REPORTING TO: Head of Supply Chain SECTOR: Healthcare / Medical Products Position Summary We are seeking a hands-on and commercially minded Senior Demand & Supply Planner to support and improve an end-to-end planning function within a complex healthcare supply chain environment. This role is broader than a traditional demand planning position. It requires an allrounder who can operate across demand planning, supply planning, inventory management, replenishment, fulfilment coordination and process improvement. The successful candidate will be someone who is comfortable working in an evolving environment and able to bring greater structure, discipline and visibility to planning activities. The role will suit a resilient, positive and proactive individual who enjoys identifying what is not working, improving systems and processes, and driving better day-to-day execution across the supply chain. Key Responsibilities Demand and Supply Planning Manage and improve demand and supply planning activities across a complex product portfolio Develop more reliable forecasting and replenishment processes to improve service levels and inventory outcomes Analyse demand patterns, supply constraints and business requirements to support practical and effective planning decisions Monitor inventory performance and identify risks relating to stock availability, excess, slow-moving or obsolete stock Maintain and improve planning parameters, material settings and core data inputs that drive planning effectiveness Inventory, Fulfilment and Logistics Coordination Support inventory optimisation and working capital outcomes through stronger planning discipline Coordinate closely with warehousing, transport providers and third-party logistics partners to support smooth inbound and outbound operations Improve responsiveness and reduce reactive freight or avoidable supply disruptions through better planning and exception management Support continuity of supply in a service-sensitive environment with a strong customer and patient focus Systems, Process and Planning Improvement Help establish and embed fit-for-purpose KPIs, planning controls and reporting routines Develop and document SOPs and standard ways of working across the planning function Review current systems, reporting tools and manual processes, and identify practical improvement opportunities Improve data quality, planning visibility and process consistency to support better decision-making Contribute to lifting the function from reactive execution to a more disciplined and proactive operating model Stakeholder Management Work cross-functionally with customer service, operations, logistics, commercial teams and other internal stakeholders Build strong working relationships and drive alignment across departments Escalate risks appropriately and provide clear, fact-based recommendations Contribute positively to team culture through a solutions-focused and accountable approach Skills and Experience Required Demonstrated experience across both demand planning and supply planning Strong understanding of inventory management, replenishment and fulfilment processes Experience in a complex supply chain environment Strong analytical capability and confidence working with planning systems, ERP platforms and Excel Experience improving planning routines, systems, reporting and/or business processes Ability to work effectively in an environment that may not yet have fully mature systems, SOPs or KPIs Strong communication skills and the ability to influence stakeholders across functions Hands-on approach with a strong bias for action and follow-through Familiarity with ERP systems such as SAP IBP module (highly preferred) or similar Preferred Background Experience within healthcare, medical devices, pharmaceuticals or another regulated environment Exposure to third-party logistics management Experience in a demand and supply environment where customer service and availability are critical Familiarity with ERP systems such as SAP or similar Experience supporting or leading planning process improvement initiatives Personal Attributes Positive and resilient Proactive and self-directed Comfortable with ambiguity and change Practical, organised and detail-oriented Strong sense of ownership and accountability Improvement-focused and willing to challenge the status quo constructively Able to build credibility through action and delivery Why This Opportunity May Appeal This role offers the chance to step into a broad and visible position where there is genuine scope to improve processes, systems and planning discipline. It will suit someone who is hungry to grow, enjoys making a tangible impact, and wants to build a strong track record of operational improvement within a healthcare supply chain setting.
