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- Tasks: Lead demand forecasting and S&OP processes to align teams and drive data-backed decisions.
- Company: Join Gleeson Recruitment Group, a diverse and inclusive employer committed to your growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional development and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by optimising supply chains and enhancing business strategies in a fast-paced setting.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree required; 5+ years in demand planning or supply chain preferred.
- Other info: We value diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We are seeking a data-driven and strategic Demand Planning Manager to lead our demand forecasting and S&OP processes. This role is critical in aligning cross-functional teams and ensuring that demand plans reflect commercial strategies, market realities, and supply capabilities. You will be responsible for creating robust demand forecasts, facilitating the monthly S&OP cycle, and helping the business make informed, data-backed decisions.
Key Responsibilities
- Demand Forecasting & Planning
- Develop and maintain a 18-24 month rolling demand forecast at SKU, channel, and customer level using a mix of statistical tools, historical data, and business inputs.
- Analyze sales trends, seasonality, customer demand patterns, POS data, and marketing activities to inform forecast assumptions.
- Track and improve forecast accuracy using metrics such as MAPE, BIAS, and forecast vs. actual variances.
- Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP)
- Own and facilitate the monthly S&OP process, ensuring alignment between Demand, Supply, Sales, Marketing, and Finance.
- Lead Demand Review meetings, preparing key inputs, scenario planning, and insights that support volume and financial alignment.
- Drive consensus across functions on demand plans, forecast risks and opportunities, and supply constraints.
- Translate business strategy into demand plans that support financial objectives, production planning, and inventory goals.
- Monitor execution of S&OP decisions and identify gaps, escalations, or mitigation actions.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with Sales and Marketing to incorporate promotional plans, new product launches, and customer feedback into the forecast.
- Work closely with Supply Planning, Operations, and Inventory teams to ensure capacity and supply plans align with demand projections.
- Collaborate with Finance to ensure volume plans align with budget and forecast cycles.
- Inventory & Supply Chain Alignment
- Optimize inventory across channels by balancing supply and demand, avoiding both stockouts and excess.
- Analyze root causes of forecast errors or service issues and recommend continuous improvement actions.
- Support end-to-end visibility and agility in the supply chain by communicating forecast shifts and trends in real time.
- Analytics, Reporting & Continuous Improvement
- Build and maintain reporting dashboards to visualize key forecast and S&OP metrics.
- Conduct post-mortems on forecast performance and apply learnings to future cycles.
- Drive continuous improvement of demand planning processes and tools, including automation and advanced analytics.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Analytics, Economics, or related field; MBA or Master's preferred.
- 5+ years of experience in demand planning, forecasting, or supply chain within a consumer brand or CPG environment.
- Proven experience leading or co-owning an S&OP process.
- Strong analytical mindset with the ability to interpret large datasets and convert them into actionable insights.
- Proficiency with forecasting tools (e.g., SAP IBP, Oracle Demantra, NetSuite), ERP systems, and advanced Excel.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic business with competing priorities.
Preferred Qualifications
- APICS, IBF, or S&OP certification (e.g., CPIM, CSCP, CPF, or CLTD).
- Experience working in omnichannel environments (eCommerce, wholesale, retail).
- Familiarity with data visualization tools like Power BI or Tableau.
- Exposure to global or regional planning across markets.
At Gleeson Recruitment Group, we embrace inclusivity and welcome applicants of all backgrounds, experiences, and abilities. We are proud to be a disability confident employer.
Demand Planning Manager employer: Gleeson Recruitment Group
Contact Detail:
Gleeson Recruitment Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Demand Planning Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest demand forecasting tools and methodologies. Being well-versed in software like SAP IBP or Oracle Demantra can give you a significant edge, as these are often used in the industry.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the supply chain and demand planning fields. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with others who may provide insights or even referrals for the Demand Planning Manager role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with S&OP processes in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've facilitated cross-functional collaboration and driven consensus on demand plans in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on market trends and consumer behaviour in the CPG sector. Understanding current market dynamics will help you demonstrate your ability to align demand forecasts with commercial strategies during interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace Demand Planning Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in demand planning and forecasting. Use specific examples that demonstrate your analytical skills and familiarity with S&OP processes, as these are crucial for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for data-driven decision-making and how your background aligns with the company's needs. Mention any specific tools or methodologies you have used in previous roles that relate to the job description.
Highlight Key Achievements: When detailing your work experience, focus on quantifiable achievements, such as improvements in forecast accuracy or successful S&OP facilitation. This will help demonstrate your impact in previous positions.
Showcase Collaboration Skills: Since cross-functional collaboration is essential for this role, include examples of how you've successfully worked with teams from different departments. Highlight your communication skills and ability to drive consensus on demand plans.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gleeson Recruitment Group
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
As a Demand Planning Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your strong analytical mindset. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've interpreted large datasets and turned them into actionable insights in previous roles.
✨Understand the S&OP Process
Since this role involves leading the S&OP process, make sure you can articulate your experience with it. Discuss how you've facilitated meetings, driven consensus across functions, and aligned demand plans with business strategies.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Forecasting Tools
The job requires proficiency in forecasting tools like SAP IBP or Oracle Demantra. Brush up on these tools and be ready to explain how you've used them to improve forecast accuracy in your past positions.
✨Prepare for Cross-Functional Collaboration Questions
This role demands collaboration with various teams. Think of examples where you've partnered with Sales, Marketing, or Finance to incorporate their inputs into demand forecasts, and be ready to share these experiences during the interview.
