Demand Planner

MRD Recruitment is currently recruiting a Demand Planner for one of our manufacturing clients based in Fife.

About the Role

We are working on behalf of a well-established manufacturing organisation to recruit an experienced Demand Planner to join their supply chain team. This role is responsible for developing accurate demand forecasts, supporting production planning, and ensuring optimal inventory levels to meet customer demand. The successful candidate will play a key role in aligning sales forecasts with operational capacity, helping the business maintain service levels while improving efficiency across the supply chain.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and improve demand forecasts using historical data, market trends, and input from sales and commercial teams.
• Collaborate with sales, marketing, and operations teams to gather insights that impact demand planning.
• Analyse sales trends, seasonality, and promotional activity to produce accurate demand forecasts.
• Support the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process by providing clear forecast data and analysis.
• Monitor forecast accuracy and implement improvements where necessary.
• Work closely with production planning and procurement teams to ensure supply aligns with forecasted demand.
• Manage and report on inventory levels to minimise excess stock while preventing stock shortages.
• Prepare regular reports and dashboards on demand performance, forecast accuracy, and key supply chain metrics.
• Identify potential supply risks or demand fluctuations and propose mitigation strategies.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within the planning and supply chain functions.

Key Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in demand planning, forecasting, or supply chain planning, ideally within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret large datasets and translate insights into actionable plans.
• Experience working with ERP systems and demand planning tools.
• Advanced Excel skills (forecast modelling, pivot tables, data analysis).
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with sales, operations, and procurement teams.
• High attention to detail with strong organisational skills.