Head of Demand Planning in Preston

Head of Demand Planning

Salary

up to £80,000 per annum + benefits including car allowance and 15% bonus

Location

Burnley

*Applicants can be based anywhere in the UK - travel & accommodation to site will be provided*

An exciting Manufacturing business based in Burnley are looking to recruit for an experienced Head of Demand Planning, working globally to lead the forecasting function and shape the future of the demand planning capability.

This is a senior leadership role, and will be responsible for developing forecasting strategies, improving planning processes and ensuring demand plans support the wider commercial and operational objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Take ownership of the monthly demand planning cycle, ensuring an effective and collaborative planning process across the business.
• Establish consistent forecasting standards and drive alignment between commercial, finance and supply chain teams.
• Provide clear direction on demand planning priorities and support strategic business decisions through accurate forecasting.
• Develop and implement a global demand forecasting strategy that supports business objectives.
• Drive consensus forecasting through collaboration with key stakeholders.
• Evaluate, recommend and implement demand planning technologies that improve forecasting capability.
• Ensure planning data is accurate, well governed and supports effective decision making.
• Lead, develop and coach the demand planning team to build capability and encourage continuous improvement.
• Set clear objectives and performance measures for the team, including forecast accuracy, forecast bias and value-added performance.
• Create a positive, collaborative and high-performing working environment.
• Build strong working relationships with colleagues across Sales, Finance, Operations, Procurement and Supply Chain.
• Work closely with customers and other external partners where appropriate to improve forecast quality.
• Provide expert guidance on market trends, demand changes and planning assumptions.
• Identify opportunities to simplify and strengthen forecasting processes.
• Introduce best practice planning methodologies, reporting tools and system enhancements.
• Drive continuous improvements that increase forecasting accuracy and operational efficiency.
• Maintaining high levels of finished goods availability.
• Supporting excellent customer delivery performance, including OTIF and OTD measures.
• Driving compliance with established demand planning processes.
• Improving forecast accuracy through effective governance and KPI management.
• Increasing the maturity of demand planning capability across the business.
• Introducing efficient and scalable planning processes that support commercial growth.
• Leading, developing and motivating the demand planning team.
• Enhancing planning systems, reporting capability and forecasting processes.
• Analysing demand trends to improve inventory performance, customer service and overall business results.
• Working collaboratively as a senior leader to support business strategy and organisational objectives.
• The ideal candidate will have the following skills, experience and attributes:
• Significant experience (typically five to ten years) within demand planning, forecasting or integrated business planning leadership roles.
• Experience in systems implementation.
• Proven experience delivering planning transformation or change management initiatives.
• Strong understanding of forecasting methodologies and demand planning technologies.
• Experience using planning and reporting tools to support business decision making.
• Knowledge of ERP systems, particularly SAP.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills together with reporting platforms such as Power BI.
• Strong commercial awareness with a sound understanding of Finance, Sales, Marketing, Manufacturing, Procurement and Supply Chain operations.
• Experience implementing Integrated Business Planning (IBP) or comparable planning frameworks.
• Excellent analytical ability with confidence interpreting complex datasets.
• Previous people management experience with the ability to lead and develop high-performing teams.
• Experience managing multiple business initiatives simultaneously.
• A track record of improving forecasting performance, process compliance, inventory efficiency and project delivery.

In return, you will receive

• A competitive salary of £65,000-£80,000pa
• Car allowance - £5000
• Annual bonus of up to 15%
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Monday – Friday working hours, with flexible/ core working hours
• Excellent company culture
• Hybrid working
• Future development and progression opportunities

There will be international travel involved with this role, so please only apply if you are able to travel.

Interested in this role? Please click apply now and I’ll be in touch if your application has been successful!