Demand Planner in Essex

Maldon Salt is a fourth-generation family-owned business with almost 145 years of craftsmanship at its heart. Our unique pyramid shaped sea salt flakes have been hand-harvested using the same traditional methods since 1882 and are recognised globally as the finest of sea salts, exporting to over 60 countries worldwide. Trusted by chefs and cooks around the world and recognised by the Royal Household, we have proudly held the Royal Warrant as official purveyors of sea salt since 2012.

Today, Maldon Salt combines this unique heritage with innovation—remaining true to our roots whilst inspiring new generations of food lovers with an expanding portfolio of salts and seasonings..

As a business, we take our corporate social responsibility to our customers, partners, and our ourselves seriously, continually seeking ways to reduce our environmental impact. This includes initiatives such as lowering carbon emissions and using carbon-balanced packaging. In partnership with the World Land Trust, Maldon Salt supports global conservation efforts, helping protect threatened habitats and wildlife with every box produced. This ongoing commitment reflects our dedication to global environmental sustainability and responsible business practices.

The Demand and Supply Planner will take primary ownership of Maldon Salt’s demand planning and forecasting process. The role will create a reliable, forward-looking view of customer demand and translate commercial intelligence, historical performance, promotions, seasonality and new product activity into an agreed demand plan. Working closely with Commercial, Customer Service, Finance and Operations, the role will lead the demand element of the S&OP cycle, improve forecast accuracy and provide clear insight into demand risks and opportunities. The role will also support the Supply Planning team by providing timely forecasts, demand handovers, scenario analysis and information needed to develop achievable supply and production plans. Detailed supply plans, production schedules and procurement activities remain outside the role’s ownership.

Key Responsibilities

Demand Planning and Forecasting

• Own and maintain the rolling unconstrained demand forecast across products, customers and markets.
• Build and improve forecast baselines using historical sales, statistical analysis, customer forecasts and market intelligence.
• Incorporate promotions, seasonality, product launches, phase-ins, phase-outs and commercial assumptions into the demand plan.
• Partner with Commercial and Customer Service teams to review assumptions, challenge exceptions and agree forecast changes.
• Analyse forecast accuracy and bias at appropriate levels and implement corrective actions.
• Identify demand risks and opportunities, quantify their potential impact and communicate them clearly.
• Maintain a clear audit trail of forecast assumptions, overrides and decisions.

S&OP and Demand Consensus

• Lead the demand review and demand consensus activities within the monthly S&OP cycle.
• Prepare the demand plan, supporting analysis, key assumptions, risks, opportunities and scenarios for review.
• Align demand volumes with Commercial and Finance perspectives and explain significant changes against the prior forecast and budget.
• Release the agreed demand forecast accurately and on time for supply planning and wider business use.
• Support the continued development and maturity of Maldon Salt’s S&OP process.

Support to the Supply Planning Team

• Provide accurate and timely demand forecasts and a clear demand handover to the Supply Planning team.
• Highlight changes in volume, timing, promotions and customer priorities that may affect capacity, materials, inventory or service.
• Support scenario planning where demand exceeds available capacity or supply constraints may affect customer requirements.
• Collaborate on inventory and product availability reviews, helping identify potential shortages, excess stock and service risks.
• Provide demand insight to support short-, medium- and long-term supply and production planning.
• Support analysis of schedule options and manufacturing constraints to help the Supply Planning team improve customer service, production utilisation and packing-room efficiency.
• Support the implementation of manufacturing systems and continuous-improvement initiatives where demand-planning input is required.
• Assist with planning analysis and reporting when required, while ownership of detailed supply plans and production schedules remains with the Supply Planning team

Reporting, Systems and Data

• Prepare and present regular demand planning reports and dashboards for stakeholders and management.
• Maintain accurate forecast and planning data in Sage X3 and approved planning tools.
• Use Excel and Power BI to analyse demand trends, forecast performance, customer behaviour and planning KPIs.
• Ensure demand planning data, assumptions and reporting are accurate, consistent and issued to the agreed timetable.

Continuous Improvement and Collaboration

• Improve forecasting methods, reporting, master data and demand planning processes.
• Work cross-functionally to strengthen planning discipline, visibility and accountability.
• Support waste reduction, inventory optimisation and product availability through better demand insight.
• Promote a safe, collaborative and continuous-improvement culture and undertake other reasonable duties consistent with the role.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience Required

Essential

• At least two years’ experience in demand planning, forecasting, S&OP, supply chain analytics or a related planning role, preferably in FMCG or manufacturing.
• Strong analytical and numerical skills with the ability to convert data into clear insight and practical actions.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and confidence working with large and complex data sets.
• Experience using ERP, MRP or demand planning systems.
• Understanding of forecast accuracy, forecast bias, seasonality, promotions and demand planning principles.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder-management skills, including the confidence to challenge assumptions constructively.
• Strong organisation, prioritisation and attention to detail.

Desirable

• Experience with Sage X3, SAP or a similar ERP system.
• Experience using Power BI or another data visualisation tool.
• Experience participating in or leading demand reviews within an S&OP process.
• Knowledge of food manufacturing, customer promotions and seasonal demand patterns.
• Working knowledge of supply planning and inventory management sufficient to support the Supply Planning team.

Key Behaviours & Attributes

• Analytical, curious and confident using data to challenge assumptions.
• Collaborative and able to build trusted relationships across Commercial, Finance and Operations.
• Proactive, organised and accountable for delivering accurate work to agreed deadlines.
• Clear and concise communicator who can explain complex information to different audiences.
• Continuous-improvement mindset with a practical and solutions-focused approach.
• Demonstrates alignment with Maldon Salt’s values and contributes positively to the workplace culture.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Economics or a related subject, or equivalent relevant professional experience.
• A recognised planning or supply chain qualification would be advantageous.

Hours

• Monday to Friday, 9am to 5.30pm, 37.5 hours per week

• Competitive salary
• 25 days annual leave, rising to 28 days with length of service (plus bank holidays)
• 1 week company sick pay after successful probationary period, increasing to 3-weeks Company Sick Pay (after 12 months service)
• Income protection (after 3 months service), payable at 75% of basic salary, for up to 5 years (subject to approved claim by insurance provider)
• Life Assurance (4 x basic annual salary, after 6 months service)
• Private Medical Insurance (after 6 months service), with option to self-fund partner/child/children
• Enhanced Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme (4% matched contributions)
• Opportunities for professional growth
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee discounts to high street retailers
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Company Events
• Christmas Shutdown
• Free tea and coffee