Overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Demand Planning Manager to join the team in Kendal, Cumbria. Reporting to the Head of Commercial, you will be responsible for developing accurate demand forecasts, analysing sales data and market trends, and ensuring optimal inventory levels to meet customer demand and support efficient manufacturing operations.
Working closely with Sales, Operations, Procurement and Finance, the role will align demand and supply plans while providing updates and support to customers and suppliers to ensure smooth service delivery.
Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain accurate monthly demand forecasts using data analysis, market intelligence and statistical models
- Analyse trends, seasonality and product performance to continuously improve forecast accuracy
- Lead the monthly forecast review process, building a consensus plan with Sales, Marketing and Finance
- Translate demand forecasts into actionable plans for Production, Procurement and Inventory teams
- Monitor forecast performance (e.g. MAPE, bias) and drive continuous improvement
- Identify risks and opportunities within the demand plan and present insights to senior stakeholders
- Support inventory optimisation and service level performance while balancing working capital objectives
- Produce regular reporting and dashboards on forecast accuracy and demand performance
The Individual
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail
- Commercially aware with the ability to prioritise effectively
- Collaborative and confident in influencing stakeholders
- Proactive mindset focused on continuous improvement
Experience/personal skills
- Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Statistics, Engineering or related field
- Knowledge of advanced forecasting techniques or statistical modelling
- Familiarity with lean manufacturing or inventory optimisation methodologies
- Proven experience in demand planning, supply chain planning, or forecasting within a manufacturing environment
- Strong analytical and numerical skills; proficient in Excel and planning tools (e.g., SAP, Oracle, IFS or specialised forecasting software)
- Experience working within an IBP framework
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Ability to interpret complex data and translate it into clear business recommendations
Why Gilkes?
Gilkes invests in its people & in developing a positive organisational culture. Our values-based approach has been shaped from a 170 year heritage as a family-owned business and we strongly believe that our people are the ultimate differentiator & are at the heart of everything we do. In return for our employees commitment, we offer:
- Generous Pension Scheme (with flexible pension benefits)
- Enhanced family leave (maternity & paternity)
- 25 days holidays plus bank holidays (the option to buy more!)
- Continuous professional development & membership funding
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Life Insurance
- Access to OH Support / EAP programme for wellbeing support
And much more... interested? Contact us at [email protected] for more information.
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £32,937.00-£44,751.00 per year
Benefits:
- Bereavement leave
- Company events
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Enhanced maternity leave
- Enhanced paternity leave
- Free parking
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Application question(s):
- How many years experience do you have working in demand planning or forecasting?
- Do you have experience of developing and managing forecasts within a manufacturing or similar environment?
- What level of experience do you have with Integrated Business Planning (IBP) or Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP), or monthly demand review process?
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
