Demand Planning Manager

Demand Planning Manager

Job title:                    Demand Planning Manager

Reports to:               Senior Demand Planning Manager

Location:                   Ornua Foods UK, Leek

Salary:                       £38,000 to £43,000 per annum depending on experience

Benefits:                   Generous annual leave entitlement, Matched Company Contribution Pension up to 8%, Subsidised Staff Canteen, Company shop offering discounts on Ornua products, Sports & Social Club, Staff Lottery, Discount on Bikes & Tech Scheme, Confidential Employee Assist Programme, Free onsite parking and many more

Ornua (meaning “new gold”) is Ireland’s largest exporter of Irish dairy products, proudly bringing the unique taste of Irish dairy to the world for over 55 years.

Are you an ambitious and analytical Demand Planner looking for the challenge of taking a mission driven organisation to its next level of success?

Ornua is actively seeking a Demand Planning Manager to join our team as we continue our growth trajectory. The Demand Planning Manager will play a key role in driving and maintaining accurate demand forecasts by working with sales, brand, category and supply chain teams as well as using statistical models and market intelligence.

The role is also responsible for optimising reporting and supporting the IBP demand cycle, as well as acting as a substitute for the Senior Demand Planning Manager when required.

You will report to our Senior Demand Planning Manager and be part of our wider sales teams.

Why Ornua?

• Ornua operates from 10 business units worldwide, including 16 production facilities, and has sales and marketing teams working in-market across all four corners of the globe.
• The Group is structured across two divisions: Ornua Foods and Ornua Ingredients.
• Ornua Foods is responsible for the marketing and sales of Ornua’s consumer brands including Kerrygold, Pilgrims Choice.
• Our co-operative ethos lies at the heart of how we do business as a purpose and values-led organisation, creating value for Irish dairy farming families.
• Our Values lie at the core of everything we do. Our five values encourage us to Seek and Embrace New Ideas, Make It Happen, Be Our True Selves, Show You Care, and Achieve Great Things Together.
• We invest in our people and foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
• Dynamic Working policy in place which facilitates flexible hours and hybrid working.
• Career Progression including Global Mobility opportunities.
• Comprehensive Benefits with regional specific offerings.

Why This Role Is Valuable:

The Demand Planning Manager is responsible for leading on;

• Demand Forecasting: Develop and manage demand forecasts using our systems Exceedra and Demand+. Leveraging statistical models and market intelligence to optimise service level into customers.
• Integrated Business Planning (IBP) “Demand” reporting and support: Responsible for creating and maintaining reports that support the demand component of Integrated Business Planning (IBP), whilst also serving as a substitute for the Senior Demand Manager as required.
• Data Analysis: Analyse historical sales data, market trends, and customer insights to identify patterns and improve forecast accuracy.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with sales, category, brand and supply chain teams to align demand forecasts with business goals.
• Continuous Improvement: Implement best practices and process improvements in demand planning, leveraging technology and data analytics to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Performance Metrics: Maintain the reporting of key performance indicators (KPIs) to track the effectiveness of demand planning processes and drive accountability.
• Customer Relationship Management: develop proactive and positive relationships with our customers.

What You Bring To The Role:

• Experience in demand planning within the FMCG, food or similar industry
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills with expertise in statistical forecasting methods.
• Competent in Excel – (Advanced level understanding)
• Proficient in demand planning software and ERP systems (e.g. SAP, Oracle, JDA, Exceedra, Demand +)
• Good communication and interpersonal skills. 
• Adaptable with strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities.
  
  

Our interview process is designed to be thorough yet supportive. This process includes a first stage via Teams to allow us to get to know you better and to understand your skills and experiences and, if successful, a second stage face-to-face interview that will build upon the first stage and give you the opportunity to get a feel for Ornua and the environment in which you will be working.

Ornua has ambitious growth plans and we’re building a team to help enable and accelerate that growth. We are looking for people who share our values, are curious, forward-looking, take ownership and work together to build a future for themselves and Ornua.

Would you like to make an impact?

To learn more, please visit Ornua at www.ornua.com

Ornua values diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds. We also strongly encourage women and other underrepresented groups in the manufacturing industry to apply. Your unique perspectives and experiences are highly valued and will be instrumental in driving our company’s continued success. Join us in shaping a more innovative, inclusive, and sustainable future.

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