Demand Planning Manager - THG Labs

Location: THG Labs, Meridian Business Park, Trowbridge, BA14 0BP

About THG Labs

THG acquired Acheson & Acheson in 2018 to bring full service, product development & manufacturing in-house to supply innovative branded and THG Beauty Brand products to the industry. In 2022 Acheson & Acheson became THG Labs. Capabilities include:

• In-house market knowledge & trends
• End-to-end service from idea generation through to manufacturing and launch
• Technical, commercial and production expertise
• Outstanding customer service

About the Demand team and the Role

Based within the THG Labs division of the business, The Demand Team is responsible for providing a detailed 24-month rolling volumetric forecast for each customer, broken down by individual SKU. Their primary purpose is to ensure the organisation can anticipate and meet customer demand effectively.  By meticulously analysing and forecasting demand movements, the team identifies potential risks and opportunities, enabling the organisation to make informed, data driven decisions.  

This proactive approach allows the wider Supply Chain teams to optimise inventory levels, improve customer service whilst enhancing overall operational efficiency. Additionally, the demand planning team fosters strong collaborative relationships with the customer base to enhance and agree on forecasts, ensuring alignment and mutual understanding.  The insights are vital for aligning operational delivery through the S&OP process

Reporting to Commercial Director, the Demand Manager is responsible for leading and managing the demand planning process ensuring a robust business forecast is in place for a 24-month horizon and company KPI’s where applicable are achieved.  The role balances short term issues with Demand and Supply. 

The business forecast is used as the key driver for cross functional collaboration through the S&OP process and is key in the Integrated operational planning cycle.

As a Demand Planning Manager you will:

• Lead monthly customer account reviews to identify risks and opportunities, align forecasts with EOQs, liability, and stock agreements, and involve Product and Commercial teams as needed.
• Provide volumetric forecasts for Supply Chain and financial equivalents for the Commercial Director, highlighting risks and opportunities.
• Prepare and present data for Demand Review within the S&OP process, addressing anomalies and actions.Lead, engage, and develop the Demand Planning team.
• Drive continuous improvement of demand planning processes across all customers; support Directors in shaping demand planning strategy.
• Implement best-practice forecasting methods (statistical models, segmentation tools) to improve accuracy, KPIs, and inventory availability.
• Ensure compliance with forecast windows and maintain a visible 24-month rolling forecast for the business and customers.
• Lead SKU resurrection, change management, and discontinuation processes with a commercial focus.
• Support short-term demand management to address supply/capacity challenges and excess stock opportunities, aligning stakeholders.
• Lead forecast and inventory planning for NPD and discontinuations to maximise opportunities and maintain service levels.
• Communicate effectively and proactively with all teams and managers.

What skills and experience do I need for this role?

• Demand Planning experience.
• Detailed knowledge of Demand Planning tools as well as sales & demand forecasting.
• Experience of running process flows for product change, S&OP, SIOP, IBP, demand & supply planning.
• End to end knowledge of Supply Chain & commercial acumen.
• FMCG Supply Chain or Commercial experience working within the FMCG market space.
• Experience managing a team and key stakeholders.
• Strong communication, influencing skills, the ability to manage change and creatively problem solve.

Technical / Professional Qualifications

• Strong PowerPoint and Excel skills.
• Sage X3 experience desirable.
• ERP knowledge / Forecasting systems knowledge, essential.
• SQL experience desirable.
• Membership of accredited organisation such as the IOSCM desirable.

What's in it for me?

Career Development

• Access bespoke development programmes that have been designed and developed by our in-house L&D team.
• Continued development through our upskilling programme that is delivered in partnership with an industry-leading training provider.

Enhanced Leave

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Don’t want to work on your birthday? We don’t either! Enjoy your day off on us!
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay, depending on length of service.
• Up to 10 days compassionate leave.
• Buy back up to 3 days each year.
• Unlock 2 days volunteer leave after 12-months.

Wellbeing Support

• Access face-to-face and virtual appointments with our in-house GP (Manchester Head Office).
• Access our 247 Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) which is provided by Bupa.
• State-of-the-art on-site gym (Manchester Head Office).
• Access to our on-site physio (Manchester Head Office).

Other Perks

• Save up to 12% on the cost of personal tech through our salary sacrifice scheme.
• Up to 50% staff discount on THG brands.
• On-site staff shop (Manchester Head Office).
• Access to on-site barber (Manchester Head Office).
• Know someone who would be perfect for THG? Refer them and get up to £1000 when they pass their probation.
• Anniversary gifts when you hit 5 and 10 years of service.