Demand Planning Manager - Howdens Joinery : Job Details

Howdens is looking for a Demand Planning Manager, specialising in kitchens to join our dynamic Supply Chain team, based at our manufacturing site at Howden, East Yorkshire.

Reporting to the Head of Forecasting, this pivotal role will lead a team of 7 Demand Planners, responsible for developing accurate demand forecasts across multiple kitchen product categories. You will work over a two-year planning horizon, ensuring forecasts are fully aligned to business plans, service targets, and stock objectives, while supporting new product introductions, range changes, and promotional activity.

As the key link between Marketing, Category, Supply Planning, Transport, Logistics, and Finance, you will lead the relevant Integrated Business Planning (IBP) forums to identify risks, build alignment, and ensure operational capability supports the demand plan.

What You’ll be doing as Demand Planning Manager

• Lead the Demand Planning team to create accurate forecasts across 15,000 SKUs and achieve year-on-year forecast accuracy improvements.
• Gather and analyse market intelligence and cross-functional inputs to support new product introductions, brochure launches, promotions, and product exits.
• Ensure forecasts account for incremental growth, sales cannibalisation, and depot trading behaviours, particularly in peak trading periods.
• Chair and lead Category & Operations IBP meetings, ensuring cross-functional alignment and escalation of risks or constraints.
• Partner with IT and SAP teams to continually enhance forecasting tools, processes, and reporting.
• Develop, coach, and motivate your team to achieve high standards and deliver measurable improvements.

About You

• Demonstrable experience in Demand or Supply Chain Management within a large vertically integrated organisation.
• Strong knowledge of SAP APO / IBP and forecasting, inventory, and planning systems.
• Confident communicator with the ability to engage, influence, and present at senior levels.
• Experienced people leader with a track record of developing high-performing teams.
• Highly analytical, detail-focused, and able to balance service, cost, and stock objectives to deliver business outcomes.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary plus annual company bonus
• Competitive pension scheme (up to 12% company contribution)
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays with the option to buy additional days
• Free onsite parking and subsidised canteen with free daily lunch
• Staff discount on Howdens products
• Exceptional reward & recognition events
• Ongoing development and career progression opportunities

About us:

Howdens Joinery is the UK’s number one trade kitchen supplier providing thousands of products across kitchens, joinery, and hardware.  We have over 900 depots throughout the UK and Europe – making us the first choice for more than 460,000 loyal trade professionals. With an ambitious and credible growth plan, we continue to build on our £2.3 billion sales made last year.

There is a strong entrepreneurial ethos and the opportunity to develop within a fast-paced and commercial environment. That, along with a competitive salary, development opportunities, and exciting rewards, is among the reasons why our people enjoy working for Howdens—and why we have been named one of the 10 Best Big Companies to Work For.

How to apply:

Howdens is founded on the principle of being Worthwhile for ALL concerned. We’re working hard to ensure we provide an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. We will do everything we can to support you during your application. If you need us to make any adjustments to our recruitment process, please email with the job title and location, and we will be happy to help you.