<p>A proactive Demand Planner is required to forecast customer demand, balance inventory levels and support supply chain efficiency. The role demands strong analytical skills, collaborative working with sales and operations teams and experience with forecasting tools.</p>
<p>This Demand Planner job description outlines the core responsibilities, skills and qualifications HR teams and recruitment agencies should look for when hiring a top candidate. The role centres on accurate forecasting, inventory optimisation and cross-functional communication.</p>
<h2>Demand Planner Job Profile</h2>
<p>The Demand Planner analyses historical sales data, market trends and promotions to produce reliable forecasts. They work closely with procurement, operations and sales to ensure the right stock levels, minimise stockouts and reduce excess inventory.</p>
<p>Reporting to the Supply Chain Manager or Head of Planning, the Demand Planner will use statistical models and demand sensing tools to improve forecast accuracy and support business growth.</p>
<h2>Demand Planner Job Description</h2>
<p>The Demand Planner will develop short, medium and long-term forecasts for product lines across multiple channels. Using ERP and forecasting software, they will generate baseline demand projections and adjust for planned promotions, product launches and market intelligence.</p>
<p>Key tasks include maintaining SKU-level forecasts, analysing forecast accuracy and driving continuous improvement in forecasting processes. The role requires collaborating with sales, marketing and operations to align forecasts with commercial plans and manufacturing capacity.</p>
<p>The Demand Planner will prepare regular reports and presentations for senior management, highlighting demand signals, risk areas and opportunities to improve service levels. They are expected to implement best practice planning methodologies and support S and OP meetings to ensure consensus-based plans.</p>
<h2>Demand Planner Duties and Responsibilities</h2>
<ul>
<li>Produce accurate weekly, monthly and annual demand forecasts at the SKU and channel level.</li>
<li>Analyse historical sales, seasonality, promotions and market trends to refine forecasts.</li>
<li>Maintain demand planning systems and ensure data integrity in the ERP.</li>
<li>Collaborate with sales and marketing to incorporate promotional plans and new product introductions.</li>
<li>Share forecasts with procurement and production to support replenishment and capacity planning.</li>
<li>Monitor forecast accuracy and implement corrective actions to improve bias and MAPE.</li>
<li>Manage safety stock calculations and recommend inventory targets to balance service and cost.</li>
<li>Lead S and OP sessions and prepare demand-related reports for senior stakeholders.</li>
<li>Work with external suppliers to understand lead times and mitigate supply risks.</li>
<li>Drive process improvements and standardise planning templates and KPIs.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Demand Planner Requirements and Qualifications</h2>
<ul>
<li>Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business, Mathematics or related discipline.</li>
<li>Proven experience as a Demand Planner or in demand forecasting within retail, manufacturing or FMCG.</li>
<li>Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Excel; experience with forecasting tools and ERP systems such as SAP or Oracle is preferred.</li>
<li>Knowledge of statistical forecasting methods and demand planning software.</li>
<li>Excellent communication skills and ability to liaise with cross-functional teams.</li>
<li>Familiarity with S and OP processes and KPIs such as forecast accuracy and inventory turns.</li>
<li>Attention to detail, problem-solving mindset and the ability to manage multiple priorities.</li>
<li>Experience with data visualisation tools such as Power BI or Tableau is an advantage.</li>
<li>Ability to work under pressure and meet tight reporting deadlines.</li>
</ul>