Demand Planning Manager

Dcs Group; Banbury; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading distribution company in Banbury is seeking a Demand Planning Manager to enhance supply chain efficiency and reduce costs. In this role, you will own the demand planning strategy, forecast needs, and lead a team to meet service objectives. Ideal candidates will bring strong analytical and leadership skills, along with proven experience in supply chain management. Competitive benefits include life cover and a pension scheme.

Benefits

Life Cover

Pension Scheme

Medical Cash Plan

Cycle to Work Scheme

Subsidised Café with Free Breakfast

Staff Shop

Social Events

Qualifications

• Proven experience in supply chain or demand planning management.
• Confidence in working with data and advocating across teams.
• Strong leadership abilities to motivate and develop others.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute demand planning strategy.
• Analyze data and forecast demand to optimize stock levels.
• Lead the demand planning team and monitor inventory levels.
• Implement KPIs and drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Analytical expertise

Strong leadership

Communication skills

Organisation skills

Numerical and analytical ability

Process improvement

Education

Six Sigma Green Belt certification

Tools

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Sage

Job description

AtDCS Group, we’re not just about moving products, we’re about driving innovation, efficiency, and excellence throughout every link of our supply chain.

With over 30 years of consecutive growth, DCS Group has become the UK’s leading distributor, manufacturer, and exporter of Health, Beauty, and Household products. Representing global brands such asProcter & Gamble, Unilever, Kenvue, PZ Cussons, and SC Johnson, we combine scale with entrepreneurial spirit — and we’re proud to be shaping the future of FMCG distribution.

We’re now looking for an experienced and motivatedDemand Planning Manager to join ourSupply Chain team in Banbury. This is a key role focused on improving productivity, optimising stock levels, and leading a talented planning team to deliver operational excellence across the business.

The Role

Reporting to theHead of Supply Chain, you’ll take ownership of developing and executing our demand planning strategy. You’ll analyse data, forecast demand, and ensure we maintain optimal stock holding levels to meet customer needs while reducing costs.

You’ll collaborate across all departments and work closely with suppliers, customers, and logistics partners to ensure smooth operations, exceptional service levels, and continuous improvement across our supply chain.

Key Responsibilities

• Support and lead the demand planning team, providing coaching, guidance, and cover when required.
• Track inventory levels, analyse data, and anticipate trends to improve forecast accuracy.
• Deliver supplier and customer objectives in line with business plans and service standards.
• Drive continuous improvement by implementing KPIs such as OTIF, forecast accuracy, and inventory optimisation.
• Lead supply meetings, addressing challenges that impact service delivery and ensuring proactive solutions.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal teams, suppliers, and logistics partners.
• Support new process and system implementations led by the Head of Supply Chain.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and training for new team members.
• Ensure compliance withGood Distribution Practice (GDP) for medicines and medical devices.
• Manage operational risks, costs, and sustainability considerations across the supply chain.
• Stay ahead of new technologies and industry trends to enhance efficiency and service quality.

About You

We’re looking for someone who combinesanalytical expertise with strong leadership and a collaborative mindset. You’ll be confident working with data, communicating across teams, and driving measurable results in a fast-paced environment.

You’ll bring:

• Proven experience in supply chain or demand planning management.
• Strong knowledge of Excel, Word, and PowerPoint; experience with Sage is an advantage.
• Excellent communication, organisation, and relationship‑building skills.
• Strong numerical and analytical ability, with a focus on accuracy and process improvement.
• A continuous improvement mindset – ideally with Six Sigma Green Belt certification.
• Resilience, adaptability, and the ability to motivate and develop others.

Why Join DCS Group?

As a family‑owned business, we value our people and their well‑being. You’ll join a collaborative, forward‑thinking team where your contributions directly impact our success and where development and innovation are part of our DNA.

Core Benefits include:

• Life Cover
• Pension Scheme
• Medical Cash Plan
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Subsidised Café with Free Breakfast
• Staff Shop
• Social Events

Be Part of Something Exceptional

If you’re ready to take the next step in your supply chain career and join a company that’s driving growth, innovation, and opportunity, we’d love to hear from you.

Join DCS Group — where people, performance, and passion come together.