Demand Planner jobs
In any industry, ensuring supply meets demand is essential for business success.
The role of a demand planner is to analyse market trends, buying statistics and other indicators and create strategies to make sure that all orders are fulfilled on time and that waste is minimised.
For example, seasonal changes and special occasions could lead to an increase in business - and therefore an increase in demand. Meanwhile, if the company has started a new advertising campaign or is somehow enhancing its offering, production levels may also need to be increased.
This is why demand planners will usually consult a variety of statistics and trend forecasts, as well liaise with other departments internally, such as the sales and marketing teams, account managers and those in logistics and procurement positions.
The skills required
Demand planner roles will vary from company to company, but in general, candidates for this type of job should have an ability to think analytically, while good commercial awareness and a drive to make improvements to the existing sales and operating planning process (S&OP) are also essential.
Excellent numeracy and communication skills are a must. It’s likely that you will need to report your findings to directors and stakeholders, so you should also be comfortable making presentations.
In addition, you should be computer literate and comfortable using spreadsheets and database programs, as well as the Microsoft Office suite.
Demand Planner Jobs in the South West
A region that encompasses Bristol, Gloucester, Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire, as well as the Isles of Scilly, the South West is a diverse area that offers a broad range of opportunities for those seeking Demand Planner positions.
As demonstrated by the ancient monuments like Stonehenge and the Roman ruins in Bath, the South West has been settled for thousands of years. In fact, the oldest complete human skeleton ever found in the UK was discovered in Cheddar Gorge and dates back to around 7150 BC.
Prior to the Industrial Revolution, much of the South West relied on fishing and shipping, particularly in Bristol, a city which harboured vessels that traded with Ireland, Iceland and the Americas. Later, it became known for coal mining, as well as heavy industry.
Today, aeronautics is an important part of the South West economy, and a number of companies have facilities in the region - such as Airbus UK, BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce. There's also Defence Equipment and Support - the MoD's procurement and logistics agency.
Cheese, clotted cream and other dairy products are made in the region, with companies including Dairy Crest, which makes Cathedral City and Davidstow. Other food and beverage manufacturers include Ginsters, Ryvita, Kraft Foods UK and Beverage Brands, makers of WKD vodka. Meanwhile GSK manufactures Lucozade and Ribena in Coleford.
In addition, Princess Yachts, Siemens Traffic Controls, Merlin Entertainments, Endsleigh Insurance, Westland Helicopters and Wincanton plc are all based in the region.
Popular locations
Find Demand Planner roles with Cast UK
To find out how Cast UK can help you find your next role as a demand planner, contact us today.
Our team of friendly recruitment consultants have extensive experience in the procurement, logistics and supply chain fields, and have worked in the industry themselves.
This means they know what it takes to succeed in these jobs and they can provide the advice and assistance you need to find a vacancy that matches your particular skills, qualifications and objectives.
Cast UK works with clients and candidates in locations across the country to match the best talent to every role. To find out more about how Cast UK can help you recruit a Demand Planner for your business or find you a job as a Demand Planner then contact one of our consultant team on 0333 121 3345.
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