Demand Planning Manager

Company Overview

British American Tobacco (BAT) is rapidly transforming into a global multi-category enterprise committed to creating A Better Tomorrow™ by building a smokeless world. We invite motivated professionals to join us on this transformative journey to shape the future collaboratively.

Role Overview

The Demand Planning Manager, based in Auckland, New Zealand, is accountable for managing the demand planning process to produce accurate forecasts and maintain optimal inventory levels for New Categories and Combustibles. This role supervises two direct reports situated in a shared services team overseas and collaborates extensively across the organization to integrate essential data and insights for demand forecasting. The manager contributes strategically to the company’s supply chain efficiency and overall financial performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the BAT demand forecasting process using historical data, market trends, and company strategic direction, coordinating fortnightly consensus forecasts with the sales team.
• Apply statistical forecasting techniques and tools to validate and refine demand predictions ensuring relevance and accuracy.
• Work jointly with supply chain to monitor inventory, optimizing stock levels to satisfy customer needs while minimizing excess and obsolete inventory.
• Coordinate replenishment activities with supply chain and procurement departments to ensure timely stock availability.
• Organize and participate in cross-departmental meetings to align forecast assumptions and implement necessary changes.
• Collaborate closely with brands, category management, sales, finance, and supply chain teams to collect insights and inputs for accurate demand uploading.
• Lead Integrated Business Planning Meetings (IBPM) focusing on quality growth, risk mitigation, and identifying critical issues to advance business agendas.
• Analyze sales data, market trends, and other relevant metrics to rigorously test forecast assumptions.
• Generate regular reports detailing forecast updates, accuracy metrics, inventory status, and related KPIs for stakeholders.
• Detect forecasting challenges and initiate prompt and effective corrective actions.
• Promote data-driven approaches to evolve forecasting practices and enhance input granularity and precision.
• Continuously improve demand planning processes and systems to boost forecast accuracy and operating efficiency.
• Oversee the maintenance and proper usage of demand planning software ensuring data integrity and compliance.
• Drive results by efficiently mobilizing resources to meet corporate targets and objectives.
• Provide regular feedback to direct reports and oversee their performance monitoring and development.
• Take responsibility for personal growth including completing timely performance reviews and career planning.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships internally across teams and externally, fostering partnerships that support strategic delivery.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Preferably experience in FMCG sector with exposure to front office business functions.
• Established leadership skills with a proven track record of managing high-performance teams.
• A minimum of 8 to 10 years in analytical roles evidencing robust analytical capabilities and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated strong commercial awareness, able to interpret situations and make business-centric decisions.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Power Query, and Power BI.
• Familiarity with SAP, BPC, APO, and Kinaxis is highly desirable.
• Methodical work approach with a focus on accuracy and structured processes.

Benefits and Company Culture

• Competitive market-leading annual performance bonus, subject to eligibility.
• A comprehensive range of benefits tailored per country including health plans, work-life balance initiatives, transportation support, and flexible holidays with additional incentives.
• Opportunities for career progression within a diverse environment prioritizing internal mobility and continuous development.
• Access to online educational platforms and individualized leadership development programs.
• A commitment to continuous improvement and adaptation within a transformative business environment.

Equal Opportunity and Inclusivity

BAT is recognized as a Global Top Employer offering excellent working conditions. Our inclusive culture supports employees from all backgrounds including various demographics and experiences. We embrace diversity as a strength and encourage individuals returning to work after career breaks to apply. Reasonable accommodations are provided during recruitment to allow candidates to perform at their best.