European Demand Planning Specialist

European Demand Planning Specialist (f/m/x)

Segment: Royal Canin

Location: Aimargues (30 min from Montpellier)

Type of contract: Permanent (CDI)

Are you passionate about turning data and market insights into impactful business decisions? As a European Demand Planning Specialist, you will lead demand forecasting for Royal Canin across Europe, translating market trends and business drivers into accurate demand plans. Working closely with Sales, Marketing, Finance, R&D and Supply Chain teams, you will drive forecasting excellence, support strategic decision-making through predictive analytics and scenario planning, and help ensure the right products are available at the right time.

What will be your key responsibilities?

Demand Planning & Forecasting

• Lead the management of the demand planning and forecasting process for a defined portfolio of markets, integrating historical sales trends, demand drivers, competitive responses, market trends and substitution effects to develop a rolling 24-month forecast.
• Develop and maintain statistical forecasting models to improve forecast accuracy and support business decision-making.
• Build scenarios based on market and regional insights to support strategic and operational planning decisions.
• Interface with Sales, Marketing, R&D and Supply teams to incorporate the latest market assumptions and business insights into the European planning system.
• Lead periodic demand planning reviews with Business Units, ensuring transparent communication of forecasts, forecast variances, risks, opportunities and key assumptions.
• Serve as the custodian of the regional planning process, ensuring timely submission and alignment of plans across Supply Chain, Commercial, Operations and Procurement teams.
• Collaborate with local planning teams to ensure consistency, alignment and effective execution of planning activities across the region.

Business & Planning Excellence

• Monitor planning performance, identify risks and opportunities, and drive actions that improve forecasting and planning effectiveness.
• Act as a planning expert during supply constraints, allocation decisions and other complex operational situations requiring cross-functional coordination.
• Support product launches, innovation projects and portfolio changes by ensuring planning activities are executed accurately and on time.
• Collaborate closely with stakeholders across Planning, Commercial, Manufacturing, Regulatory, Master Data and Supply teams to achieve business objectives.
• Serve as a technical reference point for the Planning community, supporting onboarding activities, capability building and knowledge sharing.
• Drive simplification, standardization and continuous improvement of planning processes, systems, reporting tools and digital capabilities.
• Contribute to a culture of operational excellence and continuous improvement across the planning organization.

What are we looking for?

• Master's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering or a related field.
• Fluency in English; additional European languages, including French, are an advantage.
• Several years of experience in Demand Planning, Forecasting, Supply Chain Planning or a related field, ideally within FMCG or a complex manufacturing environment.
• Proven expertise in forecasting, including statistical forecasting methodologies, predictive analysis and forecast performance management.
• Strong understanding of end-to-end Supply Chain Planning processes, including Demand Planning, Supply Planning and MRP.
• Experience managing complex demand planning portfolios and making operational decisions in dynamic business environments.
• Experience working with advanced planning systems, forecasting tools and analytics solutions.
• Strong stakeholder management, communication and influencing skills.
• Continuous improvement mindset with the ability to challenge existing processes and drive change.
• Collaborative working style with a passion for coaching, knowledge sharing and developing organizational capability.

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with over 140,000 diverse and talented Associates, all guided by our Five Principles.
• Join a purpose-driven company striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• Access best-in-class learning and development opportunities from day one, including Mars University.
• Be empowered to take ownership, explore new ideas and make a meaningful impact on the business.
• Benefit from a competitive compensation and benefits package designed to recognize your contribution and support your wellbeing.

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