Demand Planning Manager – EMEA Region
We are currently looking for a Demand Planning Manager for our EMEA region.
The role of EMEA Demand Planning Manager is responsible for managing the demand planning function, forecasting customer demand to ensure optimum inventory and service levels. The role involves analysing statistical and historical sales data, market and seasonality trends, and customer inputs to develop accurate demand forecasts that support supply chain planning, production scheduling and financial planning.
Demand Planning Manager will collaborate closely with operations, customer service, commercial and financial teams, along with Technology and Data teams to drive alignment and improve forecast accuracy.
Responsibilities
- Lead the integration and strategic utilisation of the Connected Planning/Anaplan forecasting tool to ensure accurate, data-driven statistical forecasts are embedded into Demand Planning.
- Define, document, and continuously evolve Demand Planning best practices aligned with Essentra's strategic objectives, ensuring the team delivers value through forward-thinking, standardised processes.
- Drive excellence in Connected Planning functionality, focusing on improving forecast accuracy, enabling robust inventory projections, and delivering valuable insights to inform decision-making.
- Develop and maintain strong collaborative relationships across Marketing, Sales & Commercial, and Operations teams to enhance Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP). Ensure commercial intelligence and market insights are embedded into the Consensus Plan.
- Act as a key leader in cross‑functional business projects, such as system implementations, network footprint changes, routing updates, and new product introductions. Provide strategic oversight to mitigate service and inventory risks.
- Oversee and support EMEA site initiatives to optimise inventory holdings, balancing service levels with working capital efficiency.
- Partner with manufacturing sites to leverage demand insights that support production planning, efficiency improvements, and capacity management.
- Lead initiatives to improve stock availability and enhance key customer service KPIs including Strike Rate, OTIF %, and Net Promoter Score.
- Provide strategic demand planning insights and respond to ad‑hoc reporting needs, supporting decision‑making at both operational and senior levels.
- Lead the identification and management of slow‑moving and obsolete inventory, challenging Commercial teams to execute effective phase‑out plans.
- Oversee data governance and ensure the accuracy and consistency of all Demand Planning data and system set‑ups.
- Support and guide regional projects through robust data analysis and leadership in data collection and interpretation.
- Deliver regular, actionable reports on inventory, service levels, and forecast performance, highlighting trends and recommending improvements.
- Champion continuous improvement initiatives in processes related to forecast accuracy, inventory control, demand trends, and New Product Introduction (NPI) tracking.
Skills and Experience
- Extensive experience in an operational international environment.
- Experience with Demand / Planning tools (Anaplan Connected Planning, SO99, etc.).
- Experience dealing with supply chain and operational issues while implementing processes effectively.
- Experience working with a high level of SKUs.
- Proficiency in data analysis, forecasting, MRP systems.
- Proven ability to lead and manage large volumes of data, ensuring accuracy, integrity, and strategic accessibility to drive business insights and planning decisions.
- Methodical and detail‑oriented, with a strong emphasis on process discipline and continuous improvement.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to translate complex data and planning concepts into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences including executive leadership.
- Strong organisational and time‑management skills, capable of aligning team activities with broader business objectives.
- Skilled at driving initiatives forward, balancing strategic priorities while effectively engaging and managing key stakeholders.
- Advanced analytical and problem‑solving capabilities, with the ability to interpret complex data sets and make data‑informed recommendations.
- Proactive in identifying service risks and operational challenges, with a demonstrated ability to lead the implementation of effective, scalable solutions.
- Adept at working cross‑functionally and influencing across departments, ensuring alignment and resolution of planning and supply chain issues.
What we offer
- Discretionary Annual Bonus
- Private Medical Insurance
- Up to 5% matched pension contribution
- 4x annual salary life assurance
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Employee discounts through MyDiscounts
- Salary Sacrifice Car Scheme
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme
This is a hybrid role, with 2‑3 days per week based in our Kidlington office.
Essentra plc is a leading global provider of essential components and solutions, focusing on the manufacture and distribution of plastic injection moulded, vinyl dip moulded and metal items. Headquartered in the UK, Essentra’s global network extends to 28 countries worldwide and includes over 3,000 employees, 14 manufacturing facilities, 24 distribution centres and 33 sales & service centres serving c. 74,000 customers with a rapid supply of low‑cost but essential products for a variety of applications in industries such as equipment manufacturing, automotive, fabrication, electronics, medical and renewable energy.
At Essentra we look for individuals who enjoy working as part of a close team, are passionate about what they do and strive to make a difference. We are always looking to better ourselves and are keen to recruit individuals who like to innovate and improve processes.
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