Demand Planning & Analytics Manager

Role overview

This position is for a commercially aware Demand Planning & Analytics Manager who brings together forecasting expertise and modern analytics capability. The role blends supply chain planning, business intelligence, and data science, with a focus on improving forecast accuracy, spotting demand patterns, creating analytical tools, and supporting smarter decisions around inventory and supply.

You will collaborate with Sales, Operations, Supply Chain, Finance, and senior leaders to turn data into practical insights that strengthen service levels, improve inventory performance, and support better business results. The role suits someone who enjoys both the operational side of demand planning and the technical challenge of working with data.

Working arrangement

This is a remote, hybrid, or office-based position, and any mix of those working styles is possible. The office options are London or Leeds, United Kingdom.

Salary and benefits

The package on offer is £55,000 to £65,000 per year, plus benefits.

Key responsibilities

• Create and manage demand forecasts across product groups and customer channels.
• Review historical sales, market movements, promotional impact, seasonality, and customer demand behaviour to inform planning.
• Raise forecast accuracy by using statistical and data-led forecasting methods.
• Run forecast review sessions with relevant stakeholders.
• Track forecast performance and introduce ongoing improvements.
• Develop dashboards, reports, and analytical tools that support planning and commercial decisions.
• Identify trends, risks, and opportunities in sales, inventory, and operational datasets.
• Carry out scenario analysis and demand sensitivity modelling.
• Translate quantitative findings into clear recommendations.
• Support business planning, budgeting, and S&OP activities.
• Collect, clean, and analyse data using SQL, Excel, Power BI, and Python.
• Build automated reporting solutions to reduce manual work.
• Improve data quality and consistency across planning systems.
• Assist with forecasting models and predictive analytics development.
• Work with technology teams to improve planning and reporting platforms.

Requirements

• Hands-on background in demand planning, supply chain planning, forecasting, or inventory planning.
• Strong analytical thinking and structured problem-solving ability.
• Advanced Excel capability.
• Practical experience using SQL for data extraction and analysis.
• Experience creating dashboards in Power BI, Tableau, or comparable BI tools.
• Ability to explain complex data findings to colleagues without technical backgrounds.
• Strong stakeholder management and cross-functional teamwork skills.
• Comfort working with large datasets to uncover actionable business insight.
• Preferred exposure to Python, R, or similar analytical programming tools.
• Familiarity with statistical forecasting approaches is an advantage.
• Experience with machine learning or predictive analytics would be useful.
• Knowledge of ERP, planning, or supply chain systems is desirable.
• Experience supporting S&OP or Integrated Business Planning processes is an advantage.
• Background in FMCG, retail, manufacturing, distribution, or supply chain environments is preferred.

What success looks like

• Forecast accuracy and forecast bias improve within the first 12 months.
• Inventory and service level performance show measurable gains.
• Reporting and planning dashboards are built to scale.
• Visibility of demand risks and opportunities increases.
• Trusted relationships are established across commercial and operational teams.
• A more data-led planning culture is helped forward.

Why this role stands out

• High-impact position with visibility across the business.
• Chance to combine planning, analytics, and data science in one role.
• Real scope to shape processes and influence decisions.
• Supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Continued investment in learning, development, and modern analytics tools.

Who should apply

This role is suited to candidates who are passionate about using data to improve business decisions and who enjoy solving complex forecasting challenges.