At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead demand planning for multiple business units, ensuring forecast accuracy and waste targets.
- Company: Brakes is the UK's largest foodservice supplier, delivering quality food to various sectors.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hybrid working and a supportive, inclusive culture that values your unique talents.
- Other info: Brakes celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team where you can drive change and make a real impact in foodservice.
- Qualifications: Experience in Demand or Forecast Management within FMCG, strong analytical skills, and proficiency in Excel required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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.
- Developing 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, inc 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
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!
Forecasting manager in Ashford employer: Brakes
Brakes is an exceptional employer that prioritises a diverse and inclusive work culture, where every employee is encouraged to contribute their unique talents. With flexible hybrid working arrangements and a commitment to professional development, employees in the Forecasting Manager role will thrive in a supportive environment that values collaboration and continuous improvement. Located in Ashford, Kent, this position offers the opportunity to lead a high-performing team while playing a crucial role in driving strategic growth within the UK's largest foodservice supplier.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Forecasting manager in Ashford
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest forecasting methods and tools relevant to the FMCG sector. Being well-versed in techniques like root cause analysis and demand planning will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your expertise during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the demand planning field, especially those who have experience in foodservice or FMCG environments. Engaging with industry peers can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals that could enhance your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and experiences in developing high-performing teams. Highlight specific examples where you’ve successfully managed a team, improved KPIs, or implemented continuous improvement initiatives to showcase your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Brakes' company culture and values thoroughly. Understanding their commitment to diversity and inclusion will help you align your responses during interviews, showing that you resonate with their mission and are eager to contribute positively to their workplace.
We think you need these skills to ace Forecasting manager in Ashford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your extensive experience in Demand or Forecast Management, particularly within FMCG or Foodservice environments. Emphasise your expertise in forecasting methods and demand planning, as well as your proficiency in relevant tools like Excel, SQL, and ERP systems.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express your passion for food service and how your skills align with the role of Forecasting Manager. Mention your ability to lead teams, drive continuous improvement, and build collaborative relationships across various business units.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Provide specific examples in your application that demonstrate your advanced numeracy and analytical skills. Highlight instances where you successfully implemented root cause analysis techniques to improve KPIs or solve complex problems.
Highlight Your Leadership Experience:Discuss your experience in managing, developing, and coaching teams. Share examples of how you've promoted a culture of accountability and best practices in forecasting, as well as your ability to adapt your communication style to engage effectively with stakeholders.
How to prepare for a job interview at Brakes
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
As a Forecasting Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your advanced numeracy and analytical skills. Be prepared to discuss specific forecasting methods you've used in the past and how they contributed to demand planning success.
✨Emphasise Team Leadership Experience
Highlight your experience in managing and developing teams. Share examples of how you've successfully recruited, coached, and motivated team members to achieve KPIs related to forecast accuracy and waste reduction.
✨Demonstrate Continuous Improvement Mindset
Discuss your approach to continuous improvement and problem-solving. Prepare to provide examples of how you've implemented root cause analysis techniques to address KPI shortfalls and drive improvements in demand planning.
✨Build Relationships Across Functions
Since collaboration is key in this role, be ready to talk about how you've built strong working relationships with various stakeholders. Share instances where your communication skills helped align different departments towards common goals.
