Demand Planning Manager

We are looking for a Demand Planning Manager to lead our team of demand planners responsible for managing the monthly demand forecast plan on a 12‑18 month planning horizon, at the SKU/location level. You will provide analyses in the process that focus on customer level variances to budgets, risk assessment, opportunity identification, and provide specific guidance to critical stakeholders. Reporting to the Head of Supply & Demand and overseeing a team of three demand planners, this individual will work proactively with sales teams, customers, global operations, and logistics to understand business requirements and identify opportunities. Additionally, this person will identify challenges within the forecast and effectively collaborate to resolve. They will work cross‑functionally with both internal and external partners to facilitate the development and implementation of organisational supply chain initiatives.

What you’ll do:

• Manage a team of 3 demand planners to execute an 18‑month SKU/location level demand forecast, in cross‑functional partnership with sales, finance, and supply planning.
• Own one of the smaller revenue channels, where you will complete all forecasting activities monthly.
• Support the development of the S&OP process alongside the Head of Demand & Supply.
• Reconciliation of demand plan to sales budget via monthly S&OP process.
• Challenge assumptions when significant deviations occur within the forecast, and elevate as needed to drive resolution.
• Lead and develop a team of demand planners, supporting their day‑to‑day activities as well as coaching on demand planning best practices and fostering a collaborative and high‑performance team culture.
• Develop and continuously improve forecasting methodology, using advanced technical skills, that incorporates all available data, systems, and KPIs, and aligns with business outlook.
• Develop and maintain forecasting KPIs, metrics, and reporting, using them to drive tangible improvement in forecast and material supply.
• Provide ongoing analysis and feedback to the sales and finance teams based on subject matter expertise in demand forecasting, inventory management, business process, etc.
• Determine best methods to improve forecast accuracy and adjust forecast models as necessary to improve forecast accuracy.
• Analyse forecast bias to identify and understand variables and root causes impacting forecast, and adjust appropriately; work closely with stakeholders to proactively adjust forecast to accommodate external information.
• Issue resolution/escalation: Product Line and Key item management and reporting, including root cause identification.
• Drive insights and provide recommendations based on statistical analyses/reporting related to current trends by region, category, and/or customer to help drive success achievement of financial goals.
• Guide New Product forecasting efforts, working cross‑functionally with Commercial Planning, Sales and Supply alongside the demand planners to provide pipefill forecasts at customer level.
• Insert self into the business, providing other analysis related to driving business goals (e.g. hindsights, ad‑hoc, etc.).

What you’ll have:

• 4‑5 years of experience in planning, demand forecasting; inventory management, allocation or replenishment; financial planning or financial analysis.
• The ability to think strategically; strong problem‑solving and analytical skills; strong mathematical and forecasting skills.
• Experience of and feels confident in leading a team and can clearly delegate tasks.
• Strong communication and presentation skills: concisely presents complex information/recommendations in terms meaningful to various audiences.
• Intermediate level working knowledge of Kinaxis Rapid Response or similar planning platform.
• Advanced MS Excel skills required.
• Intermediate level working knowledge of ERP systems, preferably Netsuite.
• Experience building collaborative partnerships cross‑functionally.
• Ability to influence key stakeholders.
• Proven ability to participate, support and provide appropriate analysis for internal and external executive discussions to drive continuous improvement in business results and processes.

What you’ll get:

• The opportunity to be part of an incredible, driven team.
• Core hours 10-4: Flex your day.
• Hybrid working: 2 days per week at home.
• Friday time for you: 3.30pm finishes.
• 25 days holiday.
• Birthday Day off.
• Christmas Bonus Day.
• £500 per year Wellness Allowance.
• 40% Product Discount.
• 24/7 EAP & Wellbeing platform via Retail Trust.
• Retailer Discounts via Circular Benefits.
• Pension Scheme.
• Enhanced Sick Pay.
• Enhanced Family Leave.