Come and join the leading #avoexperts 🥑
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 #avoexperts 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.
We’re looking for a Demand and Supply Planner to join our team in Kings Hill, West Malling.
We are seeking a Demand & Supply Planner to develop accurate demand forecasts in collaboration with the Commercial team and translate these into effective supply plans. The role is responsible for managing the MRP process, coordinating supplier orders, and ensuring inventory levels support customer production and ripening schedules. Acting as a key link between Commercial, suppliers, logistics, and operations, you will ensure the right product is delivered at the right time while minimising inventory risk and waste. You will also contribute to the weekly S&OE and monthly S&OP processes to ensure demand and supply plans remain aligned across the business.
Responsibilities include:
* Develop and maintain accurate weekly demand forecasts in collaboration with Commercial teams, reflecting promotions, seasonal trends, and customer requirements.
* Translate demand forecasts into structured supply plans, managing the MRP process to ensure supply aligns with demand.
* Coordinate fruit orders with suppliers, ensuring orders align with lead times, demand requirements, and inventory policies.
* Maintain inventory within agreed stock parameters, monitoring stock levels, rotation, and potential exposure risks.
* Work closely with suppliers, logistics, and operations teams to ensure supply plans are executed effectively.
* Monitor shipments, vessel movements, and supply timelines, identifying and communicating potential delays or risks.
* Align supply arrivals with ripening schedules and operational capacity to support customer production plans.
* Proactively identify and manage supply risks, shortages, or overstock situations, implementing mitigation actions where required.
* Support the S&OE and S&OP planning processes, providing insights on demand, supply, and inventory performance.
* Maintain accurate planning data, reporting, and key supply chain metrics to support effective decision-making and continuous improvement.
Requirements
* Proven experience in Demand Planning, Supply Planning, or broader Supply Chain Planning within a fast-paced operational environment.
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and support planning decisions.
* Experience working with MRP processes and ERP systems to manage supply, inventory, and production planning.
* Advanced Microsoft Excel and data analysis capabilities, including the ability to manipulate large datasets and generate actionable insights.
* Ability to own and manage demand and supply planning activities, ensuring alignment between forecast, inventory levels, and operational capacity.
* Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams including Commercial, Sourcing, Logistics, and Operations.
* Demonstrated ability to manage complexity and respond quickly to supply chain changes, ensuring continuity of supply and optimal inventory levels.
* Proactive, solution-oriented mindset with a strong sense of accountability and ownership.
* High level of attention to detail and analytical rigour when evaluating forecasts, supply plans, and performance metrics.
* Ability to build collaborative relationships and influence decision-making across multiple functions within the business.
Desirable
* Experience within the FMCG or fresh produce industry would be highly advantageous.
Benefits
* 23 days holiday, plus bank holidays.
* State-of-the-art office with fresh fruit, bean-to-cup coffee, freshly squeezed orange juice, and avocado ice cream.
* Free on-site parking.
* Company pension scheme with life insurance cover.
* Employee Assistance Plan with Medicash.
* Christmas hampers and a Christmas party.
* Sausage Roll Thursday and pizza lunch days.
Please note that this position does not have a specific closing date. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible as we will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and the advert may be removed at any time.
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.