At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead forecasting and business planning for a renowned manufacturing brand.
- Company: Join one of the world's most iconic heritage manufacturing brands.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, market-leading benefits, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Collaborate with diverse teams and drive innovation using AI and analytics.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment with potential for permanent placement.
- Qualifications: 8-10+ years in demand planning or business planning within global manufacturing.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
We are recruiting for a Forecast and Business Planning Manager to join one of the world's most iconic heritage manufacturing brands. The role offers a competitive salary, a market-leading benefit package, and hybrid working. Please be aware this role is a 24-month FTC with strong potential to go permanent for the right candidate.
You'll be responsible for aligning global market demand, production capacity, and commercial objectives to deliver annual sales, revenue, and profitability targets. The position leads short-term and in-year business planning, ensuring accurate forecasting, effective vehicle allocation, optimised product mix, and proactive risk management across multiple regions and functions.
Key Responsibilities- Own sales, production, and volume forecasting for current and future business plans.
- Lead global demand planning and consensus forecasting processes with regional stakeholders.
- Present forecasts, risks, and recommendations to executive leadership and drive execution of approved plans.
- Optimise sales mix, inventory levels, order bank quality, and contribution margins.
- Oversee vehicle allocation, production scheduling alignment, and monthly sales performance management.
- Drive adoption of AI, machine learning, and advanced analytics to improve forecasting accuracy and decision-making.
- Collaborate with Sales, Finance, Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering, and Product teams to support business planning and new product introductions.
- Monitor forecast performance, identify risks, and implement mitigation strategies to protect revenue and volume targets.
- Lead management reporting, budgeting, and long-range planning integration.
- 8–10+ years of experience in demand planning, forecasting, sales operations, or business planning within a global automotive or manufacturing environment.
- Strong understanding of sales forecasting, supply-demand balancing, production planning, and commercial operations.
- Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and lead cross-functional planning processes.
- Advanced analytical, modelling, and forecasting skills, with expertise in Excel and planning systems.
- Experience leveraging data analytics, AI, and predictive modelling to improve business outcomes.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and problem-solving capabilities.
- Ability to perform effectively under pressure while managing complex, fast-changing business priorities.
Location: Ideally 3 days a week in the Woking office (may be negotiable to 1-2 days if you're travelling from further).
Benefits: Competitive salary and market-leading benefits package.
Forecast & Business Planning Manager - Manufacturing Brand - Oxfordshire employer: Legacy London Recruitment
Join a prestigious heritage manufacturing brand in Oxfordshire, where you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that values innovation and collaboration. With a competitive salary and a market-leading benefits package, this role offers not only the chance to make a significant impact on global demand planning but also ample opportunities for professional growth and development. Embrace the flexibility of hybrid working while being part of a team that champions advanced analytics and proactive risk management to drive success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Forecast & Business Planning Manager - Manufacturing Brand - Oxfordshire
✨Get Your Hands Dirty in the Industry
For a temporary role in manufacturing, don’t shy away from physically visiting local factories and production sites. A friendly walk-in can often lead to spontaneous interviews or valuable connections, and can really help you get a sense of the workplace vibe.
✨Tap into Seasonal Hiring Windows
Manufacturing often sees spikes in hiring during particular seasons, like summer when production ramps up. Keep an eye on local job boards and community centres, or even visit seasonal job fairs—they’re golden for snagging those temporary roles we’re after.
✨Join Industry-Specific Communities
Consider joining online forums and social media groups specific to manufacturing. Sites like Reddit or even LinkedIn groups can give you insights into open positions and allow you to connect with current employees who might give you an edge in the hiring process.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Site!
With Legacy London Recruitment looking for temporary talent, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s often the fastest way to get your foot in the door, so make the most of it. Plus, it shows you're proactive—always a win!
We think you need these skills to ace Forecast & Business Planning Manager - Manufacturing Brand - Oxfordshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Practical Skills:In manufacturing and production, hands-on skills are key! Make sure your CV showcases any relevant experience with machinery, quality control, or assembly line work. If you’ve got certifications related to operating specific equipment, don’t forget to include those too!
Focus on Flexibility and Adaptability:For a temporary role, employers are looking for candidates who can hit the ground running. In your cover letter, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly and work well under pressure. Share any experiences where you've successfully adjusted to changing circumstances or tight deadlines.
Include Specific Measurements of Your Impact:Manufacturing roles often revolve around efficiency and productivity. If you’ve previously worked in similar roles, be sure to quantify your achievements. For example, mention how you improved production rates or reduced waste – numbers stand out and show you mean business!
Express Your Interest in the Industry:Temporary roles can be a great stepping stone for future opportunities! Take a moment in your application to express why you’re interested in manufacturing and production. Showing genuine enthusiasm for the field can make a real difference and may keep doors open for upcoming positions!
How to prepare for a job interview at Legacy London Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Experience
In the manufacturing and production world, they want to see that you can actually handle the tools and machines. Bring along any certifications you have or even pictures of projects you’ve worked on. We want to demonstrate that you're not just a theory person but someone who can jump right in.
✨Emphasise Safety Knowledge
Safety's a huge deal in manufacturing, so make sure you’re clued up about health and safety regulations. Be prepared to discuss how you've followed safety protocols in past roles. It's all about showing you can contribute to a safe working environment at Legacy London Recruitment.
✨Flexibility is Key
Since this is a temporary role, highlight your adaptability and willingness to step into different roles as needed. Share examples of times you’ve adjusted quickly to new situations or tackled varied tasks. We want to show you're the go-to person when things get busy!
✨Ask About Team Dynamics
In any temporary role, fitting in quickly is vital. Ask about team dynamics and collaboration processes during the interview. This shows you’re not only ready to contribute but also keen to blend into Legacy London Recruitment’s culture, making you a valuable asset.
