Demand Planner

At Mars Food & Nutrition, we believe that behind every great meal is a great plan - and in this case a great planner! We’re on the lookout for a highly analytical and collaborative Demand Planner to drive forecasting excellence across our Mars Food & Nutrition Australia (MFNA) operations. If you're passionate about data-driven decision-making, cross-functional collaboration, and leading innovative planning processes—this is the role for you.

In this important role, you will be accountable for preparing a 24-period rolling forecast for input into the S&OP process to deliver Periodic (monthly) and Year End Estimate forecasts.  The objective of the role is to achieve sales forecast accuracy targets that will result in maximizing sales potential through improving customer service levels, sales forecast accuracy and reducing out of stocks. This role also plays in integral part in driving a collaborative forecast alignment with key customer partners.

Based in either our Sydney CBD office or our factory site at Wyong on the Central Coast, this role enjoys a hybrid working arrangement of 3 days in the office, and 2 days from home each week.
 

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Base Sales Forecasting  for one of our key customers, Coles, including updating forecasting models with accurate base sales for all products by analyzing latest scan data, predicting market growth to establish weekly consumer demand in units and value for each product or product group.
• Collaboration with the Coles account team  in the forecasting of promotional and activation sales
• Support the Coles Vendor Replenishment Planner (VRP) in the Collaborative Forecast agenda with Coles
• Reviewing NPD forecast projection created in planning horizons to bench mark against existing similar skus in the market.
• facilitating the Customer Planning Manager / NAM forecast review.
• Overall Sales Forecasting for all customers managed by the MFA Export account teams (including China market) - including updating forecasting models with accurate sales forecasts and reviewing forecast with Export team sales associates.

What are we looking for?

• A technical expert who is also a strong collaborator and communicator, and is comfortable having challenging conversations with cross functional teams.
• Proven experience in demand planning, forecasting systems, and S&OP/S&OP+ processes.
• Strong  skills in data analysis, and forecasting tools – but just as importantly the ability to turn data into clear, compelling and actionable insights.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and facilitation skills to drive cross-functional alignment.
• Experience in recommending and executing forecast changes, tool enhancements, and process improvements.

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.
• Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.
• At MFNA, work in an environment that contributes to people eating a healthy, tasty, affordable, convenient, and sustainably sourced meal.