Demand Planner

Co Kildare Timahoe, Co Laois
Permanent
Full-time

21 days ago

1. Role Information:Job Title: Demand PlannerDepartment / Function: Supply ChainLocation / Site: Timahoe, Co. Kildare (cross-site collaboration)Reporting to (Role): Demand Planning ManagerJob Family: Supply Chain / Planning2. Role Purpose (Summary)The Demand Planner is responsible for the development and maintenance of accurate demand forecasts for defined customers, categories or channels. Working closely with Commercial, Marketing and Supply Planning teams, the role translates market, promotional and customer activity into robust demand signals that support customer service, inventory optimisation and efficient production planning.The role is designed to support capability development within the Demand Planning function, progressively taking ownership of key elements of the Demand Review process and developing the capability to deputise for the Demand Planning Manager when required.3. Key Responsibilities3.1 Autonomy

Develop and maintain demand forecasts within agreed planning horizons and governance frameworks.
Analyse forecast accuracy, bias and performance drivers, recommending corrective actions where required.
Identify and escalate material demand risks and opportunities in a timely and structured manner.
Operate with increasing independence as experience and capability develop, while working within agreed policies and processes.

3.2 Influence

Work cross‑functionally with Commercial, Marketing, Finance and Supply Planning teams to align demand assumptions.
Influence forecast outcomes through data‑led insights and clear communication of risks and opportunities.
Support cross‑functional alignment through participation in Demand Review and S&OP forums.
Build trusted relationships with key stakeholders to support forecast quality and decision‑making.

3.3 Complexity

Manage multiple data inputs including historical sales, promotional activity, new product introductions and customer changes.
Balance competing priorities of customer service, inventory health and manufacturing capacity in a fast‑moving FMCG environment.
Support continuous improvement of demand planning processes, tools and ways of working.
Contribute to the development of more mature demand planning capability across the business.

4. Skills / Preparation Requirements4.1 Education & Qualifications

Degree in Supply Chain, Business, Analytics or a related discipline (or equivalent experience).
Professional certification (e.g. APICS, IBF or similar) desirable but not essential.

4.2 Knowledge & Experience

Experience in demand planning, forecasting or supply chain analytics, ideally within an FMCG environment.
Understanding of forecasting methodologies, demand KPIs and planning cycles.
Experience working cross‑functionally in a matrix organisation.

4.3 Core Skills

Strong analytical and numerical capability with high attention to detail.
Advanced Excel skills; experience with demand planning or ERP systems desirable.
Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
Ability to translate data into clear insights and actions.
Continuous improvement mindset and willingness to learn.

5. Working ConditionsStandard office‑based working conditions with regular interaction across multiple manufacturing sites. Occasional travel to other OBFF locations may be required to support collaboration and planning activities.6. Effort RequirementsThe role requires sustained mental concentration and analytical effort, particularly during forecasting cycles, Demand Reviews and periods of promotional or seasonal activity. The role operates in a dynamic environment with changing priorities.7. People Management Responsibility (if applicable)No direct people management responsibility. The role is expected to develop the capability to deputise for the Demand Planning Manager when required.8. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Forecast Accuracy (e.g. MAPE, Bias).
Customer Service Level.
Inventory Health and Obsolescence.
Quality and timeliness of Demand Review inputs.
Contribution to continuous improvement initiatives within Demand Planning.

9. Additional InformationO’Brien Fine Foods is a values‑led, B Corp certified organisation committed to quality, sustainability and continuous improvement. This role provides strong development opportunities within a growing Supply Chain function and exposure to cross‑functional decision‑making.

O'Brien Fine Foods

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