Job Title:

Business Planning Transformation Manager

Role Purpose:

Support the Future of Business Planning program and the Integrated Business Planning Model (IBPM) transformation, driving the merger of Demand Forecasting and Marketing Planning into a unified, efficient process. The role will enable process redesign, automation, and advanced forecasting capabilities, ensuring alignment across commercial, marketing, finance, and supply chain functions.

Key Responsibilities:

1. IBPM Transformation & Governance

• Assist in implementing the new IBPM framework, including quarterly planning cadence, governance pillars, and decision rights.
• Document current and future state processes, ensuring clarity on roles, responsibilities, and workflows.
• Support change management activities, including stakeholder engagement and training.

2. Forecasting & Planning Integration

• Consolidate demand forecasting and marketing planning processes into a single operating model.
• Support the development and Maintenance of bottom-up forecasts (24-month horizon), integrating market trends, pricing, promotions, and macroeconomic drivers.
• Build a central repository for marketing activities and drivers to support forecasting accuracy.

3. Data & Analytics

• Drive automation and simplification of forecasting processes using tools like Kinaxis, Power BI, and SAP IBPN.
• Ensure data governance, quality, and consistency across systems (APO decommissioning and Kinaxis implementation).
• Support scenario planning and predictive modelling leveraging Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning solutions.

4. Stakeholder Collaboration

• Partner with commercial, marketing, finance, and supply chain teams to align forecasts and planning assumptions.
• Facilitate workshops and training sessions on forecasting methodology and IBPM processes.

5. Performance & Reporting

• Prepare dashboards and reports for leadership, highlighting forecast accuracy, variances, and actionable insights.
• Monitor KPIs and ensure compliance with audit and governance standards.

Requirements:

• Education: Degree in Business, Economics, Statistics, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Experience:
• 4+ years in demand forecasting, business planning, or marketing/data analysis.
• Proven experience in Business/Marketing planning transformation projects and cross-functional collaboration.
• Technical Skills:
• Advanced Excel, PowerPoint, Power BI, Kinaxis, SAP IBPN, and analytics platforms.
• Familiarity with Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning forecasting tools and scenario planning.
• Soft Skills:
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Innate leader who is able to problem solve and find solutions.
• Ability to manage complex priorities and deliver under tight timelines.

Contract Details:

• Duration: 9-12 months (project-based).
• Location: UK (with flexibility for remote collaboration).