Senior Forecasting & Planning Manager

BAT is evolving at pace into a global multi-category business. With products like VELO, VUSE and GLO we are on a mission to decrease the health impact of our industry 
To achieve our ambition, we are looking for colleagues who are ready to Be The Change. Come, join us on this journey!

This managerial position involves developing & implementing effective demand forecasting strategies, collaborating with cross-functional teams & ensuring optimal inventory levels. Goal is to minimise out of stocks, reduce excess inventory & enhance overall supply chain efficiency in close collaboration with Operations.

The role plays a crucial part in enabling commercial decision-making & aligning demand plans with business objectives, contributing to improved customer & consumer satisfaction, cost efficiency & the overall success of the business.

 It entails analysing performance metrics, identifying business opportunities, mitigating risks & providing leadership to the demand planning team.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Demand forecasting strategy: Develop and execute (innovative) demand forecasting strategies to ensure seamless product availability and optimal inventory levels especially for the volatile New Categories.
• Demand forecasting: Deliver most accurate demand forecasts for all categories based on historical data, market trends, activation plans and business intelligence. Demand forecast encompasses (a) total category volumes for BAT and competition, (b) BAT volumes per SKU on yearly, monthly, and weekly basis, and (c) short-term demand (current year +1) for operational planning as well as long-term demand for strategic planning/ SLA purposes (3-5 years horizon) and (d) forecast uploads to APO and BPC systems.
• Cross-functional collaboration: Work closely with CE Insights & Foresights, CE Growth Management, local Finance, local Trade Marketing, Category and Supply Chain teams to holistically understand demand drivers (e.g. product launch plans, customer requirements) and gather relevant information and insights to drive commercial decision-making, align demand plans with business objectives and foster effective communication.
• Performance analysis: Analyse demand planning performance metrics regularly, identify areas for improvement and implement strategies to enhance forecast accuracy and responsiveness to market changes.
• Scenario planning: Deliver (business case) scenarios for specific initiatives (e.g. product launches, consumer activation), enabling the business to take informed decisions.
• Inventory optimisation: Implement effective practices to maintain optimal inventory levels, minimise out of stocks and reduce excess inventory, thereby supporting Operations in enhancing overall supply chain efficiency.
• Risk mitigation: Proactively identify and address potential risks to demand plans and develop contingency strategies and plans to mitigate supply disruptions.
• S&OP process: Lead demand forecast-related topics in relevant forums such as Pre-DRM, DRM and S&I, ensuring maximum transparency of latest demand forecast vs business objectives as well as associated opportunities and risks.
• Reporting: Ensure S&OP process-related inputs and outputs to local and above market stakeholders are provided on time in full.
• Simplification: Continuously identify opportunities to streamline demand forecasting and reporting processes and ways of working.
• People leadership: Provide leadership and guidance to the Forecasting & Planning team in line with the CE People Leadership Agenda, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture and mentoring team members for growth.

What are we looking for?

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in demand planning or related roles within the FMCG industry.
• Proven track record in successfully developing and implementing demand forecast strategies.
• Demonstrated leadership experience with a focus on team management and development.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.
• Proficiency in demand planning methodologies, tools & software.
• Ability to describe complex data/intercorrelations in a concise manner & use data to derive insights & recommendations.
• Flexibility, high level of resilience and independency.
• Ability to work within a matrix organisation and manage multiple stakeholders.
• Robust understanding of BAT planning process and general ways of working.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain or related field.
• Advanced degree or relevant professional certification is a plus.
• Good knowledge in working with BI systems as well as outstanding Excel and PowerPoint skills.
• Proficient English skills.

What we offer you?
•    We offer a market leading annual performance bonus (subject to eligibility)
•    Our range of benefits varies by country and includes diverse health plans, initiatives for work-life balance, transportation support, and a flexible holiday plan with additional incentives
•    Your journey with us isn't limited by boundaries; it's propelled by your aspirations. Join us at BAT and become a part of an environment that thrives on internal advancement, where your career progression isn't just a statement – it's a reality we're eager to build together. Seize the opportunity and own your development; your next chapter starts here.
•    You'll have access to online learning platforms and personalized growth programs to nurture your leadership skills
•    We prioritise continuous improvement within a transformative environment, preparing for ongoing changes

WHY JOIN BAT?
We’re one of the few companies named as a Global Top Employer by the Top Employers Institute – certified in offering excellent employee conditions.

At BAT, we champion collaboration, inclusion, and partnership as the bedrock of our values. We wish to foster an environment where every individual can thrive, irrespective of factors such as gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, skills, experience, education, socio-economic and professional background, as well as diverse perspectives and thinking styles. We recognise that our strength lies in embracing talent from all walks of life, empowering us to develop our culture of inclusivity and better achieve our business objectives.

We view career breaks not as obstacles but as opportunities and encourage everyone, without hesitation, to apply. Through our Global Returners program, we provide support to professionals seeking to re-enter the workforce after an extended absence, be it for family care, parental leave, national service, sabbatical, or starting their own venture.
Come bring your difference and see what is possible for you at BAT. Learn more about our culture and our award winning employee experience here.

We take pride in being a Disability Confident Employer. If you need any reasonable adjustments or accommodations to be made during the recruitment process to support you performing at your best, please inform the recruitment partner who will be in touch should your profile be selected for the role you applied for. We are wholeheartedly committed to optimising your prospects of success by making suitable arrangements so that you may showcase your full potential.