Demand Planning Manager

Our client, a food manufacturer, is looking for a Demand Planning Manager to join their team. As the selected candidate, you will play a critical role in optimizing the demand planning process to ensure product availability while minimizing excess inventory and costs. You will be responsible for forecasting demand, coordinating with supply chain and production teams, and working closely with sales and marketing to ensure alignment between customer demand and production capabilities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Demand Forecasting & Analysis:
  Develop and maintain accurate demand forecasts by analyzing historical sales data, market trends, promotions, and seasonality. Utilize statistical models and demand planning tools to ensure high forecast accuracy.

• Cross-functional Collaboration:
  Work closely with sales, marketing, production, and supply chain teams to align demand plans with business objectives. Coordinate with production planning to ensure manufacturing meets demand without overproduction.

• Inventory Optimization:
  Monitor and manage inventory levels across the supply chain, ensuring optimal stock levels to meet customer demand while minimizing stock-outs and excess inventory. Implement strategies to reduce lead times and improve supply chain efficiency.

• S&OP Process:
  Lead and participate in the Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) process, facilitating regular meetings with stakeholders to review forecasts, adjust plans, and ensure alignment across the organization.

• Data Management & Reporting:
  Ensure that demand planning data is accurately recorded and maintained in the company's ERP and planning systems. Provide regular reporting and insights to senior management, identifying risks, opportunities, and areas for improvement.

• Continuous Improvement:
  Identify and implement process improvements in demand planning to enhance forecast accuracy and efficiency. Stay up-to-date on industry trends, best practices, and demand planning technologies.

• Team Leadership:
  Manage and develop a small team of demand planners, providing guidance, training, and support to ensure high performance and collaboration.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in demand planning, supply chain, or production planning, ideally within the food or FMCG industry.
• Strong analytical skills and experience with demand planning tools (e.g., SAP APO, Oracle Demantra, or similar).
• Proficiency in Excel and data analysis; knowledge of ERP systems is highly desirable.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with a focus on continuous improvement and efficiency.
• Fluent in English mandatory, fluent in Dutch preferred.