At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop accurate demand forecasts and analyse sales data to optimise inventory levels.
- Company: Join Gilkes, a family-owned business with a rich 170-year heritage.
- Benefits: Generous pension scheme, enhanced family leave, and 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and a supportive workplace culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a collaborative environment focused on continuous improvement.
- Qualifications: Degree in Supply Chain Management or related field; experience in demand planning preferred.
The predicted salary is between 32937 - 44751 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Demand Planning Manager to join the team in Kendal, Cumbria. Reporting to the Head of Commercial, you will be responsible for developing accurate demand forecasts, analysing sales data and market trends, and ensuring optimal inventory levels to meet customer demand and support efficient manufacturing operations.
Working closely with Sales, Operations, Procurement and Finance, the role will align demand and supply plans while providing updates and support to customers and suppliers to ensure smooth service delivery.
Salary: £32,937 to £44,751 (dependent on experience)
Responsibilities:
- Develop and maintain accurate monthly demand forecasts using data analysis, market intelligence and statistical models
- Analyse trends, seasonality and product performance to continuously improve forecast accuracy
- Lead the monthly forecast review process, building a consensus plan with Sales, Marketing and Finance
- Translate demand forecasts into actionable plans for Production, Procurement and Inventory teams
- Monitor forecast performance (e.g. MAPE, bias) and drive continuous improvement
- Identify risks and opportunities within the demand plan and present insights to senior stakeholders
- Support inventory optimisation and service level performance while balancing working capital objectives
- Produce regular reporting and dashboards on forecast accuracy and demand performance
The Individual:
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail
- Commercially aware with the ability to prioritise effectively
- Collaborative and confident in influencing stakeholders
- Proactive mindset focused on continuous improvement
- Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Statistics, Engineering or related field
- Knowledge of advanced forecasting techniques or statistical modelling
- Familiarity with lean manufacturing or inventory optimisation methodologies
- Proven experience in demand planning, supply chain planning, or forecasting within a manufacturing environment
- Strong analytical and numerical skills; proficient in Excel and planning tools (e.g., SAP, Oracle, IFS or specialised forecasting software)
- Experience working within an IBP framework
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Ability to interpret complex data and translate it into clear business recommendations
Why Gilkes?
Gilkes invests in its people & in developing a positive organisational culture. Our values-based approach has been shaped from a 170 year heritage as a family-owned business and we strongly believe that our people are the ultimate differentiator & are at the heart of everything we do. In return for our employees' commitment, we offer:
- Generous Pension Scheme (with flexible pension benefits)
- Enhanced family leave (maternity & paternity)
- 25 days holidays plus bank holidays (the option to buy more!)
- Continuous professional development & membership funding
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Life Insurance
- Access to OH Support / EAP programme for wellbeing support
- And much more...
Interested? Contact us at recruitment@gilkes.com for more information.
Demand Planning Manager in Kendal employer: Gilbert Gilkes and Gordon Ltd
Gilkes is an exceptional employer located in Kendal, Cumbria, offering a supportive and values-driven work culture that prioritises employee development and well-being. With a generous pension scheme, enhanced family leave, and opportunities for continuous professional growth, Gilkes ensures that its employees feel valued and empowered to excel in their roles. The company's rich 170-year heritage as a family-owned business fosters a collaborative environment where every team member's contribution is recognised and celebrated.
Contact Details:
Gilbert Gilkes and Gordon Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Demand Planning Manager in Kendal
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with professionals 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 values and how they align with your own. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common interview questions, but keep it natural. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, especially when discussing your experience in demand planning and analytics.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you on their radar.
We think you need these skills to ace Demand Planning Manager in Kendal
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Demand Planning Manager role. Highlight your experience in demand forecasting, data analysis, and any relevant tools you've used. We want to see how your skills align with what 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 makes you a great fit for our team. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality come through.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role requires strong analytical abilities, be sure to include specific examples of how you've used data to drive decisions in your previous roles. We’re keen to see your problem-solving skills in action!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gilbert Gilkes and Gordon Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Demand Planning Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your analytical skills. Brush up on key metrics like MAPE and bias, and be ready to discuss how you've used data analysis in past roles to improve forecast accuracy.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
This role involves working closely with various teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with Sales, Marketing, and Finance in the past. Highlight any consensus-building experiences that led to improved demand planning.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle specific challenges in demand planning. Think through potential risks and opportunities in a demand plan and be prepared to present your insights clearly and confidently.
✨Demonstrate Continuous Improvement Mindset
The company values a proactive approach to improvement. Share instances where you've identified inefficiencies in processes and implemented changes that led to better inventory optimisation or service level performance.
