- £70,000
- London
A prominent FMCG brand is seeking a Head of Demand Planning to guide their team. In this pivotal role, you will ensure that the company's products are consistently available on the shelves of major retail partners, while effectively managing stock levels to optimise revenue and profitability.
As a leader in this position, you will supervise a team responsible for forecasting, inventory management, and working closely with both supply chain and sales teams. Your strategic vision and proactive approach to problem-solving will be crucial in steering the company's ongoing success in a competitive landscape.
Key Responsibilities in this Head of Demand Planning role:
- Guide, mentor, and empower the Demand Planning Team to deliver exceptional service to grocery customers.
- Ensure optimal product availability on shelves for both seasonal and regular items, while effectively managing inventory across warehouses, retailers, and factories.
- Provide strong leadership to the team, offering guidance on forecasting, inventory planning, and resolving logistical challenges.
- Conduct regular one-on-one sessions, manage quarterly objectives, and ensure that the team's efforts align with the company's overall growth strategy.
- Step in to manage key accounts during team members' holidays or absences, ensuring seamless service continuity.
- Foster and maintain strong relationships with senior contacts within grocery retailers' demand planning teams.
- Ensure that the team consistently meets and exceeds the performance KPIs set by key customers and conduct quarterly reviews to evaluate outcomes.
- Lead post-season retrospectives to drive ongoing improvements in the demand planning process.
- Lead daily and monthly meetings focused on forecasting accuracy, sales performance, and inventory management.
- Track critical path deadlines for product launches, shipment coordination, and seasonal event planning.
- Collaborate closely with other internal departments to ensure they have the necessary information to support demand planning initiatives.
- Collaborate with the sales team to analyse sales data, providing insights that influence product range and distribution strategies.
Required Skills and Experience:
- Minimum of 7 years in a demand planning, merchandising or customer supply chain role, with a focus on fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG).
- Proven experience of working for, or managing UK grocery customers and handling international shipping/logistics.
- At least 3 years of team leadership experience, with a track record of driving performance and development.
- Strong proficiency in tools like Excel, ERP systems, and project management platforms.
- Highly organised, resourceful, and able to juggle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence both internal and external stakeholders.
- A proactive problem solver with a creative, can-do attitude.
- Highly numerate and data-literate, with a knack for turning insights into actionable strategies.
- A natural leader who can inspire and guide a team to achieve outstanding results.
Diversity & Inclusion:
Our client values diversity and encourages applicants from all backgrounds and identities. They are committed to fostering an equitable and inclusive culture of belonging across the company.