At a Glance
- Tasks: Create and manage demand forecasts to align business strategies with customer needs.
- Company: Dynamic manufacturing company based in Oxford with a hybrid work model.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with excellent career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a fast-paced team and make a real impact on business decisions.
- Qualifications: Experience in supply chain or demand planning and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: Oxford, UK
Work Model: Hybrid
The Role
We are seeking a highly motivated individual with a keen eye for detail, who excels at managing multiple priorities in a fast‑paced, team‑based environment. Reporting to the Senior Director of Supply Chain Operations, the successful candidate will create and manage the Demand Plan for one of our regions. This is crucial for aligning business strategies and policies with customer demand (internal & external) to ensure customer orders can be fulfilled. The Demand Planner maintains the forecast models, incorporating business intelligence and forecast information gathered from Sales, Marketing, Finance, Product Management, and any other relevant sources. This role involves delivering the demand plan for use in both a financial and production planning capacity, as well as providing support to the senior management team in making key business decisions.
Key Responsibilities
- Developing demand forecasts (operational forecasts) at multiple levels of aggregation for multiple time horizons as part of a demand planning function.
- Reviewing historical demand trends, researching demand drivers, preparing forecast data, developing forecast models, and evaluating forecast results.
- Documenting assumptions related to major changes of forecast.
- Coordinating cross‑functional research activities to reconcile significant variances and adjusting the forecast model to reflect updated demand and Product Management assumptions.
- Interacting with Sales, Product Management, and other customers to understand demand forecast drivers.
- Supporting Sales, New Product Launch, and Product Management teams in reporting the monthly forecast accuracy.
- Maintaining a detailed knowledge of sales strategies and initiatives, including gaps and opportunities between the latest forecast and annual operating plans, and using this information to optimise planning.
- Closely coordinating and communicating demand forecast plans with Supply Chain Production Schedulers and Production.
Required Experience & Skills
- Extensive supply chain/forecasting/demand planning experience in a manufacturing KPI environment.
- A degree in Business Management or Supply Chain Management.
- Strong numerical and analytical skills with commercial and financial acumen.
- Skilled in data gathering, quantitative data analysis, metrics, etc.
- Experience with complex planning, forecasting, and product lifecycle programmes.
- Experience with sales and operational planning process facilitation.
- Strong PC skills, including proficiency in Excel and AX Dynamics.
- First‑class communication and interpersonal skills, with confidence interacting with all levels of management.
- Ability to work collaboratively and enjoy being part of a team.
- A proactive problem solver, able to evaluate situations, identify options, and implement effective solutions with the customer in mind.
- Excellent organisation and time management skills, with the flexibility to handle a broad range of responsibilities as well as managing projects.
Preferred Qualifications
- APICS or CIPS qualified.
- Conversant with Demand Driven MRP.
Demand Planner employer: Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)
Join our dynamic team in Oxford as a Demand Planner, where we foster a collaborative and inclusive work culture that values innovation and professional growth. With a hybrid work model, we offer flexibility alongside competitive benefits, ensuring our employees thrive both personally and professionally. Our commitment to employee development and a supportive environment makes us an exceptional employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
Contact Details:
Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Demand Planner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their products and how your skills as a Demand Planner can help them meet customer demand. Tailor your responses to show you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or use online resources to refine your answers. Focus on showcasing your analytical skills and experience in demand planning to impress the interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Demand Planner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Demand Planner role. Highlight your experience in supply chain and forecasting, and don’t forget to showcase those strong numerical and analytical skills we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about demand planning and how your background aligns with our needs. Be sure to mention any relevant projects or achievements.
Show Off Your Skills:We want to see your proficiency in Excel and any experience with AX Dynamics. If you’ve got experience with complex planning or forecasting, make sure to highlight that too. Numbers are your friends here!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Demand Planner, you'll need to showcase your strong numerical and analytical skills. Brush up on key metrics related to demand forecasting and supply chain management. Be ready to discuss how you've used data analysis in past roles to drive decisions.
✨Understand the Business
Familiarise yourself with the company's products, sales strategies, and market trends. This will help you align your answers with their business goals. Show that you can connect the dots between customer demand and operational planning.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think of examples where you've had to adjust forecasts based on changing circumstances. Be prepared to explain your thought process and the impact of your decisions.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Collaboration is key in this role. Highlight your experience working with cross-functional teams, such as Sales and Product Management. Share specific examples of how you've successfully coordinated efforts to achieve common goals.
