Demand Planning Manager in Manchester

Demand Planning Manager in Manchester

Manchester Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
S

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead demand forecasting and inventory planning to ensure product availability.
  • Company: Join a leading B2B distributor with a focus on growth and innovation.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a dynamic work environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by optimising stock and driving business success.
  • Qualifications: Experience in demand planning, strong Excel skills, and team leadership.
  • Other info: Opportunity to work cross-functionally and develop your strategic thinking.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

To be considered for an interview, please make sure your application is full in line with the job specs as found below. SF Recruitment are working with a leading B2B distributor to recruit a Demand Planning Manager; to own forecasting, replenishment, and inventory planning across a multi-category, fast-moving business. This role plays a key part in enabling growth by ensuring the right products are available at the right time - without over-stocking.

Responsibilities:

  • Lead short-, mid-, and long-term demand forecasting at SKU and category level
  • Build and maintain rolling 18-month forecasts and 3-year category plans
  • Translate demand plans into purchase and production requirements
  • Own Open-to-Buy, inventory health, and stock optimisation across channels
  • Identify risks, gaps, and opportunities in forecasts and recommend actions
  • Drive continuous improvement in forecasting accuracy and planning processes
  • Support range reviews, product lifecycle decisions, and in-season adjustments
  • Maintain and optimise ERP replenishment parameters in line with demand shifts
  • Act as the planning link between Sales, Category, Operations, Finance, and Marketing
  • Incorporate promotions, launches, and seasonal activity into demand plans
  • Present insights and recommendations to senior stakeholders
  • Lead and develop a team of demand planners or analysts

What success looks like:

  • High forecast accuracy and strong availability performance
  • Inventory held within plan with healthy stock turn
  • Clear, actionable demand insight supporting commercial decisions

What we’re looking for:

  • Strong demand or supply planning background, ideally in consumer goods, FMCG, or seasonal product environments
  • Advanced Excel, Power BI, and forecasting tool experience
  • ERP planning experience (Dynamics 365 / Navision or similar)
  • Confident communicator who can influence cross-functional teams
  • Strategic thinker who’s comfortable rolling up their sleeves
  • Experience leading or mentoring planning teams

Demand Planning Manager in Manchester employer: SF Recruitment

As a leading B2B distributor, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic work environment that encourages innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through tailored development programmes and opportunities for advancement within our multi-category, fast-paced business. Located in a vibrant area, we offer competitive benefits and a supportive culture that values each team member's contributions, making us an exceptional employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
S

Contact Detail:

SF Recruitment Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Demand Planning Manager in Manchester

✨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 products. Understand their demand planning processes and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. Show them you’re not just another candidate!

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be clear about your achievements in demand forecasting and inventory management. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills and how they can benefit the company.

✨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 the initiative to engage directly with us.

We think you need these skills to ace Demand Planning Manager in Manchester

Demand Forecasting
Inventory Planning
Replenishment Management
Open-to-Buy Management
Stock Optimisation
ERP Systems (Dynamics 365 / Navision)
Advanced Excel
Power BI
Cross-Functional Communication
Strategic Thinking
Team Leadership
Analytical Skills
Continuous Improvement
Risk Identification
Data Analysis

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Demand Planning Manager role. Highlight your experience in demand forecasting, inventory management, and any relevant tools like Excel or Power BI. We want to see how your skills match 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 the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific achievements in demand planning and how you can contribute to our growth. Keep it engaging and personal!

Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role involves a lot of data analysis, make sure to showcase your analytical skills in your application. Talk about how you've used data to drive decisions in past roles. We love numbers, so don't shy away from them!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications better and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!

How to prepare for a job interview at SF Recruitment

✨Know Your Numbers

As a Demand Planning Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in forecasting and inventory management. Brush up on key metrics like forecast accuracy and stock turn rates. Be ready to discuss how you've improved these metrics in past roles.

✨Showcase Your Tools

Familiarity with tools like Excel, Power BI, and ERP systems is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've used these tools to drive demand planning success. If you have experience with Dynamics 365 or Navision, make sure to highlight that!

✨Communicate Effectively

This role requires influencing cross-functional teams, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Think of scenarios where you've successfully communicated insights or recommendations to senior stakeholders and be ready to share those stories.

✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking

Employers are looking for someone who can think ahead. Prepare to discuss how you've developed long-term demand forecasts and category plans. Bring examples of how your strategic thinking has led to successful outcomes in previous positions.

Demand Planning Manager in Manchester
SF Recruitment
Location: Manchester

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

S
Similar positions in other companies
UK’s top job board for Gen Z
discover-jobs-cta
Discover now
>