Senior Demand Planning Lead ***Global FMCG Category Leader***
Senior Demand Planning Lead ***Global FMCG Category Leader***

Senior Demand Planning Lead ***Global FMCG Category Leader***

Slough Full-Time 75000 - 85000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead demand planning for a global FMCG brand, ensuring data-driven forecasts and operational alignment.
  • Company: Join a renowned global leader in FMCG known for innovation and market leadership.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid work, car allowance, bonus, pension, healthcare, and more.
  • Why this job: Be part of a high-performance culture that values agility and strategic impact in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in demand planning with leadership experience; strong analytical skills and Excel proficiency required.
  • Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at our core; we welcome authentic applicants from all backgrounds.

The predicted salary is between 75000 - 85000 £ per year.

Job Description

Senior Demand Planning Lead ***Global FMCG Category Leader***

Location: West London – Hybrid 3 days per week office based

Salary: £75,000 to £85,000 Per annum + Benefits (Car Allowance, Bonus, Pension, Healthcare, Holiday & More)

A global leader in FMCG is seeking an experienced Senior Demand Planning Lead to oversee and optimise the demand planning function for a complex, multi-channel product portfolio across the UK and Ireland. Renowned for innovation, category leadership, and global brand equity, this business operates at scale, with agile decision-making and a high-performance culture.

In this strategic role, you’ll drive forecast accuracy, lead the S&OP process, and deliver critical planning insights to ensure commercial and operational alignment. Managing a team of 8 (direct and indirect), you’ll play a central role in enhancing forecasting capability, systems, and ways of working to support continued market leadership and expansion.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the end-to-end demand planning process across all UK/Ireland channels, ensuring forecasts are data-driven, commercially informed, and operationally executable.
  • Act as the planning business partner to Commercial, Finance, Marketing, and Supply Chain teams, aligning forecast outputs with business strategy.
  • Develop and continuously improve forecast models, tools, and analytics to enhance accuracy and drive efficiency.
  • Own and track key KPIs related to forecast performance, bias, and error, identifying trends and opportunities for improvement.
  • Build and nurture a high-performing planning team, providing coaching, development, and leadership.
  • Play a key role in evolving and embedding an effective S&OP/IBP framework across the business.

Requirements:

  • 5+ years of demand planning experience within a global FMCG business – food, beverage, personal care, or pharmaceuticals ideal.
  • Proven leadership and line management experience, with a track record of developing talent and influencing senior stakeholders.

***Please note we cannot consider applicants without leadership experience***

  • Advanced analytical skills with strong Excel proficiency; experience with SAP IBP or similar platforms is a strong advantage.
  • Excellent cross-functional collaboration and communication abilities, with the gravitas to challenge and align across teams.
  • Resilience and agility to succeed in a fast-moving, matrixed environment with evolving priorities.

What Happens Next? 🎬

  • Now: Apply today with your CV, which will be reviewed by our MKJ Recruitment team.
  • First Stage: Teams call with the talent team and hiring manager.
  • Second Stage: Competency interview onsite at our client’s HQ.

🤝 People are at the heart of everything we do. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive recruitment process that allows everyone to be their authentic self. ❤️

While we would love to reply to all applicants, due to high application volumes, if you do not hear back within 14 days, unfortunately, the role won’t be progressing. The position may be in the process of closing, so it could be a matter of timing. But no worries! There will be more opportunities. Follow us at Mackenzie Jones Recruitment to stay updated on new openings. 👀

Senior Demand Planning Lead ***Global FMCG Category Leader*** employer: Mackenzie Jones

As a global leader in the FMCG sector, this company offers an exceptional work environment in West London, where innovation and high performance are at the forefront of its culture. Employees benefit from a comprehensive package that includes a competitive salary, car allowance, bonus, and healthcare, alongside opportunities for professional growth and development within a collaborative and inclusive team. With a focus on agility and strategic alignment, this role not only enhances your career but also contributes to the company's continued market leadership.
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Contact Detail:

Mackenzie Jones Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Demand Planning Lead ***Global FMCG Category Leader***

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in demand planning within the FMCG sector. Understanding current market dynamics and innovations can help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to the company's goals during interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the FMCG industry, especially those involved in demand planning. Engaging with others in your field can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during your interview process.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've improved forecasting accuracy or led successful S&OP processes in your previous roles. Concrete examples will demonstrate your expertise and leadership capabilities to the hiring team.

✨Tip Number 4

Showcase your analytical skills by being ready to discuss tools and methodologies you've used in demand planning. If you have experience with SAP IBP or similar platforms, make sure to highlight this, as it aligns well with the job requirements.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Demand Planning Lead ***Global FMCG Category Leader***

Demand Planning
Forecast Accuracy
S&OP Process Management
Data Analysis
Advanced Excel Proficiency
SAP IBP or Similar Platforms
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Leadership and Team Development
Stakeholder Management
Key Performance Indicator Tracking
Analytical Skills
Commercial Acumen
Agility in Fast-Paced Environments
Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your demand planning experience, especially within the FMCG sector. Emphasise your leadership roles and any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage teams and drive forecast accuracy.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that connects your skills and experiences directly to the job description. Mention your familiarity with S&OP processes and your analytical skills, and explain how you can contribute to the company's goals.

Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on key skills mentioned in the job description, such as advanced Excel proficiency and experience with SAP IBP. Provide examples of how you've used these skills in previous roles.

Prepare for Interviews: Anticipate questions related to your leadership experience and how you've improved forecasting processes in the past. Be ready to discuss specific KPIs you've tracked and how you've influenced cross-functional teams.

How to prepare for a job interview at Mackenzie Jones

✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience

Since this role requires proven leadership skills, be prepared to discuss your past experiences in managing teams. Highlight specific examples where you developed talent and influenced senior stakeholders.

✨Demonstrate Analytical Skills

With advanced analytical skills being a key requirement, come ready to discuss your proficiency in Excel and any experience with SAP IBP or similar platforms. Consider preparing a brief case study or example of how you've used data to drive decisions.

✨Understand the S&OP Process

Familiarise yourself with the Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) process, as it’s crucial for this role. Be ready to explain how you have contributed to or led S&OP initiatives in your previous positions.

✨Prepare for Cross-Functional Collaboration Questions

Given the need for excellent collaboration across various teams, think of examples that showcase your communication abilities. Prepare to discuss how you've aligned forecasts with business strategies in past roles.

Senior Demand Planning Lead ***Global FMCG Category Leader***
Mackenzie Jones
M
  • Senior Demand Planning Lead ***Global FMCG Category Leader***

    Slough
    Full-Time
    75000 - 85000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-07-15

  • M

    Mackenzie Jones

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