
Demand Planning Lead
- Cork
- Permanent
- Full-time
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather and analyse data, including historical sales trends, market trends, and upcoming promotions or events, to develop accurate demand forecasts
- Develop and maintain statistical/machine learning models and forecast tools to improve forecast accuracy
- Analyse forecast results to identify trends and areas of improvement, and adjust the forecasting approach accordingly
- Design and implement Integrated Business Planning (IBP) process to align demand forecasts cross functionally.
- Leverage the PGCS-Sector/Market S&OP processes to gather input on events and new product launches that could impact demand
- Work with Operations and Supply Chain teams to ensure that production plans are aligned with demand forecasts
- Monitor inventory levels to ensure that stock levels are optimized, and minimize stock-outs or overstocks
- Prepare and present regular forecast accuracy reports with key insights & recommended actions to senior management
- Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders and customers to ensure that demand forecasts are aligned with customer expectations
- Continuously improve demand planning processes and procedures to enhance forecast accuracy and efficiency using o9 software and/or SAP IBP module.
- Leading the volumes forecasting process and inputs to Annual Operating Planning process & Quarterly Financial Forecasting process.
- Lead translation of concentrate volume forecasts into up & down stream implications e.g. Ingredient demand variations through to Finished Concentrate warehousing & logistics requirements.
- At a minimum, a third level qualification in Supply Chain/Finance/Engineering/Data Science or alternative relevant degree.
- Ideal 8-10 years of progressive experience in demand planning, forecasting, or supply chain management, preferably in a B2B environment
- Excellent attention to detail, analytical and problem-solving skills
- Experience of supporting consensus forecasting tools/systems as well as designing and implementing an IBP process
- Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
- Ability to adapt and deliver results in an dynamic ever-changing environment
- Excellent communication/interpersonal skills, with ability to clearly articulate ideas and proposals to all levels of the organisation
- Ability to organise and manage multiple priorities in a high-pressure organization
- Proven team leadership capability ideally in the context of designing, implementing and embedding a new team and way of working within a complex matrix multi-national environment.
- Demand Planning System Implementation: Experience in end-to-end rollout and change management for tools such as Kinaxis RapidResponse, o9 Solutions, OMP, SAP IBP, or Oracle Demantra.
- Knowledge or Experience with setting up Predictive analytics & AI-based forecasting (through tools like Python, R, or machine learning platforms)
- Advanced Data Visualization: Experience with Power BI (or Tableau) to drive actionable insights across the organization.
- Tool & Workflow Governance: Establishing governance structures for forecast workflows, model versioning, and demand signal alignment.
- End-to-end supply chain understanding: balancing demand with inventory, production, and logistics
- Strong PC/software skills with the ability to design and maintain systems.
- Excellent presentation skills and techniques (Sharepoint, Powerpoint)
- Experience with Tableau & Power Bi a definite plus
- LSS certification to GB level and a proficiency with Mini-Tab a definite plus.