Senior Demand Planner 2 year Secondment

## Career Opportunity: Demand Planning Specialist at Vaillant Group U.K. Ltd Are you a data-driven professional with a passion for optimizing supply chains and contributing to a sustainable future? Vaillant Group U.K. Ltd is seeking a talented Demand Planning Specialist to join their dynamic team in Castlewood, United Kingdom. This role presents a significant opportunity for career growth within a globally recognized leader in sustainable heating solutions. Vaillant Group is not just a company; it's a family business with over 150 years of history, committed to creating a better climate for homes and the environment. As a leading provider of innovative heating appliances, they are at the forefront of energy-saving solutions. Joining Vaillant means becoming part of a diverse international team of approximately 16,000 employees dedicated to a shared mission of responsibility and sustainability.

What You Will Achieve Together:

• Drive Exceptional Customer Service: You will be instrumental in ensuring product availability to meet critical On Time in Full (OTIF) targets, directly impacting customer satisfaction and loyalty.
• Strategic Inventory Management: This role offers the chance to optimize and manage stock levels, a crucial balance between financial performance, seasonality, and operational efficiency.
• Own the End-to-End Forecast: Take ownership of demand forecasting, ensuring accuracy and transparency in all assumptions, which will be vital for business planning.
• Influence Key Decisions: Lead demand discussions in review meetings and influence strategic decision-making within Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) forums through robust, fact-based analysis.
• Uncover Insights and Mitigate Risks: Analyze historical trends, market dynamics, and portfolio performance to strengthen the demand signal and proactively identify potential risks and opportunities.
• Foster Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with commercial, finance, and supply chain teams to translate business plans into actionable forecast assumptions and effective inventory strategies.
• Enhance Planning Processes: Implement and continuously improve demand planning tools and processes, driving greater forecast accuracy and overall efficiency.

What Makes a Candidate Successful:

• A strong academic foundation with a Degree in Business, Data Science, Statistics, or Predictive Analytics. A Supply Chain certification would be a valuable asset.
• Proven experience in Demand Planning, Supply Planning, or S&OP/Integrated Business Planning (IBP) processes is essential for success in this role.
• A solid understanding of statistical principles, experience with SAP, and knowledge of master data and Material Requirements Planning (MRP).
• Familiarity with inventory management best practices and the intricacies of product lifecycle management, including New Product Introduction (NPI) and Post-Implementation Phase Out (PIPO).
• A sharp analytical mind coupled with excellent communication and influencing skills, enabling you to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in using demand planning tools and the ability to leverage data-driven insights to inform critical business decisions.

What Vaillant Group Offers:

Vaillant Group is committed to the well-being and financial security of its employees. You can expect:

• An attractive remuneration package, reflecting your skills and contributions.
• A generous holiday entitlement of 25 days plus bank holidays, along with bonus opportunities.
• A comprehensive pension scheme designed to support your financial future.
• A robust well-being programme, including 24/7 remote GP appointments, mental health consultations, and 1-2-1 lifestyle coaching.
• Recognition as one of the 7% of UK businesses awarded the prestigious Gold award from Investors in People (IiP).
• Peace of mind with a death in service benefit and the option of subsidised private healthcare.
• A commitment to supporting employees through life's important events with Family Friendly Policies.

A Special Note on Sustainability and Inclusivity:

Vaillant Group's core mission revolves around creating a better climate. This commitment extends to their workplace culture, where sustainability is a guiding principle. As a successful family business for over 150 years, they value the uniqueness of each individual and are dedicated to promoting equity. They do not tolerate any form of discrimination and encourage all individuals to apply, fostering a truly inclusive environment where everyone can contribute to shaping the future of heating.

This Demand Planning Specialist role at Vaillant Group U.K. Ltd offers a compelling blend of challenging work, opportunities for professional development, and a commitment to a sustainable and inclusive future. If you are ready to make a significant impact and grow your career with a respected industry leader, this is an opportunity you won't want to miss.