Demand Planner

Overview

We are seeking a commercially driven Demand Planner to take full responsibility for forecasting and demand planning across various categories and brands. This role serves as a critical connection among Brand Partners, Commercial, Finance, Supply Chain, and Operations teams, ensuring demand plans accurately capture market potential, customer requirements, and align with business goals. You will play a vital role in the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process, aiming to enhance service levels, optimise inventory, and promote sustainable growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and update demand forecasts for specific categories, customers, and channels.
• Interpret sales trends, promotional impacts, seasonality, market data, and customer insights to enhance forecast precision.
• Assist with new product rollouts, promotional campaigns, and range evaluations via thorough forecasting and planning.
• Spot forecast challenges and opportunities, proposing measures to boost outcomes.
• Continuously enhance forecasting workflows, reporting mechanisms, and planning tools.
• Serve as the main liaison for Brand Partners regarding forecasting and demand planning.
• Collaborate closely with Commercial, Category, Finance, Supply Chain, and Operations teams to synchronize demand plans with company objectives.
• Convert commercial strategies and market insights into actionable forecasts.
• Lead monthly demand review meetings and contribute to the broader S&OP discussions.
• Support budgeting, financial projections, and business planning functions.
• Track and report critical planning indicators including Forecast Accuracy, Forecast Bias, Service Levels, Inventory Health, and On-Time In-Full (OTIF) performance.
• Analyze discrepancies in forecasts, determine root causes, and identify areas for improvement.
• Develop detailed reports and interactive dashboards using Excel and Power BI to facilitate decision-making.
• Supply data-backed insights and practical recommendations to stakeholders and executive leadership.
• Work hand-in-hand with Supply Planning and Operations teams to ensure the feasibility of forecast delivery.
• Assist inventory optimization efforts and manage supply limitations through proactive demand analysis.
• Monitor inventory trends and flag potential risks that could affect product availability or customer service levels.

Qualifications and Experience

• 3 to 4 years of professional experience in Demand Planning, Forecasting, Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP), or similar commercial planning roles.
• Solid grasp of demand planning concepts and forecasting techniques.
• Advanced analytical abilities capable of transforming data into actionable knowledge.
• Familiarity with planning software such as SAP S/4HANA, Microsoft Dynamics 365, or related platforms.
• Proficiency in Excel and Power BI for analysis and reporting.
• Excellent communication skills and stakeholder engagement expertise.
• Proven experience working across Commercial, Finance, and Supply Chain departments.
• Good understanding of the Irish Grocery and Convenience Retail sector.

Desirable Attributes

• Experience within the FMCG or Consumer Goods industries.
• Background in direct collaboration with retailers and Brand Partners.
• Track record of enhancing forecast accuracy and demand planning efficiency.
• Participation in product launches, promotional strategy, and category expansion efforts.

Why Join Our Team?

This position offers the chance to engage with prominent brands, shape important commercial decisions, and directly influence business performance. You will gain expansive exposure across teams within a fast-paced, collaborative environment that champions continual improvement.