At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and improve demand forecasts using SAP APO and advanced Excel models.
- Company: Join a leading FMCG company focused on fresh and chilled products.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent healthcare, 33 holiday days, and enhanced parental leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment with opportunities for growth.
- Qualifications: 3-5+ years in demand planning, strong SAP APO and Excel skills required.
- Other info: Fully office-based role with a dynamic team and continuous improvement initiatives.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Uxbridge
Purpose of the Role
Working with the Commercial, NPD and Marketing stakeholders to develop, maintain, and improve accurate short-, mid-, and long-term forecasts. Optimise utilisation of SAP APO (DP/SNP modules) to enhance forecast reliability and streamline planning.
Key Responsibilities
- Demand Forecasting & Planning
- Develop, maintain, and improve accurate short-, mid-, and long-term forecasts.
- Use SAP APO to generate statistical forecasts, adjust for seasonality, customer dynamics, and supply constraints.
- Analyse daily, weekly, and monthly demand patterns to optimise forecast accuracy in fast-paced, short shelf-life environments.
- Collaborate with Commercial, Sales, Category Management, and Supply Teams to align on forecast assumptions.
- Data Analysis & Reporting
- Build advanced forecasting and performance models using Excel (including pivot tables, Power Query, Power Pivot, macros/VBA if needed).
- Track and report key demand planning KPIs such as forecast accuracy and adherence to S&OP sales plan.
- Provide insight-based recommendations on trends, risks, and opportunities impacting the demand plan.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Support S&OP processes by presenting forecast updates, risk assessments, and scenario modelling.
- Partner with Commercial teams to assess promotional impact, NPD launches, and customer-specific requirements.
- Systems & Process Improvement
- Optimise utilisation of SAP APO (DP/SNP modules) to enhance forecast reliability and streamline planning.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across forecasting, planning, and reporting processes.
- Support system upgrades, data quality improvements, and digital transformation projects within the supply chain.
- Other ad hoc duties and projects as required by the business.
Skills & Experience Required
- Proven experience (typically 3–5+ years) in demand planning within FMCG, ideally involving fresh/chilled products.
- Strong proficiency in SAP APO (Demand Planning).
- Advanced Excel skills, including modelling, complex formulas, scenario analysis, and data automation.
- Strong analytical mindset with a detail-oriented approach to problem solving.
- Excellent communication skills with ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with high levels of complexity and variability.
Why Join Us?
- Very competitive salary
- Excellent healthcare benefits, including access to a 24/7 GP service and physio sessions.
- 33 holiday days each year (25 days flexible booking with 8 bank holidays).
- Additionally we offer a holiday purchase scheme
- Free will writing service
- Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
Please note: This role is fully office-based with no hybrid or remote working options.
Pilgrims Europe in Uxbridge employer: Pilgrims Europe
Contact Detail:
Pilgrims Europe Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Pilgrims Europe in Uxbridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their products and how your skills can help them improve their forecasting and planning processes. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your data analysis skills! Brush up on Excel and SAP APO, as these are crucial for the role. Being able to demonstrate your proficiency in these tools during an interview can really set you apart.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Pilgrims Europe in Uxbridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Performance and Analytics Analyst. Highlight your experience with demand forecasting, SAP APO, and any relevant FMCG background. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your previous experiences make you a perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your analytical mindset and communication skills – they’re key for us!
Showcase Your Excel Skills: Since advanced Excel skills are a must, consider including examples of how you've used Excel in your past roles. Whether it's modelling or data automation, we want to see your expertise in action. Feel free to get creative!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pilgrims Europe
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you brush up on your forecasting and analytics skills. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've used SAP APO and Excel in your previous roles. Prepare to explain how you’ve improved forecast accuracy or streamlined planning processes.
✨Understand the Business
Familiarise yourself with the FMCG sector, especially fresh and chilled products. Research Pilgrims Europe and their market position. Being able to discuss industry trends and how they impact demand planning will show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think about past challenges you've faced in demand planning and how you overcame them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves cross-functional collaboration, be prepared to share examples of how you've worked with different teams. Highlight your communication skills and how you've influenced stakeholders to align on forecast assumptions or planning strategies.