Demand Planner

Job Description

POSITION SNAPSHOT

Role: Demand Planner

Contract: Full time fixed term – 12 Months

Location: Manchester or Basingstoke Office

Programme Start: March 25

Starting Salary: £45,000

Childs Farm is an innovative children’s skincare brand that has a bold, clear vision to be the world’s leading natural, sustainable sensitive skincare brand and we are looking for passionate Supply Chain individuals to assist us on our exciting journey. Your day to day will be constantly changing and no two days will be the same.

Job Purpose

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Demand Planner to lead our demand planning function. This role is critical to ensuring we have the right products in the right place at the right time to meet customer demand and support our ambitious growth plans. The Demand Planner will have joint responsibility for the sales forecast, working closely with Account Managers to develop the most accurate and insightful forecasts. This role requires strong analytical skills, excellent communication and influencing abilities, and a proactive approach.

Internal

Key cross-functional relationships with demand planners, supply, sales & marketing, Finance, NPD teams.

Reporting Relationships

Report to the Supply Planning Manager (Basingstoke); there are no direct reports.

Principal Accountabilities:

1. Sales Forecasting: Collaborate with Account Managers to develop and maintain accurate sales forecasts, incorporating market trends, promotional activities, seasonality, and other relevant factors. Ensure Account Managers follow best practice forecasting methodologies and apply a consistent approach.
2. Demand Planning Process: Manage the demand planning process, ensuring timely and accurate input from all stakeholders.
3. KPI Reporting: Develop and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) to track forecast accuracy, identify areas for improvement, and provide insights to the business. Regularly report on performance and provide analysis of variances.
4. Sales Insights: Provide insightful analysis of sales data, identifying trends, opportunities, and risks. Communicate these insights to the business to influence future decisions on promotions, inventory management, and product development.
5. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Finance teams to ensure alignment between demand plans and business objectives. Effectively communicate with all levels of the organization in a matrix environment.
6. IBP Participation: Prepare and present the demand planning section of the monthly Integrated Business Planning meeting, ensuring alignment across all functions.
7. System Management: Utilize, maintain and enhance existing demand planning Excel-based systems and processes, ensuring data accuracy and integrity.
8. Continuous Improvement: Drive continuous improvement in demand planning processes, tools, and techniques. Proactively identify opportunities to enhance forecast accuracy, efficiency, and effectiveness. Stay up-to-date with industry best practices.

Qualifications and Experience

1. Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
2. Proven experience in demand planning, forecasting, and sales analysis, preferably within the FMCG industry.
3. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret data and draw meaningful conclusions.
4. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and influencing skills. Ability to build strong relationships with cross-functional teams.
5. Proficiency in demand planning software and Microsoft Excel. Experience with Power Query in Excel is desirable.
6. Experience working in a fast-paced, matrix organization.
7. Strong initiative and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
8. A demonstrable track record of driving continuous improvement initiatives.

General Information and Requirements:

At Childs Farm, we work within a hybrid working model, there will be flexibility for you to work from home; however, primarily your role will be office-based. We work flexible hours suited to business requirements.

The role will require 2-3 days a week in person in our Manchester/Basingstoke Office.

You may on occasion need to work 5 days in the office.

The successful candidate would be able to commute to Central London on occasions.