Demand Planner - NZ

J.R. Simplot; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Demand Planner to join their dynamic team in New Zealand. This role offers the opportunity to shape the demand planning and forecasting processes, ensuring alignment with business strategies. You will work closely with sales, marketing, and supply teams to enhance forecast accuracy and address customer needs effectively. The company promotes a hybrid work environment, encouraging collaboration and innovation while providing ample professional development opportunities. If you are passionate about the FMCG industry and possess strong analytical skills, this role is perfect for you.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Health and Wellbeing programs

Leadership Development Programs

Employee Reward and Recognition Program

Bonus incentives

Discounted Health Insurance

Novated Car Leasing Agreements

Income Protection Insurance

Opportunity to purchase additional annual leave

Qualifications

• Experience in Demand Planning within FMCG is essential.
• Strong forecasting skills and ability to communicate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Develop a 36-month demand plan and manage forecast changes.
• Collaborate with sales and marketing to optimize demand forecasts.

Skills

Demand Planning

Forecasting

Stakeholder Communication

Influencing Skills

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Applied Mathematics

Bachelor's Degree in Statistics

Bachelor's Degree in Logistics

Bachelor's Degree in Finance

Bachelor's Degree in Marketing

Tools

Blueshift

Microsoft Office

Job description

Simplot New Zealand Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of the J.R. Simplot Company. The J.R. Simplot Company is a diverse, privately held organization, with roots firmly planted in agriculture and agriculture-related businesses. We are a true farm-to-table company with operations that touch every aspect of agriculture, including seed production, farming and ranching, plant sciences, fertilizer manufacturing, food processing, commercial product development, and distribution. Simplot New Zealand is a vibrant, sustainable provider of great food in Australasia. Home to some of Australasia's favourite food brands, Simplot manufactures a diverse range of products that includes everything from delicious and balanced meals, convenient frozen potato and vegetables, tasty pasta sauces and nutritious seafood to fun snack foods. Our portfolio of brands includes Birds Eye, Edgell, Leggos and John West.

Culture & Benefits

At Simplot, we are fuelled by our purpose: We Contribute to Feeding Our World. We imagine a better future and set goals to reach it. We are committed to working as one Simplot and are guided by our shared values:

• Respect for Resources
• Spirit of Innovation
• Passion for People

We embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion. We care about creating an environment that promotes safety and wellbeing and where our people feel supported, respected and empowered. We do not tolerate any form of discrimination and are committed to providing equal opportunities for all our team members.

Simplot is passionate about cultivating a future where good ideas and inspiring possibilities have the chance to grow. We want our team members to build exciting and fulfilling careers with us and offer professional and personal growth opportunities.

The Perks

• Flexible working arrangements and a variety of engaging Health and Wellbeing programs
• Diverse Leadership Development Programs and Professional Development Support
• Employee Reward and Recognition Program
• Bonus incentives and discounted Health Insurance
• Novated Car Leasing Agreements
• Income Protection Insurance
• Opportunity to purchase additional annual leave

Simplot values the creativity and meaningful relationships that grow through face-to-face connection while also recognising the importance of flexibility for our team members. Our hybrid work environment includes four days in the office, with Wednesdays as our dedicated ‘Connect Day' bringing everyone together to strengthen our successful culture of innovation and collaboration.

About our role

We currently have an opportunity for a Demand Planner to join our team managing the New Zealand market. This role can be based in Auckland or our head office in Mentone, Melbourne. This is a permanent full-time opportunity, 37.5 hours per week.

This role is primarily responsible for the demand planning and forecasting process within the IBP process, creating a 36-month demand plan that aligns with business strategy. The role involves close collaboration with sales, marketing, and supply teams to improve forecast accuracy, analyse performance, and proactively address constraints to support optimal customer service and strategic decision-making.

What you will do

• Develop a 36-month demand plan for the New Zealand market, manage forecast changes, and contribute to the weekly ITP process to balance supply and demand, ensuring stakeholder accountability.
• Address abnormal demand, assess its impact on customer needs, and collaborate with supply planning to optimize safety stock and minimize working capital.
• Facilitate forecast review meetings to achieve consensus, manage forecast accuracy to WAPA and SPP targets, and work with sales to reduce bias while meeting customer KPIs.
• Provide escalations and key focus areas for further discussion at pre-demand meetings.
• Communicate supply issues to customers and internal stakeholders promptly, providing regular updates on actions and resolutions.
• Participate in all relevant IBP meetings for the New Zealand market, ensure consistent information across channels, adhere to IBP cycle timelines, support annual Budget/LRP development, and help stakeholders understand demand plan changes.
• Collaborate with Sales and Marketing to develop realistic demand forecasts for NPI, challenge inappropriate forecasts, and manage pipe fill requirements for new lines while reviewing established products.

About you

• Bachelors Degree in Applied Mathematics or Statistics, Logistics, Finance, Marketing or a related discipline
• Must have Blueshift experience
• Previous experience in Demand Planning within FMCG
• Good understanding of the New Zealand FMCG industry
• Strong forecasting skills
• Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders, with strong influencing skills
• Competent in Microsoft Office
• Ability to collaborate and work effectively in a team environment

If this sounds like you, then please apply online now.

Applications close Wednesday 14th May. Suitable candidates may be contacted prior to closing date.