At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive demand planning forecasts and collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimise sales strategies.
- Company: Kao, a globally recognised ethical company prioritising integrity and innovation.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, health perks, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Dynamic workplace culture focused on wellbeing, teamwork, and diversity.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and make a real impact in the beauty and FMCG sectors.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years in Demand Planning or Supply Chain; strong analytical and Excel skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are Kao, listed as one of the world’s most ethical companies for the last 20 years. Our corporate philosophy, The Kao Way, guides us in everything we do – acting with integrity, courageously driving innovation, and treating each other with trust and respect.
About our role
You will work closely with cross-functional teams in Consumer Care, including Sales, Marketing, Production, and wider Supply Chain to analyse historical data, assess market trends, and develop demand forecasts to support our sales and inventory management strategies.
What you will do
- Own, develop and drive Benelux Consumer Care Demand Planning 12-month forecasts utilizing KAO forecasting system & tools (IBP/SAP/Power BI) to work with the Consumer Care Commercial teams regionally to gather all information regarding product demands for their customers and use it to create an internal forecast that reflects actuals as closely as possible, e.g. promotion planning input, NPD volumes validation.
- Continuously improve forecasting accuracy by analysing demands vs actual sales & proposing corrective actions for product forecasts and process optimization.
- Deliver monthly reports on forecast deviation and proposals on improvements on demand planning parameters.
- Be the key demand planning contact for sales and marketing team for stock availability and allocation queries and any other ad-hoc support required. Work with them to maximise sales opportunities.
- Provide analysis of write-off risks and disposal costs for Finished Goods, Components & raw materials (with support from supply planners) to identify slow movers and enable short-term sales and marketing activities to minimise financial risk.
- Organise and lead monthly S&OP/demand planning meetings with appropriate consensus from Cross Functional Teams.
- Joint responsibility with the Supply Planner(s) to ensure that inventory levels are optimised and maintained at the targeted levels.
What you will need
- Degree educated or equivalent professional qualification preferred, but not essential.
- 3–5 years' experience in Demand Planning, Merchandising, or Supply Chain within the Beauty or FMCG sector.
- Solid understanding of demand planning principles, forecasting techniques, and statistical forecasting methodologies.
- Experience using SAP, Power BI, and demand planning/statistical forecasting tools is highly desirable.
- Advanced Excel skills, including Power Query, Power Pivot, Macros, and BI reporting.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to identify trends, generate insights, and support data-informed decision-making.
- Proven ability to build effective relationships and collaborate with commercial teams, supply chain functions, and external stakeholders.
- Effective communication and stakeholder management skills, both written and verbal.
- Self-motivated, well-organised, and able to work independently while contributing positively within a team environment.
- Adaptable and resilient, with the ability to perform effectively in a fast‑paced, evolving, multi‑channel retail environment.
What you can expect from us
- An entrepreneurial environment where passionate and innovative teams come together.
- Respect, teamwork and collaboration are at the heart of how we work.
- A workplace culture that prioritises employee wellbeing, with opportunities to get involved in initiatives such as Mental Health First Aiders, our Charity Committee, and DE&I communities.
- A broad range of benefits, including flexible working, competitive salaries, health and wellbeing offers, pension schemes, insurance options, and more.
- Learning and development opportunities.
At Kao, we believe the diversity of our teams strengthens our global mission. Here we trust and respect each other, collaborating in a friendly and inclusive work environment to achieve great results. Your voice matters here, we value entrepreneurial thinking and innovation from our teams.
Demand Planner, Consumer Care employer: AFM - Association Française du Marketing
At Kao, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer that fosters an entrepreneurial environment where passionate and innovative teams collaborate to drive success. Our commitment to employee wellbeing is reflected in our inclusive culture, flexible working options, and extensive benefits package, including health and wellbeing initiatives and learning opportunities. Join us in the Benelux region, where your contributions will be valued, and you will have the chance to grow within a company recognised for its ethical practices and dedication to diversity.
Contact Details:
AFM - Association Française du Marketing Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Demand Planner, Consumer Care
✨Join Supply Chain Meetups
Get yourself out there by attending supply chain meetups and industry events. It's a great way to meet fellow professionals, learn about trends, and maybe even hear about job openings before they’re posted online.
✨Show Off Your Skills on LinkedIn
Don’t just sit back and wait for opportunities! Post insights or articles on LinkedIn about supply chain challenges or solutions you’re passionate about. This not only showcases your expertise but can catch the eye of recruiters looking for someone like you.
✨Engage with Supply Chain Communities
Dive into online communities related to supply chain operations like forums or groups on Reddit and LinkedIn. Engaging in discussions can help you network, get advice, and you might even stumble upon some hidden job opportunities.
✨Apply through Our Website
When you spot a position at AFM - Association Française du Marketing, make sure to apply through our website directly. It's often the quickest way to get your application in front of the right people and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role of Demand Planner, Consumer Care.
We think you need these skills to ace Demand Planner, Consumer Care
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in supply chain operations. Whether it’s managing logistics or coordinating with suppliers, we want to see examples of how you've navigated the complexities of the supply chain. Concrete achievements, like reducing costs or improving delivery times, will definitely catch our eye!
Quantify Your Impact:When listing your previous roles on your CV, go for numbers! Mention percentages or actual figures where possible—like how much you've improved efficiency or reduced waste. It's all about showing us the tangible impact you've made in your past positions in supply chain operations.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:In your cover letter, don’t just regurgitate your CV. Instead, connect your experiences specifically to the role at AFM - Association Française du Marketing. Share why you're passionate about supply chain operations and how this full-time role aligns with your career goals—I mean, who wouldn’t want to hear that!
Research and Reflect:Before you apply, take some time to research AFM - Association Française du Marketing and its supply chain operations. Reflect on how your skills and experiences can fit into their operations. Being able to discuss their challenges and how you can contribute to solving them in your application will really make you stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at AFM - Association Française du Marketing
✨Know Your Basics in Supply Chain Management
Make sure you've got a solid grasp of key supply chain concepts like demand forecasting, inventory management, and logistics. We could be quizzed on these during technical rounds, so brush up on any software tools commonly used in the industry like SAP or Oracle. This knowledge will help us show we can hit the ground running!
✨Show Off Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss real-world scenarios where you've used data analysis to solve supply chain challenges. If you've got experience with tools like Excel or Tableau, get ready to talk about how you've used these to optimise processes or improve efficiencies. Employers love seeing that we can turn data into actionable insights!
✨Highlight Your Teamwork and Project Management Skills
In a full-time role, collaboration is key. Think of examples where you've worked on cross-functional teams or managed projects. Sharing how you navigated challenges while working with diverse groups will show that we can thrive in a dynamic environment like at AFM - Association Française du Marketing.
✨Research Specific Challenges Faced by AFM - Association Française du Marketing
Look into any unique supply chain challenges AFM - Association Française du Marketing might be facing, whether it's sustainability, supplier relationships, or global disruptions. Being prepared to discuss these topics shows that we're not only informed but also genuinely interested in how we can contribute to their success. That’s a big plus in any interview!
