacting delivery and results.

• Surface risks and opportunities early, influencing proactive decisions - not reactive fixes.

Mōhou ake | About you

You’re already operating in a commercial analyst, demand planning, or IBP environment and you’re ready to step into a role where your insights directly shape outcomes.

You’ll likely bring:

• 3+ years’ experience in demand planning, forecasting, or commercial analytics.

• Strong capability in data analysis, forecasting methods, and scenario modelling.

• Ability to connect numbers to narrative - translating data into clear business action.

• Proven experience working cross-functionally with finance, supply chain, or commercial teams.

• Confidence influencing stakeholders and challenging assumptions constructively.

Nice to have:

• Experience in retail, distribution, or supply chain environments.

• Exposure to IBP frameworks or tools (e.g. Logility or similar).

• Understanding of external drivers like market trends or seasonality (rural exposure a bonus).

Mō ngā painga | About the benefits

• Flexible working + free onsite parking (Christchurch).

• Influence real business decisions - not just reporting.

• Ongoing development + exposure to senior commercial and finance leaders.

• Staff discounts, shareholding perks, and paid birthday leave + sick leave from Day 1.

Mō matou | About us

At Farmlands Te Whenua Tāroa, New Zealand’s largest farming co-operative, we’re driven by three core values: Be You, Minds Open, and See It Through. We support NZ farmers and growers to boost profitability and productivity, aiming to be the trusted partner for everyone connected to the land.

With over 1,200 team members across 80+ locations, we offer diverse operations - from retail and feed production to ecommerce and fuel. Join us to be part of a Kiwi-owned brand that values your uniqueness, creativity, and teamwork in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Mō te Tukanga | About the Process

The future doesn't stand still, and neither do we. As part of our commitment to innovation, we may use Sam, our AI Recruitment Assistant, during the recruitment process. It's simply another way for us to get to know you and learn more about what you could bring to Farmlands.

If you're invited to chat with Sam, we'd encourage you to give it a go. It's quick, conversational and can be completed at a time that suits you. We're always looking for ways to improve the candidate experience, so we'd love your feedback too.

And don't worry – real people review every application and remain at the heart of every hiring decision.

You must have the legal right to work in New Zealand. Pre-employment checks include references, Ministry of Justice check, right to work, driver’s licence check, and ACC history. Additional checks may apply for some roles.