Procurement & Demand Forecasting Manager

Procurement and Demand Forecasting Manager Location: Hampton area Salary: £40,000 - £50,000 (DOE) Contract: Full Time, Permanent, Office Based Key Responsibilities Procurement & Supplier Management Manage the end to end procurement process across product lines, packaging and business critical materials. Develop & maintain strong relationships with suppliers, negotiating pricing, lead times, service levels and commercial agreements. Monitor supplier performance against agreed KPI’s and implement improvement plans where required. Identify cost saving opportunities and drive efficiencies throughout the procurement process. Manage supplier risk and support business continuity planning. Demand Forecasting & Inventory Planning Produce accurate demand forecasts using historical sales data, seasonal trends, marketing intelligence and business insights. Work closely with Sales, Marketing, Finance and Operations teams to align forecasts with commercial objectives. Manage inventory levels to maximise product availability while maintaining healthy stock levels. Analyse forecast performance and implement improvements to increase forecast accuracy. Lead inventory optimisation initiatives to minimise excess stock and reduce stock outs. Support planning activities around promotions, product launches and seasonal demand fluctuations. Compliance, Governance & Risk Management Ensure procurement activities comply with company policies, procedures and relevant regulatory requirements. Maintain supplier compliance records, contracts, certifications and supporting documentation. Monitor supplier adherence to quality, ethical sourcing, safety and operational standards. Support audits and maintain effective procurement controls. Identify and mitigate procurement and supply chain risks through proactive management and planning. Promote best practice governance and compliance across the procurement and inventory planning functions. Sage 200 Management Utilise Sage 200 to manage procurement, inventory control, forecasting, reporting and stock management activities. Maintain accurate supplier, product pricing and inventory data. Produce meaningful management information and reports to support decision making. Drive process improvements and maximise the effective sue of Sage 200 throughout the supply chain function. Reporting and Analysis Prepare regular procurement, inventory, forecasting and compliance reports for senior management Monitor and report on key performance indicators including: Forecast accuracy, Supplier Performance, Stock Availability, Inventory Turns, Service Levels, Cost Savings, Compliance Measures, Provide recommendations and insights to support strategic planning and business growth. Skills & Experience Required Essential Minimum 5 years’ experience within procurement, supply chain, inventory management, demand planning or forecasting. At least 2-3 years’ experience operating as Procurement Manager, Supply Chain Manager, Demand Planning Manager or equivalent level. Proven experience within consumer goods, retail, wholesale, manufacturing, FMCG, or distribution sectors. Strong hands on experience in Sage 200 is essential. Experience in supplier negotiation, inventory optimisation and demand forecasting. Strong commercial awareness and analytical capability. Advanced Excel skills with the ability to analyse and interpret large data sets. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills. Ability to work independently, prioritise effectively and deliver results in a fast paced environment. Desirable Experience of Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP)· Knowledge of compliance, governance and supplier audit processes. Experience managing seasonal product forecasting and promotional planning. Familiarity with international supply chains and importing products from overseas manufacturers. Qualifications Essential Proven experience successfully managing procurement, inventory planning and demand forecasting. Strong practical experience of Sage 200. Desirable Degree or equivalent in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Business, Logistics or Operations, or another related degree.