Product Demand Planner (Frozen foods)
Location: Spalding, Lincolnshire (This is a fully office-based role)
Salary: A£35,000 to A£40,000 per annum (Dependent on experience)
Vacancy Type: Permanent
Hours: Full Time office based, plus flexible Fridays (8.15 am to 5.00 pm Monday to Thursday and 08:15 to 14:30 Friday on a rota basis)
Our client is seeking a well-organised and experienced Product Demand Planner who has experience in demand planning, supply chain, and stock management. This role will play a pivotal role in delivering the highest levels of service to all of their customers.
The Role
The Product Demand Planner is responsible for ordering finished goods in line with contracts and stock requirements, managing stock levels, and monitoring forecast accuracy. The role ensures products are available to meet customer demand while minimising risk of obsolescence and excess stock. The role also involves developing and maintaining accurate demand forecasts, working cross-functionally to align assumptions, and supporting continuous improvement of planning processes. Additionally, the planner communicates shortages or risks to the wider business and provides customer service cover during holidays and periods of absence
Day-to-day aspects of the role:
In bound Supply & Demand Planning
* Build, maintain, and improve demand forecasts using historical sales data, seasonality, promotions, and commercial input.
* Translate Demand Plan into a procurement plan and be responsible for raising and managing all stock orders for inbound materials from CN (main supplier) and 3rd party suppliers.
* Manage call-offs against contracts and monitor balances for 3rd party suppliers, tracking performance and highlighting risks in advance.
* Monitor stock levels against budget, ensuring holdings remain within agreed limits and aligned with monthly sales forecasts.
* Review orders versus forecasts, identifying significant variances and escalating where required.
* Regularly review stock at risk, ensuring best before dates are managed in line with customer requirements, and proactively identify solutions for short-dated or slow-moving stock.
* Track obsolete stock using the stock at risk tracker, identifying items without future demand and recommending clearance action.
* Complete monthly system stock reconciliations with coldstores, investigating differences and documenting adjustments.
* Managing the company's forecast system to reflect accurate data versus customer demand/forecast information
Collaboration & Communication
* Work closely with commercial, technical & development, supply chain & customer service teams to align demand/forecast plans with business objectives.
* Communicate shortages and potential issues with stakeholders in a clear and timely manner.
* Liaise with suppliers regarding substitutions and product availability, ensuring customer requirements are maintained.
* Support customer service team during absences in the team, assisting with order processing, queries and related tasks.
Data, Knowledge & Insight
* Full understanding of the CN SAP system together with other available tools that provide business information
* Analyse demand trends and forecast accuracy, identifying root causes of deviation and recommending improvements.
* Provide reporting and KPIs in a timely and accurate manner.
* Identify risks or opportunities from emerging issues or changes in demand and work with Supply Chain & Procurement Manager on solutions.
* Support continuous improvement initiatives in demand planning tools, processes, and reporting.
* Maintain awareness of changes in legislation or customer requirements that may impact supply.
Skills and Qualifications
* Experience in demand planning, supply chain, and stock management
* Experience of building and maintaining forecasts using data and business input
* Customer service experience in a similar environment
* Strong IT skills, including data handling, forecasting tools, and system use (e.g: SAP, Excel, ERP, planning systems)
* Ability to interpret figures, analyse data, and manage it accurately
* Strong organisational and planning skills
* Ability to manage conflicting priorities and work to deadlines
* Attention to detail with a proactive, problem-solving approach
* Professional attitude with clear and confident communication skills
* Able to work effectively with suppliers, customers, and colleagues across the business
* Flexible, adaptable, and solution-focused
* Team player with a hands-on approach
Personal Qualities
Benefits
* Workplace Pension Scheme
* 25 days holidays plus bank holidays
* Free on-site car parking
* Company sick pay scheme
* Company events
* Career progression
If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for this reputable company, please do not hesitate .
