Forecasting manager in Ashford

Brakes are recruiting for a Forecasting Manager to join the team on a Full Time, Permanent Basis. The Forecasting Manager is responsible for leading the demand planning function for multiple business units within Sysco GB covering all product categories & customers. This role plays a key part in delivering forecast accuracy, availability, and waste targets while supporting strategic growth plans. You will manage seasonal and event planning throughout the year, build collaborative relationships across the business and with internal partners, and provide input into broader business projects and transformation initiatives. The role also includes managing, developing, and coaching a team of demand planning associates. This role is offering flexible hybrid working with 2 days based in our Ashford, Kent office for team collaboration and meetings, so you must be within a commutable distance.

Key Accountabilities & Responsibilities:

• Lead and develop a team to deliver on forecast accuracy, availability, and waste KPIs.
• Develop a high performing team - responsible for the recruitment, development, and performance management of a team.
• Promote and drive a continuous improvement culture across the Demand team.
• Build strong working relationships to support and drive accountability, including best practice forecasting techniques across the business.
• Be strategically involved in specific business or category change activities that impact Demand planning, either working in a lead role, isolation or as part of a wider project team.
• Pro-actively produce root cause analysis techniques to establish underlying causes of KPI shortfalls and implement improvement plans to rectify your area of responsibility.
• Lead/attend any Demand associated calls and coordinate improvement plans and/or communicate progress to relevant key stakeholders where required.
• Represent your area or wider function at internal and external meetings.
• Deputise in the absence of Head of Demand Planning.
• Collaborate regularly with Product Supply, Marketing, Merchandising and Customer facing colleagues to drive consistent, timely and high-quality demand signals, as well as the ability to challenge poor performance.

You:

We are looking for someone with experience in Demand or Forecast Management, demonstrating expertise in forecasting methods and demand planning. Your advanced numeracy and analytical skills are complemented by proficiency in Excel, applied across various ERP systems. You are customer and people-focused, with excellent communication and interpersonal skills that enable you to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels. As an inspirational change leader, you thrive in busy, high-pressure environments by maintaining resilience, prioritising workloads efficiently, and applying strong organisation and planning skills. Your ability to adapt your communication style and work collaboratively makes you a key contributor to driving successful demand management initiatives. You have a continuous improvement mindset and a proven ability to solve complex problems. Familiarity with Microsoft Office, BI tools such as Tableau, and ERPs like SAP, Relex, Prophet, or D365 is advantageous.

What we offer:

• Car/ Travel Allowance: £5500 per annum.
• Private Medical: Single Cover.
• Early Access to Your Earnings: Use our dedicated Wage Stream app to access your earned salary whenever you need it, helping you manage your finances with ease and confidence.
• Flexible Time Off: Take advantage of the option to purchase additional annual leave.
• Comprehensive Wellbeing & Health Support: Benefit from our Employee Assistance Programme, offering confidential mental health support, 24/7 GP appointments, physiotherapy, flu vaccinations, eye tests and a wide range of health services for you and your family.
• Competitive Pension Scheme: Secure your future with our robust pension plan designed to help you plan long term.
• Life Assurance: Peace of mind with life assurance coverage designed to protect you and your loved ones.
• Exclusive Discounts: Enjoy access to Sysco Perks, where you’ll find discounts on everything from gym memberships to your weekly grocery shop.
• Special Sysco Product Discounts: Get the chance to purchase our food products at significantly reduced prices.
• Free Mortgage Advice: Navigate the property market with confidence thanks to complimentary expert mortgage guidance.
• Enhanced Family-Friendly Leave: Our policies support you through important life moments, offering greater flexibility and care for you and your family.

Additional Information:

At Brakes everyone is welcome. We don’t want you to ‘fit our culture’ we want you to help define it and we actively celebrate the unique talents of each and every colleague. We don’t just look at your CV, we’re more focused on who you are and your potential. As part of our values, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture where everyone has a voice, is appreciated and has the same opportunities. We work hard to ensure that everyone feels part of our business, as we care for one another and connect the world through food and trusted partnerships. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that everyone belongs and thrives at Brakes and we recognise that Brakes can only thrive when everyone feels they belong. We'll do everything we can to support you during your application. If you need us to make any adjustments to our recruitment process, speak to our resourcing team who will be happy to support you.

Brakes is built on a passion for food and feeding the nation, we are the UK’s largest foodservice supplier. Every day Brakes deliver the highest quality fresh and frozen food and ingredients from our nationwide network of distribution centres to some of the nation’s most famous pubs and restaurants, as well as schools, caterers, care homes and hospitals. Our customers depend on us, and our 8,000-strong workforce is dedicated and proud to be part of this vital provision. And we’re growing!