Demand Planning Manager at WD-40 COMPANY

Central Milton Keynes, England, United Kingdom -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

23 Apr, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

23 Jan, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Demand Planning, Forecasting, Data Analysis, Collaboration, Statistical Modeling, Performance Tracking, Product Lifecycle Management, Financial Alignment, Systems Development, Communication, Leadership, Continuous Improvement, Market Insights, Inventory Management, Sales Alignment, Operational Efficiency

Industry

Wholesale Chemical and Allied Products

Description

Overview Our Demand Planning Manager plays a critical role in shaping accurate EIMEA demand forecasts that enable a resilient and efficient supply chain. This role partners closely with Sales, Marketing, and Operations to ensure alignment across the business - optimizing stock levels, reducing waste, and improving service performance. You will lead the regional demand planning team, leveraging data analysis, market insights, and cross‑functional collaboration to deliver reliable demand plans that support commercial growth and strategic decision‑making. This role is also responsible for driving continuous improvement across forecasting processes, reporting, systems, and modeling accuracy, while developing team capability and strengthening demand planning as a value‑adding function within the business. Responsibilities 1. Forecast Development Lead all aspects of the collaborative forecasting process across the supply chain, ensuring alignment cross‑functionally and across assigned EIMEA geographies. Develop and deliver a consolidated, SKU‑level EIMEA forecast covering all markets and channels. Communicate forward‑looking demand plans across supply tiers to ensure capacity, raw materials, and inventory levels fully support finished goods production and OTIF targets. Gather and validate data from Sales, Marketing, and Finance, reconciling discrepancies, challenging assumptions, and confirming promotional and pricing inputs to maintain forecast integrity. Apply advanced forecasting techniques, including statistical modeling, to drive accuracy, innovation, and alignment with evolving business needs. Monitor forecast accuracy, analyze variances, and implement corrective actions. Build scenario‑based forecasts to model multiple demand outcomes, assess risks, recommend contingency plans, and support continuity of service. Deliver regular forecast reports and insights to senior leadership. 2. Performance Tracking (In‑Month) Track actual sales vs. forecast, escalating significant variances and corrective actions to Supply Planning and Finance. Work closely with branches and distributors to identify root causes of deviations and document learnings. Update forecasts based on real‑time demand signals and market developments. Provide visibility of risks and opportunities to optimize inventory and service levels. Produce dashboards and insights focused on accuracy, bias, and performance trends. 3. Product Lifecycle Management Govern lifecycle processes, ensuring robust planning around NPIs and EOL transitions to minimize waste and obsolescence. Monitor product performance and adjust forecasts according to lifecycle stage and market dynamics. Lead post‑launch performance reviews, validating assumptions and identifying improvement opportunities. Partner with Marketing, Sales, and Supply Planning to facilitate smooth transitions through lifecycle phases. Ensure accurate planning system master data for new and discontinued products. 4. Financial Alignment Work with Finance to ensure demand plans align with financial targets, budgets, and revenue projections. Provide demand insights to support budgeting, long‑range planning, and variance analysis. Identify and communicate risks or opportunities that may impact revenue or margin delivery. Support scenario modeling for revenue impact based on demand fluctuations. 5. Systems Development & Maintenance Lead development, optimization, and continuous improvement of demand planning systems and tools. Partner with IT and external providers to troubleshoot issues, enhance system functionality, and ensure reliability. Drive automation and digital initiatives to reduce manual effort and improve process efficiency. Train and support users to ensure consistent adoption of best‑practice planning methodologies. Monitor system performance and coordinate upgrades or enhancements aligned with business needs. 6. Communication & Reporting Provide clear, timely communication of issues, progress, and resolutions to stakeholders at all levels. Track and report forecast accuracy and performance metrics, implementing improvements where needed. 7. Leadership Demonstrate servant leadership, developing and guiding a high‑performing demand planning team. Role‑model company values and the Code of Conduct in daily interactions. Deliver ongoing coaching, experiential learning, and talent development to support growth and engagement. Remove barriers to success by providing resources, information, and clear direction. Qualifications Strong experience in a demand planning or forecasting role, with proven success in delivering accurate, insight‑driven forecasts. Prior experience in a collaborative leadership role, coaching small teams and influencing key stakeholders. Broad FMCG or consumer packaged goods experience, with strong commercial understanding across supply chain and wider business functions. Previous experience using statistical forecasting will be beneficial.

Responsibilities

The Demand Planning Manager leads the forecasting process, ensuring alignment across functions and developing accurate demand plans. They also monitor performance, manage product lifecycles, and drive continuous improvement in forecasting processes.