At a Glance
- Tasks: Optimise demand forecasts and collaborate with sales teams to enhance customer service.
- Company: Join Bel Group, a leader in the food industry with iconic brands.
- Benefits: Full-time role with opportunities for growth and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Work in a collaborative culture with a focus on innovation and responsibility.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a sustainable company while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in demand planning and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
The Bel Group is a major player in the food industry through portions of dairy, fruit and plant-based products, and one of the world leaders in branded cheeses. Its portfolio of differentiated and internationally recognized brands includes The Laughing Cow®, Kiri®, Babybel®, Boursin® Nurishh®, Pom'Potes® and GoGo squeeZ®, as well as some 30 local brands. Together, these brands helped the Group generate sales of €3.74 billion in 2024.
Do you want to join a company with strong brands that puts consumers and responsibility at the heart of the decision-making process? Then Bel is made for you! Are you bold, pragmatic, and determined? Do you want to contribute to the transformation of an international agri-food company? Then come join us and measure the impact of your talent and energy in realizing an ambitious and sustainable company project!
About the Role: Based in the UK, you will be responsible for the demand planning of the United Kingdom and Ireland where you will optimize the demand forecasts and associated processes to support the highest possible customer service level, within business capabilities. You will work to champion the Sales and Operating Planning Process (S&OP) in line with best industry practices, analysing and reporting on load and capacity, circulating information as required. You will positively influence demand forecasts to optimize stock holding, increase production stability and in-store availability whilst consulting with the local Sales Team on future demand projections and stock availability. You will play a key role in growing the Bel Northern Europe business and report directly to the UK Demand Planning Manager.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provides demand forecast and results analysis, working with Sales & Marketing teams to improve forecast accuracy and customer service levels.
- Ensuring accurate forecasts are provided to Central Supply Chain using the Group tool (JDA Manugistics / IBP / Kinexis Maestro) to agreed deadlines.
- Analyses past sales performance versus forecasts and report variances to relevant parties.
- Responsible for entering the volume budget figures into JDA Manugistics / Maestro.
- Improving and redefining the demand planning process - To develop forecast processes for each of the major accounts working with the Key Account Managers to ensure the maximum level of forecast accuracy.
- Responsible for monitoring and updating distress stock & introducing improvements to minimize going forward.
- Leading forecast meetings (S&OP) once a week with the Key Account Managers to address forecasts and promotional volumes on a 1-2-1 basis.
- To develop and continually review a Supply Chain Strategy by account ensuring the best possible levels of return in terms of service.
- Co-Chairing demand meetings (S&OP) once a week to review supply chain performance and agree future strategies/processes and to ascertain any major issues, present & future.
- Participate and input into relevant steps of the group S&OP process, working closely with all business functions.
- Produce inventory reports and reviews performance against target and works with the logistics provider to optimize the inventory profile and flow.
- Collaborating with retailers to align on demand forecasts for baseline and promotional activities.
Skills/Experience:
- Minimum of 3 years demand planning experience.
- Demonstrated ability of providing accurate forecasts.
- Ability to influence key stakeholders – Sales/Marketing teams.
- Knowledge of demand planning in the Nordics or willingness to learn the complexities of managing 5 different countries.
- High attention to detail and accuracy.
- Willingness & ability to travel to Malmo.
- Proficiency in forecasting and data analysis tools (JDA Manugistics, SAP and IBP, Maestro is a plus).
- Proven track record of managing JBP cycles with Retailers.
Profile: We're excited to meet candidates with a growth mindset, those who are analytical and solution-focused in their approach. Particularly those who are customer focused and have genuine passion for managing demand forecasts, optimize inventory levels, and contribute to the overall efficiency and success of the Northern Europe Cluster supply chain. If you're eager to be part of a high growth company and lead in a dynamic industry, we'd be thrilled to have you apply.
If you think that this job is for you, please click now on the button "Apply". The recruitment team of your site will contact you very soon.
Demand Planner employer: The Bel Group
At Bel Group, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the food industry, offering a vibrant work culture that champions innovation and sustainability. Our Sevenoaks location fosters collaboration and growth, providing employees with opportunities to develop their skills while working with renowned brands like The Laughing Cow® and Babybel®. Join us to be part of a dynamic team where your contributions directly impact our mission to deliver quality products to consumers across the UK and Ireland.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Demand Planner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those at Bel Group or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you an interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Bel's brands and their market strategies. Show us that you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for their products and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your forecasting skills! Be ready to discuss how you would approach demand planning for Bel’s diverse product range. We want to see your analytical side and how you can optimise inventory levels.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining the team at Bel.
We think you need these skills to ace Demand Planner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Demand Planner role. Highlight your experience in demand planning, especially any work with forecasting tools like JDA Manugistics or SAP. 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 demand planning and how you can contribute to our mission at Bel. Be bold and show us your personality!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role involves a lot of data analysis, make sure to highlight any relevant experience. Talk about how you've used data to influence decisions or improve processes in your previous roles. We love numbers, so let them speak for you!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just click that 'Apply' button and let’s get started!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Bel Group
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Demand Planner, you'll be dealing with forecasts and data analysis. Brush up on your numerical skills and be ready to discuss how you've used data to influence demand forecasts in the past. Bring examples of your previous work with forecasting tools like JDA Manugistics or SAP.
✨Understand the Business
Familiarise yourself with Bel Group's brands and their market positioning. Knowing their products, like The Laughing Cow® and Babybel®, will show your genuine interest in the company and help you align your answers with their business goals during the interview.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Prepare to discuss how you would handle discrepancies between forecasted and actual sales, or how you would improve the demand planning process. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
Collaboration is key in this role, especially when working with Sales and Marketing teams. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully influenced stakeholders in the past. Highlight your experience in leading meetings and how you ensure everyone is aligned on forecasts and strategies.
