Sales Forecast & Operations Planning Manager (m/f/d)

Main purpose of role:We are seeking a highly analytical and strategic SF&OP Manager to lead and manage the Sales Forecast & Operations Planning (SF&OP) process. The SF&OP Manager is responsible for all sales forecasting activities – by products, purchasing by Supply Chain and Inventory Management through the Inventory Roll Forward Model, along with running the monthly SF&OP Senior Management Review. This pivotal role acts as the primary liaison between Sales, Marketing, Product Management, Supply Chain/Operations and Finance, to ensure demand forecasts are accurate, aligned, and actionable—driving effective decision-making across the business, to ensure effective and efficient Cash Management and Inventory Timing and Holding.Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities:1. SF&OP process managementManagement and optimization of the monthly SF&OP cycle, to include: demand review, supply review, etc..Establishment of a structured reporting system (KPIs, dashboards) for decision support.Support gathering, analysis and reporting of business, customer and market intelligence.2. Demand Planning & ForecastingReview historical sales trends, research demand drivers, customer inputs, develop statistical forecast, and evaluate forecast results using forecasting software.Retrieve, validate and review customer Point of Sales (POS) data for forecasting and business intelligence purposes.Coordinate cross-functional review of forecasts to reconcile variances, anomalies and uncertainties to develop a consensus forecast.Maintain the forecasting software as the primary tool for forecasting. Create reports in the forecasting tool or via the business intelligence tool.Proactively provide input to the supply chain, sales, finance and other teams to optimise operations, inventory management and reporting. Provide ad hoc information or reports to various teams.Continually monitor and review forecasting performance metrics to improve forecasting models and / or processes.Develop and maintain strong relationships internally with relevant cross-functional teams whilst maintaining rigour and integrity of established processes.Lead the cross-functional SF&OP process to identify pain points, risks and opportunities.3. Stakeholder management & communicationBuilding strong, trusting relationships and acting as the key link between sales, marketing, supply chain/operations, and finance.Promoting cooperation and mutual understanding between operational and commercial functions.Proactively provide input to the business to optimize operations, inventory management and reporting. Provide ad hoc information and data modelling as required.Key Skills and Personal Qualities required:Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Economics or a related field4+ years’ experience in Demand Planning, Supply Chain Planning, or S&OP-related rolesStrong business acumen and ability to align operations with strategic goalsAbility to work in a fast-paced environment, collating multiple types of data and information from multiple sources, and to analyse and prepare coherent information and reportsAbility to set priorities, work under pressure and to strict timelines, and follow through with assigned tasks with limited supervisionProficiency in Excel, forecasting software, and ERP systems (eg AX, D365), familiarity with Business Intelligence tool (eg MS Power BI) preferableExcellent oral and written communication skills as well as excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to lead cross-functional teamsExcellent English skillsWe Offer:An attractive remuneration package30 days holiday with a 5-day weekFlexible working hours and mobile workingVersatile tasks and the freedom to realise your own ideasCompany pension schemeFurther training opportunitiesOffers within the framework of company health management (fitness allowance, coursees)Employee discountsJubilee payments and much more.We are looking forward to your application!