Location: Cambridge, UK
Contract Type: Full time contract.
Role’s overview:
The Inventory and Demand Planner, EMEA is responsible for driving accurate demand forecasting, inventory optimization and supply planning across Kidde’s Residential Fire portfolio in Europe & UK. This role plays a critical part in balancing service levels, working capital and operational efficiency by aligning demand signals from sales teams with supply capabilities across manufacturing and distribution.
The successful candidate will act as the central planning link between commercial teams, supply chain, operations and finance, providing clear visibility of demand, risks and opportunities, while enabling data-driven decision making.
Key responsibilities:
Demand Planning & Forecasting:
- Develop, maintain, and continuously improve rolling demand forecasts across EMEA by customer, channel, and SKU.
- Translate demand plans into supply requirements and collaborate with Operations and Supply Planning to ensure feasible execution.
- Partner closely with Sales, Marketing and Product Management to incorporate promotions, launches, phase-ins/outs and market intelligence into demand plans.
- Act as a key contributor to the S&OP / IBP process, ensuring clear alignment between demand, supply and financial plans.
- Facilitate monthly demand review processes, ensuring forecast assumptions are clearly documented and aligned.
- Analyze forecast accuracy and bias, identify root causes of variance, and drive corrective actions.
Inventory Planning & Optimization:
- Own inventory targets and policies across finished goods and key components to balance service level and working capital objectives.
- Monitor inventory health (excess, slow-moving, obsolete stock) and develop mitigation plans in collaboration with commercial and operations teams.
- Support inventory segmentation and safety stock optimization.
Performance Management & Insights
- Track and report key planning KPIs including forecast accuracy, service level, inventory turns and ageing.
- Provide clear, concise insights and recommendations to leadership to support decision-making.
- Continuously improve planning processes, tools, and ways of working, driving standardisation and best practice across the region.
Systems & Data Excellence
- Support enhancements to planning tools, reporting and analytics capabilities.
Key requirements:
- Degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering, Business (or a related discipline) preferred.
- APICS / CPIM / CSCP or similar certification will be an advantage.
- Min. 3 years of experience in demand planning, inventory planning or supply chain roles within a complex, multi-country environment.
- Experience in FMCG, consumer durables or industrial/manufacturing sectors is highly regarded.
- Advanced Excel skills; experience with ERP and planning systems (e.g. Oracle & JDE or similar).
- Exposure to S&OP/IBP processes and cross-functional planning forums.
- Very good English is a must, Polish language will be seen as advantage.
- Strong analytical and quantitative skills with the ability to translate data into clear business insights.
- Proven ability to influence and align stakeholders across Sales, Marketing, Operations and Finance, combined with great communication skills.
- Willingness to travel (ca 10% of time).
What we offer :
- To be part of a globally respected brand under Kidde Global Solutions.
- Competitive salary package, incentives and career development opportunities.
- Flexible working arrangements.
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Inventory and Demand Planner in Cambridge employer: Kidde Global Solutions
At Kidde Global Solutions, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the fire and life safety industry, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises innovation, collaboration, and employee growth. With competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, we empower our team members to thrive while making a meaningful impact on safety worldwide. Join us in our new Cambridge office location, where you'll be part of a globally respected brand dedicated to protecting lives and property.
