Red Eagle Recruitment (AGY) are looking to recruit a permanent Demand Planner on behalf of our Manufacturing Client based in Folkestone. To apply please send an up to date CV in a MS Format. 

In addition to the tasks listed, you may be required to undertake other duties, from time to time, as the work load so requires.

Scope:

Demand forecasts for markets outside of UK managed from Europe. This is a pivotal role at the heart of our growing export business – dealing direct with internal and external stakeholders so requiring excellent communication skills and an eye for detail.
                                                    

The Role:

To maintain the ongoing 12 month forecast for UK-Export business, to support the entry, storage and generation of forecasts and to produce accurate KPIs.

To lead improvement in the accuracy of sales forecasts, liaising with both commercial and operation functions.

To play a key role in the Sales & Operational Planning Process in Europe, and improvements both in the process itself, format and content of information used.

To share best practices within the Demand Planning team for reapplication in other geographies

To assist the Demand Planning Manager in general projects, share best practices within the Demand Planning team for reapplication in other geographies and deputise as required



Regular Duties: 

To develop an understanding of Export business including France, to develop and improve sales forecasts, working proactively with both the commercial teams and their distributors.
To develop, with the commercial teams, launch forecasts for both new markets and new products in existing markets, to ensure initial commitments are neither excessive nor inadequate.
Working with a cross-functional team, make recommendations and ensure that inventory & customer service risks as well as business growth opportunities are highlighted via S&OP so that appropriate business decisions are made. Follow through post-launch to ensure any deviations are flagged via S&OP.
To challenge sales forecast information provided by commercial teams where significant changes have occurred and understand their reason for changing.
To analyse sales history and create trend analysis, enabling forward projections based on statistics to be generated for comparison vs commercial team forecasts.
To ensure correct and timely entry of forecasts into the Manugistics system.
To alert Supply Chain on anticipated demand changes or potential opportunities likely to be of an exceptional nature.
Carry out monthly meetings with account managers reviewing the root cause of forecast variance.


RESPONSIBILITIES:    

To be the owner of the demand plans for the allocated business area
To maintain the Manugistics system with updated sales forecasts and prepare monthly forecast accuracy KPIs
To continuously improve forecast accuracy using historical data and other insights gained through regular communication with the commercial teams and their distributors
To work with the commercial teams to continuously improve the current demand planning process and information exchanges with distributors, liaising with other functions (i.e. customer service, supply planning, IT) as required to ensure processes are ready to accommodate the planned business growth
To run the SAP unconsumed forecast report and agree realignments or cancellations with commercial teams, to ensure proactive and correct prioritisation of requirements for optimal customer service and inventory levels.
Create presentation material and content for the S&OP meetings in both UK and France.
Proactively supply information to commercial teams to support and encourage continuous forecast improvement.
Key player in S&OP process, and will work with the whole Supply Chain planning team to lead improvements to the process in Europe.

PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITIES 

Working with Demand Planning Manager
Close liaison with commercial teams in UK and France
Close liaison with Supply Chain teams
Work with US counterparts to ensure best practice is shared.
Note: the position is based in Folkestone, UK but regular travel to distributor sites will be required

HEALTH & SAFETY     

To ensure oneself is aware of, understands and follows all Company Health & Safety instructions - accident/incident reporting, first aid etc.
To report any accidents or near misses to the Health & Safety Officer.