Demand Planning Lead

Role Overview

This role owns the demand forecasting rhythm for the business, turning sales history, market signals, commercial input, and planning assumptions into a demand picture that teams can act on. The person in this position connects commercial, finance, supply chain, and leadership stakeholders so inventory investment stays aligned with expected sales, product availability is protected, and excess or shortage risks surface early. The work matters because reliable demand plans directly influence service levels, working capital, and cost control.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and refine forecast models using historical shipments, consumption trends, market intelligence, promotional plans, and agreed business assumptions.
• Run the monthly demand planning cycle by gathering inputs, challenging assumptions, preparing SKU-level forecasts, and managing exception-based reviews.
• Define and track forecast accuracy and bias measures, investigate variances, and recommend corrective actions that improve planning reliability.
• Translate demand assumptions, inventory positions, and forecast changes into clear updates for management and cross-functional partners.
• Flag material shifts tied to promotions, seasonality, new product launches, budget changes, or strategy adjustments, and adjust plans accordingly.
• Partner with inventory planning to identify demand risks, supply constraints, slow-moving items, and opportunities to optimise safety stock.
• Lead root-cause reviews for forecast misses and demand-related disruptions, driving timely resolution and preventive actions.
• Chair regular forecast review sessions with commercial, finance, supply chain, and leadership teams to keep demand plans aligned with business priorities.

Requirements & Qualifications

• A recognised degree in Statistics, Economics, Mathematics, Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related discipline.
• At least 3 years of relevant experience in demand planning, forecasting, inventory planning, supply chain analysis, or a comparable role.
• Solid understanding of inventory management principles, demand planning processes, and supply chain operations.
• Strong analytical, mathematical, and statistical skills, with the ability to interpret data and identify demand patterns.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and working knowledge of ERP, integrated supply chain, or demand planning systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present forecasts, risks, and recommendations clearly.
• Strong business acumen, strategic thinking, problem-solving ability, and attention to detail.
• Customer- and market-focused mindset, with the ability to respond effectively to changing business priorities.
• Ability to multitask and deliver accurate outputs in a fast-paced environment.