Senior Manager, EMEA Demand Planning

Kao; Greater London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A global consumer goods company in Greater London is seeking a Demand Planning Manager to lead the EMEA Demand Planning team. You will be responsible for developing best-in-class forecasts, shaping product delivery, and collaborating across functions to optimize service and inventory performance. The ideal candidate will have at least 7 years of experience in demand planning, strong leadership skills, and proficiency in ERP and forecasting tools. A competitive salary is offered along with a flexible working environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Friendly and flexible work environment

Ongoing development opportunities

Qualifications

• 7+ years’ experience in demand planning.
• 5+ years’ experience leading and developing teams, including remote management.
• Strong analytical skills and advanced Excel capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead demand planning for a multi-brand, multi-channel EMEA business.
• Set and steer the forecasting strategy to improve accuracy and service levels.
• Own the continuous improvement roadmap for demand planning.

Skills

Demand planning expertise

Leadership and team development

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Project management

Education

Degree in numeric or supply chain-related discipline

SCM/Demand Planning certifications (e.g. APICS/IBF)

Tools

ERP systems

Statistical forecasting tools

Excel

Job description

Founded in Japan in 1887, Kao is passionate about making a difference in people's lives with our high quality products and services to create a Kirei Life for all - a beautiful life that respects the needs of our consumers and customers as well as the planet. We never compromise on quality and craft our products with care for the consumer and the environment.

As a company driven by purpose and strong corporate values we pride ourselves to be listed among the World's Most Ethical Companies since 19 consecutive years. Our corporate philosophy, the Kao Way, guides us in everything we do - acting with integrity, courageously driving innovation and treating each other with trust and respect.

Lead and develop the EMEA Demand Planning team to deliver best-in-class forecasts and support regional SCM objectives. Shape how Kao delivers products across EMEA by steering a forecasting function critical to service, growth, and efficiency. Work closely with SCM, Finance, and EMEA General Managers to optimise service, inventory, and obsolescence performance. Set the vision for Demand Planning excellence, drive cross‑functional decisions, and influence strategic supply chain outcomes. Represent EMEA Demand Planning in regional and global projects, including system implementations and product launches.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead demand planning for a multi-brand, multi-channel EMEA business with high SKU complexity (an international team of 11 Demand Planners, located in 4 countries & across 8,000 SKUs)
• Set and steer the forecasting strategy to improve accuracy, service levels, and inventory productivity across the region
• Collaborate with the Planning leadership team and other SCM and KAO functions (with strong cross‑functional visibility within and outside of SCM e.g. Brand marketing, Finance, General managers) for the delivery of operational objectives for service, inventory and obsolescence
• Own the continuous improvement roadmap for demand planning, championing standardisation, best practices, and digital capabilities.
• Coach, and develop Demand Planning team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Degree-level education; numeric or supply chain–related discipline preferred
• External SCM/Demand Planning certifications e.g. APICS/IBF are strong plus

What you’ll need:

• 7+ years’ experience in demand planning,
• 5+ years’ experience leading and developing teams, including remote management
• Expertise in ERP / statistical forecasting tools
• Proven experience in process development and improvement
• Excellent communication and influencing skills up to GM/VP level
• Strong leadership to navigate complexity and drive cross‑functional collaboration
• Effective problem‑solving, negotiation and resolution management skills
• Strong analytical skills and advanced Excel capabilities.
• Statistical and/or programming knowledge (strong plus)
• Project management experience (change management, process implementation).

How we work:

Having been selected among the World´s Most Ethical Companies for 16 consecutive years, we are a company with a purpose and strong corporate values. We never compromise on quality and craft our products with care for the consumer and the environment. At Kao, each employee can actively shape their job and their career. We work collaboratively to achieve our common goals, always aiming to deliver the best for our customers.

What we offer:

A friendly and flexible work environment with competitive salaries, benefits package, ongoing development and the opportunity to enhance your skills and deliver tangible results. At Kao your voice will be heard. Your opinion really counts. We believe that change comes from taking opportunities into your own hands, so we value and reward entrepreneurial thinking and innovation.

Hiring Process:

Kao embraces the diversity and the individual personalities of its people because we believe it is diversity that makes us strong. This is why we welcome applications from all areas of the global community.