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Job Description
We are recruiting for a Senior Demand Planner (Senior Specialist) to join our Supply Chain Management team for our Animal Health Organisation and be based out of Milton Keynes site.
This is a hybrid role requiring 2 days/week presence onsite.
About the role
Join our Animal Health Supply Chain team as a Senior Demand Planner and play a pivotal role in ensuring the right products reach customers when they need them. You'll combine analytical forecasting, stakeholder leadership, and project delivery to drive forecast accuracy, support new product launches, and influence global and regional supply strategies.
What you will do (key responsibilities)
Lead monthly demand forecasting and Sales & Operations Planning (SOP) meetings, driving consensus across Sales, Marketing, Finance and Supply.
Analyse sales performance and forecasts, identify trends and gaps, and implement changes to improve forecast accuracy.
Own new product launch master data setup and coordinate with SAP and our 3PL partner to ensure launches go live on time.
Reconcile variances with global supply chain teams and refine forecasting models based on updated market assumptions.
Manage regular forecasting updates in IDP/SAP and maintain a two-year rolling demand plan.
Support delivery of UK and Global supply chain initiatives and cover for the Associate Director when required.
Build collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders to limit write-offs and meet IQV and forecast accuracy KPIs.
About you (experience & skills)
Minimum 5 years' experience in demand planning within pharmaceutical, animal health, or FMCG environments.
Strong numeracy and analytical skills; degree preferred.
Hands-on experience with SAP MRP/demand forecasting, IDP forecasting systems, Aera reports/dashboards and advanced Excel (pivot tables, slicers, charting).
Proven track record running monthly SOP cycles and improving forecast accuracy.
Excellent communicator, confident chairing meetings and influencing cross-functional teams.
Supply chain qualification (e.g., CIPS) is desirable.
Behaviours we value
Self-motivated, well-organised and results-driven
Strong collaborator with excellent interpersonal skills
Able to prioritise effectively and lead cross-functional teams
Required Skills:
Clinical Supply Chain Management, Clinical Supply Chain Management, Communication Management, Customer-Focused, Customer Service, Customer Service Management, Demand Planning, Detail-Oriented, Driving Continuous Improvement, Financial Forecasting, Global Supply Chain, Innovative Solutions, Internal Processes, Inventory Control Management, Inventory Control Practices, Inventory Reconciliations, Logistics Management, Monthly Forecasting, Numeracy, Office Applications, Planning, Production Planning, Product Sales, Rolling Forecasts, Strategic Management {+ 5 more} Preferred Skills:
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Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.
Employee Status:
Regular Relocation:
VISA Sponsorship:
Travel Requirements:
Flexible Work Arrangements:
Not Applicable Shift:
Valid Driving License:
Hazardous Material(s):
Job Posting End Date:
04/2/2026 *A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.
Requisition ID: R388131