At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead demand planning and forecasting for new products and market launches.
- Company: Dynamic FMCG company with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a supportive team in a vibrant London office with great career advancement potential.
- Why this job: Make an impact by shaping product demand strategies in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in planning, strong analytical skills, and proficiency in ERP software.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Planning Lead to partner with our commercial and wholesale teams, leading the monthly forecast process for demand alignment and the demand planning for new products and new market launches.
Responsibilities
- Collaborate with the Wholesale team to interpret historical data and create a 12‑month rolling forecast.
- Capture inputs from other business areas, consumer & competitor information, and external/internal trends to incorporate them into the forecast.
- Lead the monthly Demand Alignment and Consensus process, ensuring full process adherence by key stakeholders.
- Manage demand planning for new products, market launches, transitions, and discontinuations through liaison with Supply Chain, Wholesale, and NPD/Expansion teams.
- Define and align stock coverage parameters (including safety stock) with stakeholders, identifying purchase orders needed to maintain healthy stock coverage across all brands within agreed limits.
- Manage review meetings with brand management and senior stakeholders to ensure alignment on stock projections.
- Collaborate with the Sourcing team to place purchase orders with suppliers.
- Take ownership of planning issues, communicating with relevant stakeholders to resolve them.
- Build relationships and manage stakeholders across retail, D2C, Amazon, Logistics, Freight, and Sourcing.
- Provide a weekly warehouse and freight capacity forecast.
- Develop and advance the level of sophistication in planning tools and processes, leveraging new technology where appropriate and securing broader business buy‑in for process evolution.
About You
- Previous planning experience is essential (FMCG or similar).
- Experience with ERP and planning software (Oracle NetSuite, SAP IBP/APO, etc.).
- Ability to quickly grasp complex concepts and draw conclusions from large data sets.
- Very analytical and data‑driven mentality.
- Strong ability to leverage data and analyses to communicate and tell stories.
- Excellent problem‑solving skills.
- Strong self‑learning mentality with a pragmatic approach to researching solutions before asking for help.
- Comfortable with ambiguity.
- Highly methodical and organised, with strong attention to detail.
- Advanced Excel knowledge.
- Familiarity with GSuite.
Location: London office in North Finchley / Whetstone.
Planning Lead employer: Heroes
As a Planning Lead at our London office in North Finchley, you will thrive in a dynamic and collaborative work culture that values innovation and data-driven decision-making. We offer competitive benefits, opportunities for professional growth, and a supportive environment where your contributions directly impact our success in the fast-paced FMCG sector. Join us to be part of a team that embraces challenges and fosters meaningful relationships across various business functions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those who work in planning or related roles. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, whether at a networking event or an interview, bring examples of your past work. Use data and forecasts you've created to demonstrate your analytical prowess.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on industry trends! Follow relevant blogs, podcasts, or LinkedIn influencers. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also show that you're genuinely interested in the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative. Plus, it gives you a better chance to stand out and be noticed by our hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Planning Lead role. Highlight your previous planning experience, especially in FMCG, and showcase your analytical skills. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us your story! Share why you're passionate about demand planning and how you can contribute to our team. Don't forget to mention your experience with ERP and planning software!
Show Off Your Data Skills:Since this role is all about data, make sure to highlight your ability to analyse large datasets and draw meaningful conclusions. We love candidates who can leverage data to tell compelling stories, so give us examples!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Heroes
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Planning Lead, you'll be dealing with a lot of data. Brush up on your analytical skills and be ready to discuss how you've used data in past roles. Prepare examples of how you interpreted historical data to create forecasts, as this will show your ability to handle the responsibilities of the role.
✨Understand the Business
Familiarise yourself with the company's products, market trends, and competitors. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your understanding of the industry during the interview. Be prepared to discuss how you would incorporate external and internal trends into your demand planning process.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
This role requires working closely with various teams. Think of specific instances where you've successfully collaborated with stakeholders, especially in demand planning or supply chain contexts. Highlight your ability to manage relationships and communicate effectively across different departments.
✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Prepare to discuss challenges you've faced in previous planning roles and how you resolved them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and showcase your analytical mindset.
