Demand Planner UK & Ireland
3 days ago
Milton Keynes
Department: Supply Chain/Operations Title: Demand Planner UK & Ireland Mission: Responsible for developing and managing accurate demand forecasts in collaboration with the Supply Planner UK & Ireland, ensuring that products are available in the right quantities to meet customer demand across the UK. Job Summary: We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Demand Planner for the UK & Ireland market to join our Supply Chain team. In this role, you will be responsible for developing and managing demand forecasts that enable optimal product availability and support business objectives. You will work closely with internal teams and external partners to drive inventory efficiency, minimise out-of-stock situations, and contribute to the overall performance of the supply chain. Key Result Areas and Activities: • Demand Forecasting: Build and maintain accurate demand forecasts for the UK market, incorporating sales data, market trends, seasonal demand, promotions, and new product introductions., • Collaboration with Cross-Functional Teams: Work closely with the sales, marketing, and supply chain teams to align on product demand and ensure that forecasts are updated based on the latest market insights and promotional activities., • Market Intelligence: Monitor market conditions, competitors, and customer preferences to adjust demand forecasts as needed. Use sales history and customer feedback to refine forecast accuracy., • Reporting & Analysis: Provide regular demand planning reports and insights to senior management, highlighting potential risks, opportunities, and key performance indicators (KPIs) related to inventory and supply chain performance., • Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP): Actively participate in the S&OP process, collaborating with key stakeholders to ensure alignment between demand, supply, and operational priorities for the UK market., • Process Optimisation: Identify opportunities for process improvements in demand planning. Propose and implement strategies that enhance forecasting accuracy and improve supply chain efficiency. Position Requirements • Experience:, • Typically, 3-5 years of experience in demand planning, supply chain management, or a related field within the UK market, ideally within the toy, retail, or consumer goods industries., • Experience working with forecasting tools or demand planning software (e.g., D365, PBI or similar) is highly desirable., • Skills:, • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with experience in demand forecasting and inventory management., • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams and external stakeholders., • High proficiency in Microsoft Excel (advanced functions like PivotTables, VLOOKUP, etc.)., • Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment., • Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing deadlines., • Preferred:, • Familiarity with the UK toy and retail market, including seasonal demand patterns and trends., • Experience with Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) and working cross-functionally in a dynamic, customer-focused environment., • Knowledge of UK retailers, distributors, and market dynamics in the toy industry.
