S&OP Planner

MRD Recruitment are currently partnering with a well-established and growing organisation to recruit an experienced S&OP Planner. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in driving demand planning accuracy, improving cross-functional collaboration, and supporting strategic decision-making across the business.

The Role

As the S&OP Planner, you will sit at the heart of the business, working closely with Commercial, Sales, Marketing, and Supply Chain teams to develop and manage an accurate, insight-driven demand plan. You’ll lead key planning processes, identify risks and opportunities, and help ensure the business is set up to meet both short- and long-term targets.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support Demand Review meetings across key regional markets as part of the S&OP process
• Develop and maintain a rolling 12-month demand forecast using data, trends, and market insights
• Analyse historical sales, seasonal trends, and commercial inputs to challenge and refine demand plans
• Partner with Sales and Marketing teams to identify opportunities and mitigate forecast risks
• Ensure alignment with Make To Stock (MTS) and Make To Order (MTO) strategies
• Support new product launches with realistic forecasting and pipe-fill planning
• Monitor and improve forecast accuracy (MAPE & BIAS) across SKU, market, and regional levels
• Contribute to inventory optimisation and reduction of obsolescence through lifecycle planning
• Maintain forecasting systems and ensure data integrity and robustness
• Build strong relationships with key stakeholders to ensure timely and effective information flow

About You

• Proven experience in Demand Planning, S&OP, or Supply Chain Planning roles
• Strong analytical skills with experience using forecasting tools and data modelling
• Confident stakeholder manager, able to influence across commercial and operational teams
• Experience working with KPIs such as forecast accuracy, inventory, and service levels
• Highly organised with a proactive, problem-solving mindset
• Advanced Excel skills (experience with planning systems is advantageous)