Senior Demand Planner

Job Title: Senior Demand Planner Salary: £45,000 - £60,000 Industry: Cosmetics Location: Manchester - Hybrid Model Job Overview: We are partnering with a cosmetics company to find an experienced and proactive Senior Demand Planner. This role is perfect for someone with a proven track record in demand planning who is ready to take on greater responsibility in driving the company's forecasting, inventory management, and supply chain optimization. As a Senior Demand Planner, you will lead the demand planning process, ensuring alignment with commercial objectives, product launches, and market demands, while mentoring junior team members Key Responsibilities: * Develop and manage detailed demand forecasts by analyzing sales trends, market conditions, and promotional activities, ensuring accuracy and alignment with business goals. * Oversee inventory levels across multiple product lines, collaborating with the supply chain and procurement teams to balance stock availability and minimize excess inventory or stockouts. * Work closely with sales, marketing, and operations teams to drive demand planning strategies that support product launches, promotions, and sales initiatives. * Performance Metrics: Monitor and analyze key demand planning metrics (forecast accuracy, inventory turnover, etc.), providing actionable insights and recommendations for continuous improvement. * Lead the Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) process, ensuring alignment between demand plans, production schedules, and inventory management strategies. * Take ownership of the demand planning systems and tools, ensuring data accuracy, improving processes, and implementing best practices. * Mentor and coach junior demand planners, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous development. * Manage demand planning for new product launches, discontinuations, and product transitions, ensuring minimal disruption to the supply chain. Required Skills & Qualifications: * Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, Business, Economics, or a related field (Master's degree is a plus). * 5+ years of experience in demand planning, forecasting, or supply chain management (preferably in the cosmetics or FMCG sectors). * Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a demonstrated ability to interpret large data sets and drive strategic decisions. * Proven experience leading demand planning initiatives and mentoring team members, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels. * Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills, with experience in cross-functional collaboration. * Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience with demand planning systems (such as SAP, Oracle, or similar software). * Strong understanding of the Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) process and its role in driving business performance. * Ability to balance strategic thinking with practical execution, ensuring alignment between demand forecasts and commercial objectives