Demand Planner in Salford

Are you dynamic with your forecasting and planning? Do you understand the FMCG sector? Do you thrive in a busy fast-paced environment? Do you want to be part of a key business team? Do you want to be in a company that develops and promotes their people? If so, this company and this role is for YOU!

PLEASE NOTE: Demand planning experience is essential for this role.

My client is a well-established market leader in the beauty sector, both wholesale and retail. Their Supply Chain team needs a Junior Demand Planner and Reporting Analyst who has a natural flair for detail-oriented work. You will be responsible for developing accurate demand forecasts, optimizing inventory levels, and supporting strategic decision-making to ensure product availability while minimizing excess inventory costs. This role requires strong analytical skills, a keen understanding of forecasting methodologies, and the ability to collaborate effectively across departments.

Your role will cover:

• Demand Forecasting: Utilize historical sales data, market trends, and input from sales and marketing teams to develop demand forecasts for products across different segments and regions.
• Inventory Optimization: Collaborate with Supply Chain and Procurement teams to optimize inventory levels, ensuring the right balance between product availability and inventory carrying costs. Manage e-commerce warehouse stock by regularly reviewing holding levels in line with current sales trends and adjusting inventory to support peak and off-peak trading periods.
• Forecast Accuracy: Skilled in optimizing forecasting models and improving demand planning processes, data accuracy, and efficiency through automation, optimization, and technology solutions while monitoring performance metrics for continuous enhancement.
• Sales and Market Analysis: Analyze sales data, customer demand patterns, and market trends to identify factors influencing demand, providing insights to support decision-making and business planning.
• Collaboration: Partner closely with cross-functional teams, including Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Operations, to align demand forecasts with overall business objectives. Lead and facilitate monthly Demand Clinics with Sales Account Managers to ensure clear communication of forecast assumptions, insights, and key drivers.
• New Product Development (NPD): Support the demand planning process for new product launches, providing input on initial demand forecasts, monitoring performance, and adjusting forecasts as necessary.
• Promotional Planning: Incorporate promotional activities, seasonality, and other market events into demand forecasts, collaborating with marketing and sales teams to ensure accurate planning and execution.
• Risk Management: Anticipate and mitigate risks to demand forecasts, such as supply chain disruptions, market volatility, and changing customer preferences, developing contingency plans to minimize impact on inventory and sales performance.
• Reporting: Generate regular reports summarizing forecast performance, highlighting trends, risks, and opportunities, and providing actionable insights to stakeholders.

What will YOU bring to the role?

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Statistics, Economics, or a related field. Advanced degree or professional certification (e.g., APICS, IBF) is advantageous.
• Proven experience in demand planning, forecasting, or a related analytical role, preferably in a manufacturing, retail, or consumer goods environment.
• Proficient in Excel, SQL, and data visualization tools (Power BI) with strong analytical skills. Experienced in implementing and working with demand planning systems.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and levels of the organization.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate data insights into actionable recommendations to drive business results.
• Adaptable and resilient, able to thrive in a dynamic and changing environment.

Do you have experience of Microsoft Dynamics – Business Central – if so that would be a real plus!

The YOU we are looking for will also:

• Possess a keen analytical mindset.
• Demonstrate strong communication skills and the ability to engage effectively at all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrate outstanding interpersonal abilities.
• Display mastery in communication.
• Show adept organizational skills and self-reliance.
• Apply a systematic and logical approach to problem-solving.
• Thrive in collaborative environments.
• Maintain a consistently professional demeanour.
• Exhibit exceptional problem-solving acumen.
• Manage workload effectively with strong organizational prowess.
• Show enthusiasm for acquiring new skills and knowledge.
• Work seamlessly within team dynamics.
• Uphold a strong work ethic.
• Capable of effectively engaging with various stakeholders, including department managers, directors, and the CEO.

In return YOU get:

• Good salary.
• Good promotion prospects.
• Flexitime.
• Duvet Days.
• Free onsite gym.
• Discounted products.
• A culture of excellence.

So if you are the Demand Planner I am looking for, please send me your CV.