At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive supply chain performance through data analysis and effective demand planning.
- Company: Leading distributor and manufacturer with a diverse market portfolio.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with advanced planning systems and international suppliers.
- Why this job: Shape the future of supply planning and make a real impact on business performance.
- Qualifications: Experience in demand planning and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Location: Bicester, Oxfordshire
Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Salary: Competitive Salary Offered
Drive Supply Chain Performance Through Data, Planning and Collaboration
As a leading distributor and manufacturer serving a diverse portfolio of markets across the UK, we are looking for an experienced Supply Chain & Demand Planning Specialist to take ownership of demand planning, forecasting and inbound supply activities, ensuring the right products are available at the right time while optimising inventory, cost and working capital. This is a highly visible role that works closely with Commercial, Operations, Finance and Supply Chain teams, helping to shape purchasing decisions and drive business performance through accurate forecasting and effective supply planning.
The Opportunity
You will play a pivotal role in shaping and developing our supply planning capability as we implement Slim4 (Slimstock) across the business. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced planning professional who has previously worked with Slim4, or a similar advanced planning platform, and ideally has experience supporting a system implementation, configuration or rollout. Working closely with Commercial, Operations and Finance teams, you will help establish forecasting models, stock profiles, replenishment parameters and reporting frameworks that will underpin future business growth and customer service performance. You will work with suppliers and logistics partners across the UK, Europe and Asia to ensure product availability whilst balancing inventory investment, working capital and service levels.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and continuously improve demand forecasts, stock profiles and replenishment parameters.
- Translate sales forecasts, promotions and product lifecycle plans into effective supply strategies.
- Work closely with Commercial teams to align planning activity with business objectives.
- Manage purchase orders, supplier releases and inbound supply activities.
- Monitor inventory health and drive improvements in stock accuracy and availability.
- Analyse forecast performance, inventory trends and supply risks to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Produce insightful KPI reporting and planning recommendations for stakeholders.
- Lead and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across planning, logistics and systems.
About You
You will be an analytical and commercially minded supply chain professional who enjoys using data, systems and cross-functional collaboration to drive business performance. You will ideally have:
- Proven experience in demand planning, supply planning, inventory management, purchasing or supply chain roles.
- Strong ERP/MRP and advanced Excel skills.
- Previous experience using Slim4 (Slimstock) or a comparable supply planning platform.
- Experience of supporting, implementing, configuring or optimising planning systems and processes.
- An understanding of forecasting methodologies, inventory optimisation and replenishment planning.
- Strong knowledge of international sourcing, supplier management and inbound logistics.
- The ability to challenge constructively, influence stakeholders and drive continuous improvement.
- Excellent analytical, organisational and problem-solving capability.
Supply Chain & Demand Planning Specialist in Bicester employer: Barrus
Join a dynamic and supportive team as a Workshop Mechanic, where your skills will be valued and your contributions recognised. Our company fosters a culture of continuous improvement and prioritises health and safety, ensuring you work in a clean and organised environment. With opportunities for professional growth and development, this role offers a rewarding career path in a thriving production setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Supply Chain & Demand Planning Specialist in Bicester
✨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 Barrus, 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 Supply Chain & Demand Planning Specialist.
We think you need these skills to ace Supply Chain & Demand Planning Specialist in Bicester
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 Barrus. 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 Barrus 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 Barrus
✨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 Barrus.
✨Research Specific Challenges Faced by Barrus
Look into any unique supply chain challenges Barrus 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!
