(Immediate Start) Demand Planner (3-Month FTC) | Fast-Growth Drinks Brand | London in Slough

(Immediate Start) Demand Planner (3-Month FTC) | Fast-Growth Drinks Brand | London in Slough

Slough Temporary 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Own demand planning, analyse sales data, and collaborate with teams to optimise inventory.
  • Company: Fast-growing drinks brand with a dynamic and collaborative culture.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, immediate start, and opportunity for impactful work.
  • Other info: Hybrid working in London with excellent career growth potential.
  • Why this job: Join a thriving company and make a real difference in a fast-paced environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in demand planning and strong analytical skills required.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

  • (Immediate Start) Demand Planner (3-Month FTC) | Fast-Growth Drinks Brand | London
  • The Client

We're partnering with an ambitious, high-growth drinks brand that has quickly established itself as a leader within its category.

Following a period of exceptional growth, the business is entering an exciting stage of expansion, with increasing demand across both UK retail and e-commerce channels.

To support this growth, they're looking to bring in an experienced Demand Planner on an initial three-month fixed-term contract.

This is an immediate requirement, with the successful candidate playing a key role in ensuring accurate forecasting, maintaining optimal stock levels and supporting the wider Operations and Supply Chain teams during a busy trading period.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a collaborative, fast-paced business where you'll have genuine ownership from day one and make an immediate impact.

The Role

Reporting into the Supply Chain team, you'll take ownership of the demand planning process, ensuring accurate sales forecasts are translated into effective inventory plans.

Working closely with Commercial, Finance, Operations and external manufacturing partners, you'll help balance customer demand with supply constraints, minimising stock risk while maintaining excellent service levels.

This role would suit someone who enjoys working with data, spotting trends and collaborating across multiple functions to drive informed decision-making.

You'll be joining at a critical point for the business, making this an excellent opportunity to add value from the outset.

Key Responsibilities

  • Own and maintain rolling demand forecasts across multiple sales channels, using historical data, commercial insight and market trends.
  • Analyse sales performance and forecast accuracy, identifying risks, opportunities and recommending actions to improve planning.
  • Work closely with Sales, Finance and Operations teams to incorporate promotional activity, new product launches and customer forecasts into demand plans.
  • Partner with manufacturing and supply planning teams to ensure inventory levels support customer demand while minimising excess stock.
  • Monitor stock availability and inventory health, proactively identifying potential shortages or overstocks and recommending corrective actions.
  • Produce regular demand planning and inventory reports for key stakeholders, highlighting key trends, risks and performance metrics.
  • Support the monthly S&OP process, ensuring forecast assumptions are clearly communicated across the business.
  • Continuously improve forecasting processes, reporting and planning tools to enhance accuracy and operational efficiency.
  • What the client would like to see (Essential)
  • Previous experience in a Demand Planning, Supply Planning or Inventory Planning role, ideally within FMCG, consumer goods, food & drink, beauty or health & wellness.
  • Strong analytical skills with advanced Excel experience and confidence interpreting large datasets.
  • Experience producing demand forecasts and working closely with cross-functional stakeholders.
  • Excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • A proactive, solutions-focused approach with the confidence to challenge assumptions using data.
  • Strong communication skills and the ability to build effective working relationships across commercial and operational teams.
  • Available to start immediately or at short notice.
  • What we would like to see (Bonus)
  • Experience using ERP systems such as Net Suite, SAP, Microsoft Dynamics, Unleashed or similar.
  • Previous exposure to S&OP or Integrated Business Planning (IBP) processes.
  • Experience working with retailers, wholesalers or D2C sales channels.
  • Knowledge of forecasting tools or demand planning software.
  • Experience working within a high-growth consumer or FMCG business.

At Harmonic, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace.

We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and assure you that every candidate will be thoughtfully considered for the roles we represent, without regard to race, religion, gender expression, disability, or sexual orientation.

(Immediate Start) Demand Planner (3-Month FTC) | Fast-Growth Drinks Brand | London in Slough employer: Harmonic Operations™ | Certified B Corp

Harmonic Operations™ is an exceptional employer that champions a culture of innovation and collaboration, making it an ideal place for the Head of Growth to thrive. With a commitment to employee development and a hybrid work model, team members enjoy flexibility while contributing to meaningful growth initiatives in the vibrant city of London. As a Certified B Corp, the company prioritises sustainability and social responsibility, offering unique advantages for those looking to make a positive impact through their work.

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Contact Details:

Harmonic Operations™ | Certified B Corp Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land (Immediate Start) Demand Planner (3-Month FTC) | Fast-Growth Drinks Brand | London in Slough

Tap into Temp Agency Networks

If you're eyeing a temporary role in supply chain operations, temp agencies can be your best pals. They often have exclusive contracts with companies like Harmonic Operations™ | Certified B Corp that might not be posted publicly. Get registered with a few reputable agencies and stay in touch—they might just have the perfect gig for you!

Make Your Skills Shine

In the world of supply chain operations, showcasing your relevant skills can set you apart in a heartbeat. Try to highlight your experience with logistics software or inventory management techniques when chatting with potential employers. Offer specific examples of how you’ve streamlined operations in the past; it’s all about making that connection!

Join Supply Chain Meetups

Getting out there in the community isn’t just for full-time roles! Attend local supply chain meetups and networking events, as they can lead to temporary job opportunities. Plus, you never know—someone in the room could know about an immediate opening at Harmonic Operations™ | Certified B Corp or have tips on where to look.

Be Agile and Available

For temporary positions, having flexibility can make you much more desirable to employers. Keep your schedule open and be ready to jump into assignments at short notice. If you can show that you’re adaptable, companies like Harmonic Operations™ | Certified B Corp will notice and might keep you in mind for future temporary opportunities!

We think you need these skills to ace (Immediate Start) Demand Planner (3-Month FTC) | Fast-Growth Drinks Brand | London in Slough

Demand Planning
Supply Planning
Inventory Planning
Analytical Skills
Advanced Excel
Data Interpretation
Cross-Functional Collaboration

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Your Supply Chain Knowledge:Make sure you showcase any relevant coursework or experience in supply chain management in your CV. If you've worked with inventory management systems, logistics planning, or demand forecasting, include specific examples to demonstrate your skills—this is key in supply chain operations!

Certifications Can Make a Difference:If you've got any certifications related to supply chain operations, like APICS or Six Sigma, splash them in your CV! They can really help you stand out. Temporary roles often look for candidates who can hit the ground running, so proving you’ve got that extra knowledge is a big plus.

Emphasise Flexibility in Your Application:Since this is a temporary role, it's super important to highlight your flexibility and readiness to adapt to new environments. In your cover letter, mention your ability to learn quickly and your willingness to take on diverse tasks—this shows that you're the right fit for a dynamic supply chain environment.

Make Your CV Concise and Relevant:Keep your CV tight and relevant, focusing on the most important past experiences that relate directly to supply chain operations. Avoid filler and concentrate on the skills and experiences that will impress Harmonic Operations™ | Certified B Corp and relate to the temporary nature of the role. Let's get you that interview!

How to prepare for a job interview at Harmonic Operations™ | Certified B Corp

Know Your Supply Chain Tools

Brush up on the specific tools and software commonly used in supply chain operations, like SAP or Oracle. Make sure to highlight your familiarity with these during the interview at Harmonic Operations™ | Certified B Corp, as it shows you're ready to hit the ground running.

Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills

In a temporary role, they’ll want to see how quickly you can adapt and solve problems. Prepare for scenario-based questions that may ask how you’d handle disruptions like delays or inventory shortages. Think of real examples from your past experiences to share!

Flexibility is Key

As this is a temporary position, emphasise your willingness to be flexible. Talk about how you’ve quickly adapted to changes in previous roles or how you’re able to step in and learn new processes swiftly, especially those unique to Harmonic Operations™ | Certified B Corp.

Prepare for Team Dynamics

Temporary roles often require quick integration into teams. Be ready to discuss your communication style and how you work collaboratively. You might face questions about working with cross-functional teams, so think about how you can highlight your teamwork skills.