Demand & Inventory Planner I Harlow, Essex
On-Site Five Days I £35,000 pa
Do you have sales forcast planning or invetory planning expereince and love data?
We’re partnering with a leading consumer goods business to find an S&OP / Demand & Inventory Planner to join their procurement team. It’s a role that blends data, planning, communication and genuine collaboration. As S&OP Planner, you’ll work closely with Sales, Marketplaces, Product Development and Finance to keep the sales and operations planning (S&OP)process running smoothly and to help the business plan ahead with confidence.
What you’ll be doing
- Reviewing and analysing forecast demand versus actual demand, spotting trends and understanding shifts.
- Adjusting forecasts for historical anomalies, stock-outs and one-off events.
- Working with Sales and Marketplaces to include promotions, large orders and new product expectations in future demand.
- Raising regular forecasts and purchase orders for both the internal factory and external suppliers.
- Managing supplier schedules, purchase orders, invoices, containers and wider planning activities.
- Supporting Sales with short-term supply challenges, helping allocate stock across channels.
Soft skills that will help you thrive
- A natural curiosity and desire to understand the “why” behind the data.
- Confidence to challenge constructively when something doesn’t look right.
- Strong communication skills—able to work with people at every level.
- Organised, dependable and comfortable juggling several priorities.
Technical experience we’re looking for
- Strong Excel skills and confidence with ERP systems such as SAP (or similar).
- Experience with planning or forecasting tools, i.e. Blue Yonder, SPA, Anaplan, OMP, Relex, NetSuite, Reflex (or similar).
- Background in any of the following is beneficial: S&OP, demand & supply planner, demand planner, sales forecasting analyst, forecasting and inventory planner, ERP, supply chain, logistics, shipping, inventory planning, demand planning, supply planning.
Education & experience
- A degree in Business, Supply Chain or Logistics is helpful but not essential.
- CIPS or APICS certification is a bonus.
- Ideally 2–5 years’ experience in supply chain—demand planning, supply planning, or inventory planning—especially in an environment with both manufactured and sourced finished goods.
- Experience supporting or working within an S&OP process.
If this sounds like you, we’d love to talk. Apply today or reach out directly for a confidential conversation.