Demand and Supply Planning Manager

Westfalia Fruit is a leading multinational supplier of fresh fruit and related value-added products to global markets. Through our vertically-integrated supply chain we grow, source, ripen, pack, process and market quality avocadoes & fresh produce - 365 days a year & across the globe. With the largest avocado-growing footprint in the world, we are recognised as the leading #avoexperts and considered as the supplier of choice to both retail & wholesale customers whom we serve from sales offices in the UK, Europe, North America, Latin America & Southern Africa. Demand & Supply Planning Manager – Kings Hill, West Malling We’re seeking a dynamic Demand and Supply Planning Manager to lead our Supply Chain planning function and drive operational excellence. Reporting to the Head of Supply Chain, you'll create and execute accurate, agile demand and supply plans that balance customer needs with business capabilities ensuring optimal product availability, minimal waste, and efficient inventory management. As the leader of the S&OP process, you'll act as the key link between Commercial (Customer), Sourcing (Buy), and Supply Chain (Move), aligning strategy and execution to deliver exceptional customer satisfaction and commercial success. This is a pivotal role for a results-driven professional ready to make a real impact. Responsibilities Lead demand forecasting across short, medium, and long-term horizons using customer insights, historical data, and market trends. Develop agile supply plans to meet demand while optimizing inventory, reducing stock‑outs, and minimizing waste. Own and facilitate the full S&OP processes, cross‑functional alignment and driving effective decision‑making. Monitor inventory health, manage shelf‑life constraints, and protect service levels across the supply chain. Ensure accurate planning data and systems integrity to support high‑quality forecasting and operational planning. Track and report KPIs like forecast accuracy, OTIF, and inventory turns—turning insights into action. Lead and develop planning team members, building a culture of accountability, collaboration, and excellence. Collaborate across Commercial, Operations, Sourcing, and Finance teams to ensure demand‑supply balance. Respond quickly to supply disruptions or demand shifts, keeping all stakeholders aligned. Support strategic supply chain initiatives in partnership with the Head of Supply Chain and Quality teams. Requirements Experience in supply and/or demand planning roles within FMCG, fresh produce, or perishable goods sectors. Strong exposure to S&OP, inventory optimisation, and supply‑demand balancing. Experience working in a matrix or cross‑functional environment. Proven ability to lead or mentor planners and planning teams. Advanced knowledge of forecasting techniques, demand planning systems, and supply planning process. Strong analytical capability; confident in managing large data sets and turning insights into actions. Skilled in planning systems (e.g. SAP IBP, APO, Oracle, Excel/BI tools). Solid understanding of end‑to‑end supply chain dynamics, stock policies, and service level management. Detail‑oriented, structured, and commercially aware, with strong prioritisation skills and a customer‑led mindset in planning decisions. Influential cross‑functional communicator, fostering collaboration, driving accountability, and staying calm and proactive under pressure and ambiguity. Benefits 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays. State‑of‑the‑art office with fresh fruit, bean‑to‑cup coffee, freshly squeezed orange juice, and avocado ice cream. Free on‑site parking. Company pension scheme with life insurance cover. Employee Assistance Plan with Medicash. Christmas hampers and a Christmas party. Sausage Roll Thursday and pizza lunch days. We’re an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, family or parental status, national origin, or veteran, neurodiversity or disability status. Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level Employment Type Full‑time Job Function Management and Manufacturing Food and Beverage Services Please note that this position does not have a specific closing date. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible as we will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and the advert may be removed at any time. #J-18808-Ljbffr