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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead demand forecasting and ensure products reach customers on time.
- Company: Join a leading organisation in Animal Health with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in supply chain management and drive product success.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in demand planning, strong analytical skills, and SAP experience.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on continuous improvement and career development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
We are recruiting for a Senior Demand Planner (Senior Specialist) to join our Supply Chain Management team for our Animal Health Organisation and be based out of Milton Keynes site. This is a hybrid role requiring 2 days/week presence onsite.
Join our Animal Health Supply Chain team as a Senior Demand Planner and play a pivotal role in ensuring the right products reach customers when they need them. You’ll combine analytical forecasting, stakeholder leadership, and project delivery to drive forecast accuracy, support new product launches, and influence global and regional supply strategies.
What you will do (key responsibilities)
- Lead monthly demand forecasting and Sales & Operations Planning (SOP) meetings, driving consensus across Sales, Marketing, Finance and Supply.
- Analyse sales performance and forecasts, identify trends and gaps, and implement changes to improve forecast accuracy.
- Own new product launch master data setup and coordinate with SAP and our 3PL partner to ensure launches go live on time.
- Reconcile variances with global supply chain teams and refine forecasting models based on updated market assumptions.
- Manage regular forecasting updates in IDP/SAP and maintain a two-year rolling demand plan.
- Support delivery of UK and Global supply chain initiatives and cover for the Associate Director when required.
- Build collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders to limit write-offs and meet IQV and forecast accuracy KPIs.
About you (experience & skills)
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in demand planning within pharmaceutical, animal health, or FMCG environments.
- Strong numeracy and analytical skills; degree preferred.
- Hands‑on experience with SAP MRP/demand forecasting, IDP forecasting systems, Aera reports/dashboards and advanced Excel (pivot tables, slicers, charting).
- Proven track record running monthly SOP cycles and improving forecast accuracy.
- Excellent communicator, confident chairing meetings and influencing cross‑functional teams.
- Supply chain qualification (e.g., CIPS) is desirable.
Behaviours we value
- Self‑motivated, well‑organised and results‑driven.
- Strong collaborator with excellent interpersonal skills.
- Able to prioritise effectively and lead cross‑functional teams.
Required Skills
- Clinical Supply Chain Management
- Communication Management
- Customer‑Focused
- Demand Planning
- Detail‑Oriented
- Driving Continuous Improvement
- Financial Forecasting
- Global Supply Chain
- Innovative Solutions
- Inventory Control Management
- Logistics Management
- Monthly Forecasting
- Numeracy
- Planning
- Production Planning
- Rolling Forecasts
- Strategic Management
Additional relevant skills
- None listed.
Senior Demand Planner (Senior Specialist) Supply Chain, Animal Health in Milton Keynes employer: Merck
Contact Detail:
Merck Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Demand Planner (Senior Specialist) Supply Chain, Animal Health in Milton Keynes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those already working in demand planning or supply chain roles. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your analytical skills and understanding of SAP systems. Be ready to discuss how you've improved forecast accuracy in past roles – real examples will make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your collaboration skills! During interviews, highlight times when you’ve successfully worked with cross-functional teams. This role is all about building relationships, so let them know you’re a team player.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Demand Planner (Senior Specialist) Supply Chain, Animal Health in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Senior Demand Planner. Highlight your experience in demand planning, especially in pharmaceutical or animal health sectors, and showcase your analytical skills and familiarity with SAP.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for our team. Share specific examples of how you've improved forecast accuracy or led successful SOP meetings in the past.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to mention your hands-on experience with forecasting systems and advanced Excel. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their technical prowess alongside their soft skills.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you on our radar!
How to prepare for a job interview at Merck
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Demand Planner, you'll need to showcase your analytical skills. Brush up on your forecasting techniques and be ready to discuss how you've improved forecast accuracy in previous roles. Bring examples of how you've used data to drive decisions.
✨Master the Art of Communication
This role requires excellent communication skills, especially when chairing meetings. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Think about how you can influence cross-functional teams and prepare to share specific instances where you've successfully led discussions.
✨Familiarise Yourself with SAP and IDP
Since hands-on experience with SAP MRP and IDP forecasting systems is crucial, make sure you're comfortable discussing these tools. If you have any specific projects or experiences using these systems, be ready to dive into the details during your interview.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
Building relationships is key in this role. Prepare to talk about how you've collaborated with various stakeholders in the past. Think of examples where your teamwork led to successful outcomes, especially in managing new product launches or improving supply chain processes.