Demand & Supply Planning Manager

Come and join the leading #avo experts

Westfalia Fruit is a leading multinational supplier of fresh fruit and related value added products to global markets. Through our vertically-integrated supply chain we grow, source, ripen, pack, process and market quality avocadoes & fresh produce – 365 days a year & across the globe.

With the largest avocado-growing footprint in the world, we are recognised as the leading #avo experts, and considered as the supplier of choice to both retail & wholesale customers whom we serve from sales offices in the UK, Europe, North America, Latin America & Southern Africa.

The Demand and Supply Planning Manager is accountable for leading the planning function within the Supply Chain, ensuring the creation and execution of accurate and agile demand and supply plans. The role plays a central part in balancing customer demand with operational capabilities, enabling optimal product availability, minimal waste, and efficient inventory management across the supply chain.

Reporting to the Head of Supply Chain, the role leads the local S&OP process and acts as the planning bridge between Commercial (Customer), Sourcing (Buy), and Supply Chain (Move). The role is key to ensuring customer satisfaction, product flow efficiency, and the commercial success of the Market Unit.

• Lead short- to long-term demand planning using commercial input, sales history, and market trends.
• Drive forecast accuracy improvements and coordinate cross-functional demand reviews.
• Develop aligned supply plans to meet demand while minimising stock-outs and excess inventory.
• Adjust plans dynamically in response to supply disruptions or market shifts.
• Own and lead the S&OP process locally, ensuring clear alignment across functions and escalating risks.
• Monitor inventory health, manage shelf-life risks, and implement waste reduction strategies.
• Ensure accuracy of planning data and parameters across systems and track key KPIs.
• Provide analysis and insights to support strategic and operational planning decisions.
• Collaborate closely with Customer, Sourcing, Operations, Quality, and Finance to balance supply and demand.
• Lead and coach the planning team, promoting accountability and continuous improvement.

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, Economics, or related field (required)
• APICS/IBF certification or equivalent (preferred)

• Proven experience in supply and/or demand planning roles within FMCG, fresh produce, or perishable goods sectors
• Strong exposure to S&OP, inventory optimisation, and supply-demand balancing
• Experience working in a matrix or cross-functional environment
• Proven ability to lead or mentor planners and planning teams

• Advanced knowledge of forecasting techniques, demand planning systems, and supply planning processes
• Strong analytical capability; confident in managing large data sets and turning insights into actions
• Skilled in planning systems (e.g. SAP IBP, APO, Oracle, Excel/BI tools)
• Solid understanding of end-to-end supply chain dynamics, stock policies, and service level management

• Highly structured and detail-oriented
• Strong communicator with an ability to influence cross-functionally
• Commercially aware and customer-led in planning decisions
• Resilient, calm under pressure, and proactive in solving issues
• Comfortable working in ambiguity with strong prioritisation skills
• Drives accountability and fosters collaboration across teams

• 30 days of vacation
• Membership in a premium fitness center for a small fee
• Free parking
• Fresh fruit and specialty coffees

We’re an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, family or parental status, national origin, or veteran, neurodiversity or disability status.