We are partnering with a leading FMCG business to recruit a Demand Planning Manager who will play a pivotal role in driving forecast accuracy, improving service levels, and shaping demand planning strategy across a diverse product portfolio.
Working cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, and key retail customers, you will be responsible for transforming market intelligence into robust demand plans that support business growth and operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the demand planning process, creating and maintaining accurate short, medium, and long-term forecasts.
- Drive forecast accuracy and bias improvements through insight-led analysis and continuous process enhancement.
- Manage and facilitate the monthly S&OP / IBP demand review process.
- Partner closely with National Account Managers and Commercial teams to understand promotional activity, customer plans, and market trends.
- Build strong relationships with major UK retailers, ensuring collaborative forecasting and alignment around demand expectations.
- Engage directly with retail customers to review forecasts, understand upcoming events, and proactively identify risks and opportunities within the supply chain.
- Analyse EPOS, sell-out, and inventory data to provide actionable insights that improve product availability and reduce waste.
- Work closely with Supply Planning and Operations teams to ensure demand plans are translated effectively into supply plans.
- Lead demand-related KPI reporting, providing clear visibility of forecast performance and business risks.
About You
- Proven experience within Demand Planning, Forecasting, or Supply Chain Planning in an FMCG environment.
- Strong understanding of retailer engagement and collaborative forecasting principles.
- Experience working with major grocery, convenience, or high street retail customers.
- Demonstrable experience participating in S&OP/IBP processes.
- Advanced analytical skills with the ability to translate complex data into commercial insight.
- Strong stakeholder management skills with the confidence to challenge, influence, and build credibility at all levels.
- Proficiency in forecasting and planning systems alongside strong Excel capability.
Why Apply?
This is an excellent opportunity to join a well-established FMCG business where demand planning is seen as a strategic function. You'll have significant exposure to both internal leadership teams and external retail partners, allowing you to directly influence customer service, availability, and business performance whilst supporting the continuous evolution of planning capabilities.
To apply for the role please send your CV to
Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates
Demand Planning Manager in Manchester employer: Robert Walters Careers
Join a leading organisation in Walsall that values its employees and fosters a collaborative work culture. As a Group Financial Controller, you will benefit from competitive salary packages, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to make a significant impact on the company's financial strategy. With a commitment to compliance and efficiency, this role offers a rewarding environment where your expertise will be recognised and appreciated.
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