Demand Planner in Derby

Our client is a growing manufacturer seeking an experienced S&OP Demand Planner to play a pivotal role in shaping and developing its supply chain planning function. This is a newly created position offering the opportunity to build planning processes, tools and best practices from the ground up while supporting the end-to-end supply chain. The role offers significant autonomy and genuine scope to influence how the planning function evolves, making it an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys creating structure, improving processes and making data-driven decisions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the monthly Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process, ensuring demand forecasts align with production capacity and business objectives.
• Develop and implement planning tools and processes, initially using Excel, Python or similar solutions before the introduction of a formal MRP system.
• Design scalable planning procedures, data standards and operating processes to support business growth.
• Play a key role in the future selection and implementation of an MRP system.
• Produce accurate demand forecasts using historical data, statistical analysis and commercial insight.
• Collaborate with Sales, Finance and Operations to develop consensus demand plans.
• Monitor and improve forecast accuracy through KPI reporting and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support new product introductions and product lifecycle planning.
• Maintain accurate ERP data relating to inventory, materials and order management.
• Coordinate material availability to support production schedules and minimise disruption.
• Manage purchasing activities including supplier negotiations, purchase orders and supplier performance.
• Monitor inventory levels to balance service, production requirements and working capital.
• Ensure effective stock control, batch traceability and inventory accuracy.
• Produce supply chain reporting and dashboards covering forecast performance, inventory, supplier performance and procurement metrics.
• Facilitate cross-functional planning meetings and support budgeting and forecasting activities.
• Contribute to process improvement initiatives, compliance activities and supply chain documentation.

Must attend the office in the midlands one day per week minimum.

Candidate Profile

• 3-5 years' experience within demand planning, supply chain, procurement or a similar planning function.
• Experience leading or supporting an end-to-end S&OP process.
• Strong analytical skills with advanced Excel capability; experience with Python or similar tools would be advantageous.
• Experience developing planning models, forecasting methodologies and inventory management processes.
• Strong ERP systems knowledge, with the ability to work confidently in evolving planning environments.
• Experience managing supplier relationships and negotiating commercial agreements.
• Knowledge of inventory control, material planning and stock management principles.
• A proactive approach with the ability to solve problems independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to build strong relationships across multiple departments.
• Degree qualified in Supply Chain, Procurement, Engineering, Mathematics or a related discipline.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing manufacturer at a pivotal stage in its development. You'll have the chance to shape the planning function from the outset, influence key operational decisions and play a central role in improving supply chain performance across the business. If you're looking for a position that combines strategic planning with hands-on implementation and offers genuine scope for long-term progression, we'd love to hear from you.