Demand Planner

Role Purpose

The Demand Planner role is to provide forecasting and proactive inventory planning improvement recommendations, with a key focus on accurate demand forecasting and a strong S&OP process. The role also involves promoting the Supply Chain department positively and professionally, and striving to achieve and exceed personal, departmental, and company targets.

Key Responsibilities

• Generate forecasts, analyze deviations, highlight missing information, and propose solutions.
• Hold monthly S&OP reviews with key stakeholders, prepare agendas, and gather data.
• Manage CRM project requirements and identify forecast changes due to project outcomes.
• Collaborate with Business Development managers to improve forecast accuracy and stock availability.
• Ensure timely communication of forecasts across the business, especially before S&OP cycles.
• Proactively gather information to refine forecasts.
• Maintain forecasts in MAPICS and other relevant systems, considering items, seasonality, and data.
• Conduct root cause analysis to improve forecast accuracy.
• Work with Master Planner to configure planning tools for warehouse requirements.
• Manage logical warehouse and stock policies for consumer warehouses.
• Create and control local Project warehouses.
• Coordinate with EMEA Consumer teams on forecasts, catalog launches, and EPOS data.
• Manage phase-out programs with retailers.
• Maintain stock levels aligned with forecasts and check future stock needs.
• Identify opportunities to improve OTIF KPI scores with customers.
• Ensure data and service levels support customer ordering processes.
• Support demand planning and supply chain colleagues to streamline activities.
• Develop and manage supply chain models for e-commerce success.
• Handle inquiries from Sales Support and find alternative solutions.
• Perform other duties as required and travel within Europe and the UK with appropriate documents.
• Adhere to health, safety, and environmental policies at all times.

Person Specification and Background

Skills

• Creative, resourceful, and independent thinker.
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficient in BI tools and Microsoft Office, e.g., Birst, Excel.
• ERP/MRP system experience is highly desirable.
• Proven problem-solving, planning, forecasting, and analytical skills; high numeracy standard.

Education

• Degree or equivalent qualification; professional qualifications like CIPS are a plus.

Experience

• At least 3 years in forecasting or commercial analysis roles.
• Supply Chain background preferred.
• Experience with Far East or long lead time supply chains is highly desirable.