At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead demand planning and optimise inventory for sustainable growth in a dynamic skincare company.
- Company: Medik8, an innovative leader in science-led skincare with a commitment to sustainability.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, flexible working, private medical insurance, and product discounts.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a purpose-driven team and make a real impact in the skincare industry.
- Qualifications: Experience with demand planning software and strong analytical skills required.
At Medik8, we set ourselves apart from the competition, leading the skincare industry with innovation and technology at our core. We pride ourselves on producing some of the most advanced, science‑led skincare on the market, with sustainability at the heart of everything we do. As our global footprint continues to expand, we are seeking a collaborative, systems‑oriented, and analytical professional to guide our global demand planning architecture, balancing inventory optimisation with sustainable global growth.
Location: Aylesbury
Salary: £50,000 - £60,000 (Depending on experience)
The Opportunity
As the Demand Planning Manager, you will serve as the operational core responsible for translating cross‑functional market signals into our 18‑month rolling demand plan. Bridging the gap between commercial plans and operational supply capabilities, you will act as the technical subject‑matter expert who ensures data accuracy, optimises inventory policies, and protects capital efficiency. Leading a collaborative sub‑department of three Demand Planners, you will foster team development, enhance our planning system architectures, and translate complex data sets into highly visual, actionable insights that highlight operational opportunities and risks for the wider organization.
Key Responsibilities
- Tactical Demand Execution & IBP Support: Oversee, maintain, and generate the 18‑month rolling demand plan. Lead collaboration and alignment between baseline statistical forecasts and commercial forecasts alongside Sales and Marketing teams.
- Inventory Policy & Risk Management: Define, monitor, and adjust safety stock levels and reorder points within the inventory framework to protect cash flow while safeguarding exceptional On‑Time, In‑Full delivery.
- Team Guidance & Development: Support, mentor, and upskill the Demand Planners, ensuring they effectively manage their market‑focused consensus data and maintain clear accountability for regional baselines.
- Product Lifecycle Management: Provide technical demand planning support for New Product Developments (NPD) and new market launches, executing the demand side of phase‑ins, phase‑outs, and SKU rationalisation to optimise portfolio health.
- Systems, Technology & Continuous Improvement: Support the evolution of our Anaplan platform, establishing the system as the absolute single source of truth for planning data. Implement process enhancements and statistical forecasting methodologies to elevate automation.
- Sustainability (B Corp Compliance): Leverage data to optimise finished goods distribution patterns, proactively identifying and minimising reliance on air freight in favour of sustainable transport methods.
What We Are Looking For
We welcome applications from individuals who possess a blend of technical expertise, analytical insight, and supportive team leadership attributes. The criteria below outline what is needed to succeed in this role:
Essential Experience & Qualities
- Systems Expertise: Advanced functional proficiency utilising Anaplan or highly similar forecasting, demand planning, or ERP enterprise software, supported by expert‑level proficiency in Excel.
- Inventory & Analytical Acumen: A strong understanding of inventory modelling, safety stock setting, and Slow Moving & Obsolete (SLOB) mitigation strategies within a commercial environment.
- Inclusivity & Integrity: A commitment to holding high professional standards, with a focus on building inclusive, transparent, and balanced planning processes.
- Communication & Collaboration: Proven capability to engage cross‑functional groups, translate dense planning models into accessible visual narratives, and work effectively with diverse teams.
- People Leadership: Prior experience managing, coaching, or formally mentoring team members or analysts to build departmental capability.
Desirable Attributes
- Experience navigating the supply chain dynamics, product lifecycles, or promotional trends within the Fast‑Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), beauty, or premium cosmetics sectors.
- Prior involvement in digital transformation roadmaps, enterprise software upgrades, or downstream data integration workflows.
Culture & Benefits
We are a team of collaborative go‑givers fuelled by a purpose‑driven mentality. Innovation is at our core; we pride ourselves on doing everything in‑house, challenging the norm and pushing the boundaries of possibility. We work with integrity and agility, ensuring our commitment to sustainability and quality is never compromised. Above all, we believe in community. Our diverse talents work cross‑functionally because we know we achieve more together.
Wellbeing: 25 days holiday + bank holidays, Flexible & Hybrid working, Private Medical Insurance, Mental Health support.
Rewards: 75% Discount + Annual Product Allowance, Annual Performance Bonus, Long Service Awards.
Growth: Up‑skilling support, regular Lunch & Learns, Flexible Career opportunities.
Impact: 2 Volunteering days per year, Matched Charitable Giving Scheme.
Our Inclusive Hiring Standards
Fair Chance Hiring: To support systemic justice, we do not request criminal record or credit checks during the application stage (unless legally required for the role). Blind Recruiting: We use anonymised CV screening to focus purely on your talent and reduce bias. Disability Confident: As a Level 2 employer, we guarantee an interview to disabled applicants who meet the minimum role criteria. Immigration Integrity: We welcome all applicants within current Home Office guidance on sponsorship and Right to Work. We never artificially manipulate role scopes or salaries to meet requirements.
Be your authentic self. Apply today.
Demand Planning Manager in Aylesbury employer: Medik8
Medik8 is an exceptional employer that prioritises the health and safety of its employees while fostering a culture of compliance and continuous improvement. Located in Aylesbury, we offer a collaborative work environment where your expertise will be valued, and you will have ample opportunities for professional growth within the highly regulated manufacturing sector. Join us to make a meaningful impact in a company that champions innovation and employee well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Demand Planning Manager in Aylesbury
✨Join Supply Chain Meetups
Get yourself out there by attending supply chain meetups and industry events. It's a great way to meet fellow professionals, learn about trends, and maybe even hear about job openings before they’re posted online.
✨Show Off Your Skills on LinkedIn
Don’t just sit back and wait for opportunities! Post insights or articles on LinkedIn about supply chain challenges or solutions you’re passionate about. This not only showcases your expertise but can catch the eye of recruiters looking for someone like you.
✨Engage with Supply Chain Communities
Dive into online communities related to supply chain operations like forums or groups on Reddit and LinkedIn. Engaging in discussions can help you network, get advice, and you might even stumble upon some hidden job opportunities.
✨Apply through Our Website
When you spot a position at Medik8, make sure to apply through our website directly. It's often the quickest way to get your application in front of the right people and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role of Demand Planning Manager.
We think you need these skills to ace Demand Planning Manager in Aylesbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in supply chain operations. Whether it’s managing logistics or coordinating with suppliers, we want to see examples of how you've navigated the complexities of the supply chain. Concrete achievements, like reducing costs or improving delivery times, will definitely catch our eye!
Quantify Your Impact:When listing your previous roles on your CV, go for numbers! Mention percentages or actual figures where possible—like how much you've improved efficiency or reduced waste. It's all about showing us the tangible impact you've made in your past positions in supply chain operations.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:In your cover letter, don’t just regurgitate your CV. Instead, connect your experiences specifically to the role at Medik8. Share why you're passionate about supply chain operations and how this full-time role aligns with your career goals—I mean, who wouldn’t want to hear that!
Research and Reflect:Before you apply, take some time to research Medik8 and its supply chain operations. Reflect on how your skills and experiences can fit into their operations. Being able to discuss their challenges and how you can contribute to solving them in your application will really make you stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Medik8
✨Know Your Basics in Supply Chain Management
Make sure you've got a solid grasp of key supply chain concepts like demand forecasting, inventory management, and logistics. We could be quizzed on these during technical rounds, so brush up on any software tools commonly used in the industry like SAP or Oracle. This knowledge will help us show we can hit the ground running!
✨Show Off Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss real-world scenarios where you've used data analysis to solve supply chain challenges. If you've got experience with tools like Excel or Tableau, get ready to talk about how you've used these to optimise processes or improve efficiencies. Employers love seeing that we can turn data into actionable insights!
✨Highlight Your Teamwork and Project Management Skills
In a full-time role, collaboration is key. Think of examples where you've worked on cross-functional teams or managed projects. Sharing how you navigated challenges while working with diverse groups will show that we can thrive in a dynamic environment like at Medik8.
✨Research Specific Challenges Faced by Medik8
Look into any unique supply chain challenges Medik8 might be facing, whether it's sustainability, supplier relationships, or global disruptions. Being prepared to discuss these topics shows that we're not only informed but also genuinely interested in how we can contribute to their success. That’s a big plus in any interview!
