Morgan McKinley are currently seeking a highly skilled and motivated Demand Planning Manager to lead and optimise demand planning processes in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.
This role is pivotal in driving process improvements and enhancing the effectiveness of the S&OP framework. The successful candidate will combine a deep understanding of demand planning principles with a proven track record in process optimisation and cross-functional collaboration.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Develop and maintain accurate demand forecasts, incorporating historical data, market trends, and input from key stakeholders.
- Analyse and interpret sales patterns, promotional activities, and seasonality to improve forecast accuracy.
- Identify gaps and risks in the demand and supply plan, proposing mitigation strategies.
- Identify and mitigate forecast risks, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
- Lead the S&OP process, ensuring alignment across Sales, Marketing, Operations, and Finance.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the S&OP framework to enhance decision-making, collaboration, and transparency.
- Facilitate monthly S&OP meetings, providing data-driven insights and recommendations to senior leadership.
- Identify inefficiencies within current demand planning processes and implement best practices to drive operational excellence.
- Leverage technology and data analytics to streamline workflows and improve forecast accuracy.
- Champion change management initiatives to embed a culture of continuous improvement across the planning function.
- Use data analytics to provide insights and recommendations for strategic decision-making.
- Lead monthly and quarterly business reviews to assess planning effectiveness and drive improvement initiatives.
Key Requirements:
- 8+ experience in demand planning within a high-volume environment with strong expertise in S&OP processes, with a track record of driving alignment and delivering results.
- Demonstrated ability to identify and implement process improvements, preferably using Lean, Six Sigma, or other structured methodologies.
- Advanced analytical skills, with proficiency in forecasting tools, Excel, and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or similar).
- Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at all levels of the organisation.
