Demand Planner

Who we are:
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 16 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.

The role:

In this role, you will be responsible for accurately forecasting product demand for the Kao Salon Division business in Italy, ensuring efficient planning within the appropriate time frames. Additionally, you will serve as the Coordinator for EMEA Planning for ORIBE

This is a permanent, full-time position that can be either based in Germany (Darmstadt) or the UK (London).

What you will do:

• Own, develop and drive KAO Salon Division Demand Planning 12-month forecasts utilising KAO forecasting system & tools
• To work with the KAO Salon Division Commercial teams in the Italian region to gather all information regarding product demands for their customers is used to maximum effect in establishing an internal forecast that reflects actuals as closely as possible, e.g. promotion`s planning input, NPD volumes validation.
• To continuously improve forecasting accuracy by analysing the demands vs actual sales & proposing corrective actions for both products forecast and process optimization.
• Project Management all aspects of Planning processes for the Luxury Brand ORIBE.
• To provide analysis of write-off risks and disposal costs for Finished Goods, Components & raw materials (with support from supply planners) to identify slow movers and enable short-term sales and marketing activities to minimize that financial risk
• To organize and lead monthly S&OP / Demand planning meetings with appropriate consensus and sign offs on decisions.
• Joint responsibility with the Supply Planner(s) to ensure that inventory levels are optimized and maintained at the targeted levels.

What you will need:

• Educated to a degree level or equivalent professional qualification preferred, but not essential.
• Supply Chain specific subject matter an advantage
• 5 years’ experience in similar position, within FMCG industry, ideally cosmetics or luxury beauty care.
• SAP experience in working in Demand Planning environment is strong plus.
• Proven experience of successful interaction with internal and external customers, and ability to manage own delivery of short and medium term objectives.
• Experience as Project Manager of cross functional teams
• Advanced level of Excel strong plus (PowerQuery, PowerPivot, Macros, VBA) a strong plus
• Build up and maintain good business relationship with local commercial teams as well as Internal SCM Supply teams.
• Knowledge of Statistical Forecasts methodologies a strong plus
• Knowledge of Supply Planning a plus
• Business Fluent in English and Italian as a Strong Plus
• Knowledge of different Forecasting techniques
• Strong analytical ability with high level of attention to detail
• Independent worker with a self-starter attitude but also a highly organized team player
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with Stakeholder management skills a plus.
• Ability to work in a fast paced and constantly evolving environment, able to change personal priorities at short notice

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.
Want to learn more: If you feel you are as unique as our products and want to find out why 33,000 people across the globe opted for a career with us please visit https://www.kao.com/emea/en/