The Role
A great opportunity for an experienced, committed and organised professional to join our busy Planning Team.

Applications are invited from reliable and proactive individuals, capable of operating efficiently in a fast paced,dynamic working environment. Reporting directly to the Head of Planning & Distribution, candidates will have strong communication and organisational skills with exceptional attention to detail, capable of working effectively both on and off site. The Senior Demand Planner be responsible for creating and maintaining accurate sales forecasts, to be used for end to end business planning. Providing robust planning processes, enabling efficient information, communication and decision-making pathways. Highlighting both risk and opportunities through collaborative working, whilst assisting the business in providing options or solutions to the team. Duties will include Forecast Generation for both long term, short term and contingency planning, ensuring thorough communication with key
stakeholders at all times. Providing effective cover for the Head of Planning & Distribution, the Senior Demand Planner will be a strong team player. Capable of adapting to changeable, dynamic working environments with smart thinking and a logical approach to help drive continuous improvement within the value chain.

Post training, this position will be office/home based as determined by current COVID restrictions and subject to change. Hours will remain 8am - 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Key Responsibilities

Provide Cover for the Head of Planning & Distribution
• Engage in the wider planning activities as required
• Finding solutions to day to day issues or escalate for decisions on options as required
• Provide updates to the Operations Director as appropriate

Drive the S&OP, commercial forecasting processes
• Maintain a 24-month rolling forecast for all products, weekly level, including NPD and forecast confidence levels
• Chase through information required to complete the processes
• Challenge commercial assumptions
• Document the assumptions agreed & applied in the forecast
• Highlight where information is missing, and suggest solutions to gaining that information
• Highlight where assumptions have changed
• Manage and expand the suite of KPI’s used to manage S&OP forecast processes, our forecast accuracy reporting.

Ownership of the business forecast processes
• Drive the link with the Commercial team
• Maintain a detailed 12-week, daily level, for supply chain planning
• Maintain ongoing forecast accuracy improvements YoY
• Ensure timely communication & re-iteration of the forecast versions throughout the business
• Maintain a log of forecast factors that are identified as effecting the forecast / sales
• Manage and expand the suit of KPI’s used to manage forecast processes, our forecast accuracy reporting and customer forecast performance.

Develop and maintain relationships with our customers
• Encourage collaboration to improve their demand forecast accuracy and alignment with ours.
• Work with the Head of Planning & Distribution to drive process, system and accuracy improvements

Required Knowledge, Skills & Experience
• Previous planning or forecasting experience within Fresh Produce or FMCG environment
• Relevant degree or equivalent qualification
• Experience of successfully working in a targeted environment
• Working knowledge ERP system
• Working knowledge of MRP system
• Strong communication, interpersonal and organisational skills
• Strong attention to detail and numerical skills
• Proficient in the use of MS Office applications, intermediate to advanced in EXCEL

Why work for Barfoots?
• Investors In People Silver Award status
• Company pension scheme
• Development opportunities
• Discounted leisure membership
• Discounted vegetable box scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free onsite parking
• Approved training centre for Highfield qualifications
• Rapidly growing company
• Committed to Sustainability