Demand Planning Manager

Role: Demand Planning Manager (12-Month Fixed Term Contract) Location: Leicester Salary: Competitive, based on experience Contract Type: Fixed Term (12 months) – Immediate start Are you an experienced planner with a passion for supply chain optimisation? Are you looking to take the next step in your career and make a meaningful impact in a fast-paced FMCG environment? This could be the perfect opportunity for you. We are seeking an engaging and driven Demand Planning Manager to lead a dedicated demand planner, working collaboratively to optimise the supply chain, improve efficiency, and enhance service levels. About the Role As Demand Planning Manager, you’ll play a pivotal role in driving operational success by combining forecasting accuracy, inventory management, and strategic planning with exceptional leadership and stakeholder collaboration. This is an ideal role for a Senior Planner ready to take their career to the next level or for someone with change management experience looking to make an impact. Key Responsibilities Forecasting Accuracy: Develop and manage accurate demand forecasts to balance stock availability with cost control. Inventory Management: Monitor inventory levels, minimise waste, and ensure availability for seasonal events and key business priorities. Strategic Planning: Lead demand planning for seasonal events, promotional campaigns, and business-critical initiatives. Continuous Improvement: Identify and implement improvements to processes, systems, and tools (Relex experience preferred). Change Management: Drive system and process change initiatives to create a more agile, customer-centric supply chain. Stakeholder Collaboration: Build strong relationships with internal teams (Sales, Marketing, Operations) and external stakeholders to streamline processes and align goals. Leadership: Inspire, coach, and guide a demand planner, creating a high-performing and motivated team. What We’re Looking For You’ll be a proactive, solution-focused individual with: Extensive Planning Experience: A strong track record in demand and supply planning, ideally in FMCG. Analytical and Leadership Skills: The ability to analyse complex data, lead teams, and make strategic decisions. ERP Systems Expertise: Advanced knowledge of ERP and planning tools (experience with Relex is a strong advantage). UK Retail Knowledge: A solid understanding of the UK retail landscape and its unique challenges. Relationship Building Skills: A natural ability to bring people together, foster collaboration, and influence stakeholders. Engaging Personality: Energetic and approachable, with excellent communication skills to inspire teams and drive success. Who This Role is Perfect For This role is ideal for a Senior Planner looking to step up into a leadership role or for someone with strong change management experience seeking to make an impact in a complex, fast-paced environment. To succeed in this role, you’ll need to: Demonstrate a customer-focused mindset. Thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic FMCG environment. Show adaptability and resilience in the face of change. Collaborate effectively across teams and with external partners. Deliver measurable improvements in efficiency, cost, and service levels. What They Offer The opportunity to take your career to the next level in a high-impact role. A supportive and collaborative workplace with a focus on excellence. Competitive salary and benefits package