Senior Demand Planner

Job Title: Senior Demand Planner

Salary: £45,000 - £60,000

Industry: Cosmetics

Location: Manchester - Hybrid Model

Job Overview:

We are partnering with a cosmetics company to find an experienced and proactive Senior Demand Planner. This role is perfect for someone with a proven track record in demand planning who is ready to take on greater responsibility in driving the company's forecasting, inventory management, and supply chain optimisation. As a Senior Demand Planner, you will lead the demand planning process, ensuring alignment with commercial objectives, product launches, and market demands, while mentoring junior team members

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and manage detailed demand forecasts by analysing sales trends, market conditions, and promotional activities, ensuring accuracy and alignment with business goals.
• Oversee inventory levels across multiple product lines, collaborating with the supply chain and procurement teams to balance stock availability and minimise excess inventory or stockouts.
• Work closely with sales, marketing, and operations teams to drive demand planning strategies that support product launches, promotions, and sales initiatives.
• Performance Metrics: Monitor and analyse key demand planning metrics (forecast accuracy, inventory turnover, etc.), providing actionable insights and recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Lead the Sales and Operations Planning process, ensuring alignment between demand plans, production schedules, and inventory management strategies.
• Take ownership of the demand planning systems and tools, ensuring data accuracy, improving processes, and implementing best practices.
• Mentor and coach junior demand planners, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous development.
• Manage demand planning for new product launches, discontinuations, and product transitions, ensuring minimal disruption to the supply chain.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, Business, Economics, or a related field (Master's degree is a plus).
• 5+ years of experience in demand planning, forecasting, or supply chain management (preferably in the cosmetics or FMCG sectors).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a demonstrated ability to interpret large data sets and drive strategic decisions.
• Proven experience leading demand planning initiatives and mentoring team members, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills, with experience in cross-functional collaboration.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience with demand planning systems (such as SAP, Oracle, or similar software).
• Strong understanding of the Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) process and its role in driving business performance.
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with practical execution, ensuring alignment between demand forecasts and commercial objectives.