Demand Planner

Acting as a key link between sales and supply chain, this role focuses on analysing demand trends, optimising inventory levels, and driving better commercial decision-making across a complex product range. You'll work cross-functionally with senior stakeholders to improve stock accuracy, reduce excess inventory, and ensure the business can respond quickly to changing market demands.

Client Details

Our client is a private equity-backed UK business operating within the electrical and home improvement sector, supplying a broad range of wiring and lighting products through established distributor and retail channels. With a strong market presence and a complex, high-volume product portfolio, the business is currently undergoing a period of transformation under new leadership, focused on improving operational performance, optimising inventory, and driving greater commercial alignment across the organisation.

Description

• Develop accurate demand forecasts across a portfolio of ~3,000 SKUs using historical data, trends, and market insights
• Continuously review and refine forecasting models to improve accuracy and responsiveness to market changes
• Analyse demand patterns, seasonality, and product performance to inform forward planning decisions
• Collaborate closely with Sales, Operations & Marketing to align forecasts with promotions, campaigns, and commercial activity
• Monitor new product launches, adjusting forecasts based on early sales data and market feedback
• Manage and optimise forecast inputs across long lead-time supply chains, particularly Asia-based manufacturing
• Identify demand variability and risk, proactively recommending actions to mitigate stock imbalances
• Provide clear forecasting insights and reporting to support data-driven decision-making at senior level

Profile

A successful Demand Planner should have:

• Proven experience in demand planning, inventory management, or supply chain analysis within a fast-paced, product-driven environment
• Strong analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and translate insights into actionable decisions
• Experience managing complex product portfolios, ideally with high SKU volumes and varying demand patterns
• Commercially aware, with the confidence to challenge stakeholders and influence decisions across sales and supply chain functions
• Advanced Excel skills (e.g. pivot tables, lookups) and experience with data visualisation or planning tools
• Ability to work cross-functionally in a collaborative environment, building strong relationships across multiple teams
• Experience working with long lead-time supply chains (ideally Asia-based manufacturing) and understanding the impact on forecasting and stock control

Job Offer

• Competitive salary package of £45,000-£55,000 plus performance-related bonus
• Hybrid working environment with flexibility to work from home up to 2 days per week
• Opportunity to join a business undergoing transformation, with strong visibility and impact from day one
• Work closely with senior leadership, including direct exposure to the CEO and Head of Supply Chain
• Broad, commercially focused role with real ownership across inventory strategy and decision-making
• Benefits package including life assurance, pension (5% employee / 4% employer), and 23 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Free on-site parking and a collaborative, team-oriented working environment

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Demand Planner to join a well-established organisation in the industrial/manufacturing sector. If you're based in or near South Bedfordshire and looking for your next challenge, apply today!