Overview
As Customer Demand Manager UKI, you will lead demand planning for the UK&I business, coordinating a team of Demand Planners and aligning with commercial and supply chain stakeholders. You drive 2–36 month forecasts, monitor forecast accuracy, and ensure the Demand Management Review process runs smoothly. You translate Sales and Marketing plans into robust demand plans using forecasting tools and market intelligence. You’ll work cross-functionally to close gaps between target and unconstrained demand and push continuous improvement across the network. This role offers impact across planning, customer service, and performance by shaping forecasting processes and stakeholder collaboration.
Responsibilities
- Lead and manage Demand Planning across the UK&I business, maintaining robust 2–36 month forecasts and Demand Management Review operations
- Be accountable for forecast accuracy and bias performance across the UK&I business
- Lead and develop a high-performing team of Demand Planners
- Translate Sales and Marketing plans into sales demand plans using forecasting systems and market intelligence
- Refine monthly forecasts with latest business and market information
- Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, Business Managers and Supply Chain to address gaps between target and unconstrained demand
- Ensure input from Sales and Account Managers enriches forecasts in a timely manner
- Support and contribute to the IBP process and Demand Management Review
- Monitor and report key demand KPIs (Forecast Accuracy, Bias, Vulnerabilities, Opportunities)
- Ensure forecasts are uploaded for effective MRP and supply planning
- Identify opportunities to improve forecasting processes, systems and ways of working
- Lead projects to improve customer satisfaction and drive continuous improvement
- Support deployment of regional Demand Planning initiatives and promote best practice
- Work with stakeholders on customer segmentation, replenishment models and service levels
- Oversee an effective SLOB process
- Investigate and resolve customer satisfaction issues to deliver sustainable improvements
Key requirements
- Degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business Administration, Science or related discipline
- Strong analytical skills and ability to work independently and make informed decisions
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for cross-functional relationship-building
- Strong business acumen with understanding of internal and external customer requirements
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills
- Strong coordination and prioritisation to manage multiple requirements and deliver end-to-end solutions
- Experience with ERP and forecasting systems (SAP, Oracle or JDA) and strong Excel/PowerPoint skills
- Excellent English skills
- analytical mindset
- stakeholder management
- communication
- ERP and forecasting systems (SAP, Oracle or JDA)
- Excel
- PowerPoint
Customer Demand Manager UKI in Slough employer: Akzo Nobel
At AkzoNobel, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Felling where innovation meets tradition. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our comprehensive benefits package, including competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and flexible working options that promote a healthy work-life balance. Join us to be part of a diverse team dedicated to driving digital transformation in manufacturing while enjoying opportunities for personal and professional development.
