Senior Demand Planner

**Job Overview**

We are seeking an experienced Demand Planner for a pivotal role in ensuring that our company meets customer demand efficiently while optimising inventory levels and minimising costs.

As a Demand Planner, you will play a crucial role in forecasting, analyzing, and managing the demand for products or services within a company. Your primary objective will be to ensure accurate predictions of future demand to optimise inventory levels, minimise stockouts, and support overall business goals. Collaborating with various departments such as sales, marketing, and supply chain, you will develop data-driven forecasts and strategies to meet customer demand efficiently.

**Personal Qualities**
- Ability to analyse data trends, forecast demand, and interpret market dynamics to make informed decisions.
- Attention to detail to ensure accuracy in forecasts and inventory management.
- Capacity to identify potential issues in demand forecasting and develop effective solutions to address them.
- Effective communication with various stakeholders, including sales teams, production managers, and suppliers, to convey demand forecasts and collaborate on demand planning strategies.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Flexibility to adjust demand planning strategies based on changing market conditions, consumer behaviour, and internal factors.
- Understanding of business principles, including supply chain management, inventory optimisation, and financial implications of demand planning decisions.

**Key Responsibilities**
- Demand Forecasting:

- Utilise historical data, market trends, and statistical models to generate accurate demand forecasts.
- Develop and refine forecasting models to enhance prediction accuracy and adapt to changing market conditions.
- Collaborate with sales, marketing, and product management teams to incorporate qualitative insights into demand forecasts.
- Inventory Management:

- Analyse demand forecasts to determine optimal inventory levels and safety stock requirements.
- Monitor inventory levels and make recommendations for adjustments to prevent overstock or stockouts.
- Coordinate with supply chain and procurement teams to ensure timely replenishment of inventory.
- Sales, Inventory and Operations Planning (SIOP):

- Lead SIOP meetings to review demand forecasts, inventory levels, and production capacities.
- Align demand forecasts with production schedules to optimise resource allocation and minimise production costs.
- Communicate potential demand fluctuations and inventory risks to stakeholders for proactive decision-making.
- Data Analysis and Reporting:

- Analyse demand patterns, sales trends, and market dynamics to identify opportunities and risks.
- Generate regular reports and dashboards to communicate demand forecasts, inventory performance, and key metrics to stakeholders.
- Conduct post-mortem analysis on forecast accuracy and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration:

- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including sales, marketing, finance, and operations to gather inputs for demand forecasting.
- Act as a liaison between different departments to ensure alignment of goals and strategies related to demand planning.

**Qualifications**
- Proven experience in demand planning, inventory management, or related field.
- Proficiency in statistical forecasting techniques and demand planning software/tools.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and trends effectively.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams.
- Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Familiarity with ERP systems (e.g., Netsuite) and advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Statistics, or related field is a plus.

**Benefits**
- Full-time, permanent contract.
- Hybrid working environment (specifics dependent on location, minimum of 3 days in HQ every two weeks).
- 40% staff discount.
- 25 days annual holiday entitlement plus 8 bank holidays.
- Company pension scheme.
- Opt-in private healthcare scheme.

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £35,000.00-£50,000.00 per year

**Benefits**:

- Company events
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Work from home

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday

**Experience**:

- Supply chain: 3 years (required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Newton Aycliffe