Head of Demand Planning

Salary: up to £70,000 per annum + benefits including car allowance and bonus

Location: Burnley

An exciting Manufacturing business based in Burnley are looking to recruit for an experienced Head of Demand Planning, working globally to lead the forecasting function and shape the future of the demand planning capability. This is a senior leadership role, and will be responsible for developing forecasting strategies, improving planning processes and ensuring demand plans support the wider commercial and operational objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Take ownership of the monthly demand planning cycle, ensuring an effective and collaborative planning process across the business.
• Establish consistent forecasting standards and drive alignment between commercial, finance and supply chain teams.
• Provide clear direction on demand planning priorities and support strategic business decisions through accurate forecasting.
• Develop and implement a global demand forecasting strategy that supports business objectives.
• Drive consensus forecasting through collaboration with key stakeholders.
• Evaluate, recommend and implement demand planning technologies that improve forecasting capability.
• Ensure planning data is accurate, well governed and supports effective decision making.
• Lead, develop and coach the demand planning team to build capability and encourage continuous improvement.
• Set clear objectives and performance measures for the team, including forecast accuracy, forecast bias and value-added performance.
• Create a positive, collaborative and high-performing working environment.
• Build strong working relationships with colleagues across Sales, Finance, Operations, Procurement and Supply Chain.
• Work closely with customers and other external partners where appropriate to improve forecast quality.
• Provide expert guidance on market trends, demand changes and planning assumptions.
• Identify opportunities to simplify and strengthen forecasting processes.
• Introduce best practice planning methodologies, reporting tools and system enhancements.
• Drive continuous improvements that increase forecasting accuracy and operational efficiency.
• Maintaining high levels of finished goods availability.
• Supporting excellent customer delivery performance, including OTIF and OTD measures.
• Driving compliance with established demand planning processes.
• Improving forecast accuracy through effective governance and KPI management.
• Increasing the maturity of demand planning capability across the business.
• Introducing efficient and scalable planning processes that support commercial growth.
• Leading, developing and motivating the demand planning team.
• Enhancing planning systems, reporting capability and forecasting processes.
• Analysing demand trends to improve inventory performance, customer service and overall business results.
• Working collaboratively as a senior leader to support business strategy and organisational objectives.