Purpose of the role
We are seeking an Imports & Demand Planner to oversee and manage both demand forecasting and the importation of goods. This role combines two key functions. Firstly, you will develop and maintain operational forecasts for finished goods by incorporating business intelligence and insights gathered from sales, marketing, finance, and operations teams. Secondly, you will coordinate with suppliers and freight forwarders to ensure shipments comply with all regulatory requirements and arrive on schedule. The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of international shipping regulations, excellent organisational skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast - paced environment.
Responsibilities
- Demand Planning & Forecasting
- Develop and maintain operational demand forecasts across multiple product levels and time horizons using the S&OP planning tool
- Liaise with Sales teams to align on growth trends and incorporate these into demand assumptions
- Continuously refine forecasting systems and methodologies to improve accuracy and anticipate customer demand
- Create and maintain statistical forecasts using sales data, financial updates, and demand drivers
- Facilitate collaborative planning with Sales, Marketing, and Finance to achieve consensus forecasts
- Provide input into volume planning, including latest estimates, annual planning, and quarterly financial forecasts
- Prepare and maintain demand planning reports and analysis
- Support Supply Planning in developing inventory strategies for existing products, new launches, and phase-outs
- Coordinate customer action plans with Supply Planning teams
- Prepare analysis and presentations for Demand Review meetings
- Maintain stocking policies and tolerance levels aligned with forecast trends
- Communicate with manufacturing sites to ensure sufficient production capacity
- Deliver a robust monthly demand plan using statistical forecasting and market intelligence
- Work closely with Product Line Managers to ensure product changes are reflected within demand plans and ERP systems
- Collaborate with Supply Chain Coordinators and Materials Management teams to ensure forecast volumes support replenishment, procurement, and capacity planning
- Use reporting and analytical tools to monitor performance, identify root causes, and drive continuous improvement initiatives
- Imports & Supply Coordination
- Raise and manage supplier purchase orders
- Manage supplier delivery performance in line with agreed schedules
- Coordinate and manage all import/export activities and documentation
- Ensure compliance with import/export policies and regulatory requirements
- Track and trace shipments to ensure timely delivery
- Analyse import data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement
Qualifications
- Minimum 3+ years’ experience within a supply chain, demand, or supply planning role
- Strong analytical and numerical problem-solving skills
- Experience with forecasting software and S&OP processes
- Advanced Excel skills
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Ability to interpret large datasets and translate insights into actions
- Experience working within a continuous improvement environment
- Strong collaboration and influencing skills
- Solid understanding of forecasting, inventory management, and supply chain best practices
Pay range and compensation package
- Competitive salary
- 20 days annual leave (increasing to 25 days with service)
- Option to purchase up to 5 additional holiday days
- Healthcare cash plan
- Life assurance
- Company pension
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Employee retail discounts
- Sharesave scheme
- Long service awards
- Cycle to Work Scheme
Equal Opportunity Statement
Bunzl Ireland is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees are treated with respect and dignity.
