European Demand Planning Specialist (f/m/x)

Job Description: European Demand Planning Specialist (f/m/x) Segment: Royal Canin Location: Aimargues (30 min from Montpellier) Type of contract: Permanent (CDI) Are you passionate about turning data and market insights into impactful business decisions? As a European Demand Planning Specialist, you will lead demand forecasting for Royal Canin across Europe, translating market trends and business drivers into accurate demand plans. Working closely with Sales, Marketing, Finance, R&D and Supply Chain teams, you will drive forecasting excellence, support strategic decision-making through predictive analytics and scenario planning, and help ensure the right products are available at the right time. What will be your key responsibilities? Demand Planning & Forecasting • Lead the management of the demand planning and forecasting process for a defined portfolio of markets, integrating historical sales trends, demand drivers, competitive responses, market trends and substitution effects to develop a rolling 24-month forecast. • Develop and maintain statistical forecasting models to improve forecast accuracy and support business decision-making. • Build scenarios based on market and regional insights to support strategic and operational planning decisions. • Interface with Sales, Marketing, R&D and Supply teams to incorporate the latest market assumptions and business insights into the European planning system. • Lead periodic demand planning reviews with Business Units, ensuring transparent communication of forecasts, forecast variances, risks, opportunities and key assumptions. • Serve as the custodian of the regional planning process, ensuring timely submission and alignment of plans across Supply Chain, Commercial, Operations and Procurement teams. • Collaborate with local planning teams to ensure consistency, alignment and effective execution of planning activities across the region. Business & Planning Excellence • Monitor planning performance, identify risks and opportunities, and drive actions that improve forecasting and planning effectiveness. • Act as a planning expert during supply constraints, allocation decisions and other complex operational situations requiring cross-functional coordination. • Support product launches, innovation projects and portfolio changes by ensuring planning activities are executed accurately and on time. • Collaborate closely with stakeholders across Planning, Commercial, Manufacturing, Regulatory, Master Data and Supply teams to achieve business objectives. • Serve as a technical reference point for the Planning community, supporting onboarding activities, capability building and knowledge sharing. • Drive simplification, standardization and continuous improvement of planning processes, systems, reporting tools and digital capabilities. • Contribute to a culture of operational excellence and continuous improvement across the planning organization. What are we looking for? • Master's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering or a related field. • Fluency in English; additional European languages, including French, are an advantage. • Several years of experience in Demand Planning, Forecasting, Supply Chain Planning or a related field, ideally within FMCG or a complex manufacturing environment. • Proven expertise in forecasting, including statistical forecasting methodologies, predictive analysis and forecast performance management. • Strong understanding of end-to-end Supply Chain Planning processes, including Demand Planning, Supply Planning and MRP. • Experience managing complex demand planning portfolios and making operational decisions in dynamic business environments. • Experience working with advanced planning systems, forecasting tools and analytics solutions. • Strong stakeholder management, communication and influencing skills. • Continuous improvement mindset with the ability to challenge existing processes and drive change. • Collaborative working style with a passion for coaching, knowledge sharing and developing organizational capability. What can you expect from Mars? • Work with over 140,000 diverse and talented Associates, all guided by our Five Principles. • Join a purpose-driven company striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today. • Access best-in-class learning and development opportunities from day one, including Mars University. • Be empowered to take ownership, explore new ideas and make a meaningful impact on the business. • Benefit from a competitive compensation and benefits package designed to recognize your contribution and support your wellbeing. #LI-MS1