Senior Demand Planner / Planning Manager

About the role

This senior demand planning position is based in Kendal and sits at the heart of a well‑established manufacturing organisation. You will own the end‑to‑end demand planning process, turning market insight and historical data into accurate forecasts that drive production, purchasing and inventory decisions.

Key responsibilities

• Build and continuously improve demand forecasts using historical sales, market trends and forward‑looking assumptions.
• Interpret sales patterns, product trends and external factors to enhance planning accuracy.
• Lead regular forecasting review meetings with commercial, operations, procurement and finance stakeholders.
• Translate demand signals into clear operational requirements for production, purchasing and inventory teams.
• Monitor forecast performance metrics, identify gaps and implement improvement actions.
• Highlight supply‑demand risks and opportunities, providing actionable insights to senior leadership.
• Support stock optimisation initiatives to balance service levels with working‑capital targets.

Required profile

• Proven experience in demand planning, forecasting or broader supply‑chain planning within a manufacturing or engineering environment.
• Strong analytical mindset with the ability to turn complex data into clear insights.
• Comfortable working with forecasting tools and advanced Excel.
• Effective communicator who can influence cross‑functional teams.
• Proactive, solutions‑focused and committed to continuous improvement.
• Understanding of Integrated Business Planning (IBP) processes is a plus.

Required skills

• Advanced Excel
• Forecasting tools

What we offer

• Salary up to £45,000 per year (depending on experience)
• Flexible working arrangements with a 4.5‑day week option
• Generous pension scheme
• Family‑friendly policies and enhanced holiday entitlement