Poland Foods Planning Manager

Mazovia, Poland

Professional seated at a conference table with laptops and a presentation screen in a modern office setting

Job ID:: R-1177724
Date posted:: 03/26/2026
Job Type:: Full time
Job Category:: Supply Chain

Join us as Demand Planning Manager Poland!

ABOUT UNILEVER CUSTOMER OPERATIONS
Within Unilever Supply Chain, Customer Operations is a go to market function which involves managing and optimizing the processes and activities that directly impact customer interactions and satisfaction. The Demand Planning Manager is responsible from demand creation and overseeing planning to meet service levels by balancing the resources and collaborating with the wider business. Navigates across short-, medium- and long-term needs, responds very quickly to internal and external stimulus to deliver across all the horizons. Demonstrates a mastery of navigating trade-offs to bring their voice to the country BU representing end to end planning.

JOB PURPOSE
The purpose of a Demand Planning Manager is to ensure that a company can meet customer demand efficiently and effectively. This involves developing and managing the demand planning process to create accurate forecasts of customer demand and inventory levels. Here are some key aspects:
• Accurate Forecasting: Developing effective forecast models based on industry trends, historical data, and demand patterns to predict future customer demand.
• Inventory Management: Ensuring optimal inventory levels to meet customer needs while minimizing excess stock and reducing costs.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Working closely with sales, marketing, finance, and supply chain teams to align demand forecasts with business goals and ensure seamless operations.
• Performance Monitoring: Tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) related to demand planning and making necessary adjustments to improve accuracy and efficiency.
• Process Improvement: Continuously identifying and implementing process improvements to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the demand planning function.
• Leading the strategic improvement agenda in collaboration with Customer Operations leadership team and Genpact, and translating that into a cohesive European strategy and goals.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Set strategic direction for Go‑to‑Market planning, driving process optimization and improving demand planning accuracy.
Lead the 18‑month rolling volume forecast, including innovation and promotions, while managing cross‑functional stakeholders (CDB/CSP, Finance, Planning, Markets, BU Leads).
Deliver agreed KPIs across service, forecast accuracy/bias, inventory, VVD, obsoletes, and business waste.
Align demand forecasts with business objectives through close collaboration with Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Supply Chain.
Analyse sales and market data to enhance forecast accuracy and ensure optimal inventory levels.
Lead local S&OP processes, including volume meetings, demand‑supply reconciliation, and business waste oversight.
Manage escalations with sourcing units, 3P manufacturers, and logistics partners to secure product availability.
Translate business insights, risks, and opportunities into demand drivers and ensure alignment with financial forecasts.
Drive continuous improvement in forecast quality and demand drivers with Market Demand, Customer Planning, and Genpact teams.
Own innovation planning by coordinating BU inputs and delivering detailed volume forecasts.
Support portfolio management activities (relaunches, delistings) within the BU.
Define inventory and distribution policy guidelines and lead waste‑prevention initiatives.
Manage crisis situations (e.g., product availability, quality, microbiological issues).
Lead implementation of L2/L3 continuous improvement programs, enabling no/low‑touch planning.
Contribute to the Demand EU forum and actively participate in the Foods EU Plan leadership team.

REQUIREDQUALIFICATIONS

A minimum of 3 years of experience in go to market supply chain Planning.
Strong mathematical and statistical knowledge to develop accurate forecasts.
Experience in leading and managing teams.
Ability to effectively switch between strategic thinking and short-term execution.
Project Management: Ability to lead projects effectively working collaboratively with cross-functional teams, as well as manage key stakeholders and external partners.
Adaptive & flexible, to work in a fast-paced environment with dynamic business and industry challenges.
Strong creative and problem-solving skills paired with strong presentation skills
Track record in ‘Operations’; and creating value with Partners.
Completion of Plan Business School Plan Foundation, is a plus
Plan Business School License to Operate for FEU, Inventory, Kinaxis is preferred but can be completed when in role
Certifications in supply chain management, such as APICS Certified in Planning and Inventory Management (CPIM) or Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), can be beneficial.

SKILLS

Strong analytical, solution‑oriented, and problem‑solving mindset.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
Strong customer understanding and customer‑centric approach.
Ability to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Effective stakeholder management and communication capabilities.
Project management proficiency.
Ability to work effectively with third‑party partners.
Strong Excel and PowerPoint skills; Power BI and Copilot knowledge is a plus.
Polish language proficiency preferred.
Strong customer advocacy mindset.

OUR OFFER

Competitive annual bonus.
Company car or car allowance.
Participation in the company share program.
Private pension plan.
Private medical care (Medicover).
Private life insurance (Unum).
Sports and wellness package (Benefit Systems).
Two additional vacation days.
Access to the Unilever employee shop.
Access to Legimi (e‑book platform).
Psychological support via the EAP platform.
Hybrid working model: 3 days in the office / 2 days remote.

Unilever is an organisation committed to equity, inclusion and diversity to drive our business results and create a better future, every day, for our diverse employees, global consumers, partners, and communities. We believe a diverse workforce allows us to match our growth ambitions and drive inclusion across the business. At Unilever we are interested in every individual bringing their ‘Whole Self’ to work and this includes you! Thus if you require any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of your application so that we can support you through your recruitment journey.

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