Demand Planning Manager

Job Title: Demand Planning Manager

Contract Type: Full Time

Start Date: ASAP

Location: Hybrid – Nottingham Office (2 days/week)

The INKEY List is looking for a Demand Planning Manager. This is a unique opportunity to design global ways of working, embed systems (FuturMaster), and own the S&OP process across all markets. You’ll partner cross-functionally with Finance, Supply, Marketing, Sales, and Operations to deliver accurate, insight-led forecasts that drive smarter decisions and business growth.

You’ll bring 10+ years’ experience in demand planning, supply chain or a related field, ideally within beauty or FMCG. With strong analytical skills, a passion for automation and continuous improvement, and the ability to guide and coordinate others to deliver high-quality outcomes.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Demand Planning Leadership

• Establish global demand planning ways of working, ensuring clear roles, ownership, and governance.
• Define and continuously improve the S&OP process, ensuring strong cross-functional alignment and decision-making.
• Create and embed statistical forecasting methodologies, using FuturMaster as the core planning system.
• Drive continuous improvement through AI and automation, focusing on efficiency, control, and insight generation.

Forecasting and Analytics

• Lead the development of the demand forecast, partnering with regional and functional stakeholders to align on sales assumptions, marketing activities, and financial targets.
• Partner with Finance to ensure forecasted demand aligns with financial plans, supporting scenario planning and sensitivity analysis.
• Monitor and report forecast accuracy and bias (6-month rolling), implementing root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Analyse sell-out actuals versus demand plan to drive learning, accountability, and improved accuracy.

New Product Development (NPD) and Special Planning

• Build robust bottom-up NPD forecasting processes, including door-level forecasting and set/sample/merchandise planning.
• Partner with Marketing and Commercial to ensure timely input and review of NPD forecasts, with clear accountability for performance.
• Track and report NPD forecast accuracy post-launch and drive learnings into future planning cycles.

Systems and Process Ownership

• Act as business owner for FuturMaster Demand Planning, working in partnership with the Tech team and Supply Planning team for enhancements and training.
• Define data flows, inputs, and process maps that ensure control and efficiency.
• Establish governance documentation and training to embed consistency and discipline globally.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Build strong cross-functional relationships with Supply Planning, Sales, Marketing, and Finance to align on assumptions, opportunities, and risks.
• Drive a culture of data-driven decision-making, continuous improvement, and collaborative problem-solving.

CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS (CSFs)

• Forecast Accuracy and Bias (rolling 6-month view)
• NPD Forecast Accuracy
• Process Governance and On-Time Inputs
• Cross-Functional Engagement and Satisfaction
• Continuous Process Improvement and Efficiency Gains

EXPERIENCE PROFILE

• 10+ years’ experience in Demand Planning, Supply Chain, or adjacent functions in FMCG or Beauty
• Strong analytical and statistical forecasting expertise
• Experience using FuturMaster (or similar planning tools)
• Deep understanding of S&OP and forecasting processes
• Demonstrated success driving forecast accuracy improvements
• Proven ability to work cross-functionally in fast-paced, matrix environments

SKILLSET

• Advanced Excel and system literacy; comfortable with data analysis and insight storytelling
• Strong process design and governance capability
• Confident communicator with excellent stakeholder management
• Strategic thinker with strong attention to detail
• Passion for automation, AI integration, and continuous improvement

CHARACTER & PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Builder and creator – thrives in developing new processes and teams
• Embraces change and technology
• Proactive problem solver, continuously seeking smarter ways of working
• Collaborative and influential across functions and geographies
• Highly organised with a focus on governance and control
• Data-driven decision-maker with curiosity and humility

What we will give to you (our Company Benefits):

• Hybrid working
• Private Medical for ALL employees - Vitality Medical scheme
• Part of the BCORP organisations
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Birthday day off
• Cycle to work scheme
• Electric Car scheme
• Team days
• Allowance to use on our wonderful products each month
• Dog friendly office

The INKEY team

At The INKEY List we are a dynamic and enthusiastic team with huge ambition.

We make things happen (sometimes against the odds!) by thinking differently and being solution-led.

We love hearing creative, innovative ideas that provide opportunities for improvement. Proactiveness is an absolute must. In return, we are committed to developing the knowledge of our team, as we do with our consumers, and the scope for growth is enormous.

We are a diverse team of passionate individuals who fundamentally believe that better knowledge creates better decisions.

We are really proud of the culture and environment we have built in our business since our launch in 2018.

We stand for transparency, equality and fairness and live this through our brand and our team every day.

We are for everyone.