Demand Planner

At Pearson, we're committed to a world that's always learning and to our talented team who makes it all possible. From bringing lectures vividly to life to turning textbooks into laptop lessons, we are always re-examining the way people learn best, whether it's one child in our own backyard or an education community across the globe. We are bold thinkers and standout innovators who motivate each other to explore new frontiers in an environment that supports and inspires us to always be better. By pushing the boundaries of technology - and each other to surpass these boundaries - we create seeds of learning that become the catalyst for the world's innovations, personal and global, large and small.

A new Planning and S&OP centre for markets has been set up. As part of the new function, the Demand Planner plays an important role in the generation of timely demand forecasts and presenting them for review, validation and refinement for the assigned market.

The demand planner in the key markets works with assigned cross-functional teams, such as Finance, Editorial, Marketing and Sales to incorporate current and relevant market intelligence into the Demand Plan ( in co-operation with the Forecast Analysts). The role contributes to the Demand Review process to arrive at the Consensus Demand Plan.

The Demand Planner reports into Supply Chain, in the same market, and works in strong collaboration with the Forecasting Analysts at the Planning and S&OP Centre.

Responsibilities:

• Maintaining the integrity of the UK forecasting system.
• Monitoring the forecast for front and back-list products and promotions.
• Work with planning and inventory teams to ensure continuity of supply.
• Provide support with any queries on possible data anomalies.
• Conduct monthly demand planning meetings with appointed business representatives.
• Manage the sign-off process for consensus demand plans following demand review meetings.
• Ensure that the final consensus Demand Plan is available according to required timetables

Qualifications

• Experience of forecasting and/demand planning in a publishing or retail environment.
• Proven history of availability, forecasting and inventory management.
• Proficiency in statistics, forecasting and forecasting methods with an understanding of their financial and operational impacts.
• Ability to lead multi-functional activities, analyse large volumes of information, and resolved complex issues in a rapidly changing environment.
• Calm under pressure, with strong analytical, organisational, decision making and presentation skills.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills.
• Innovative approach, forward thinking, able to think outside the box.
• Strong belief in delivering results as part of a team.
• Good attention to detail.
• Familiarity with the print publishing business an advantage
• Educated to degree level (or equivalent) desirable.