Job Description:
At Mars Food & Nutrition, we believe that behind every great meal is a great plan - and in this case a great planner! We’re on the lookout for a highly analytical and collaborative Senior Demand Planner to lead forecasting excellence across our Mars Food Australia (MFA) operations. If you're passionate about data-driven decision-making, cross-functional collaboration, and leading innovative planning processes—this is the role for you.
In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for delivering accurate 24-period rolling forecasts across customer and category segments to support our S&OP+ process. Your work will directly impact forecast accuracy, customer service levels, inventory optimization, and overall business performance. While we work in a hybrid environment, noting that travel between Sydney and Wyong is a core element of the role to maintain strong team collaboration.
Lead Demand Forecasting & Planning: Own the end-to-end forecasting process, including base, promotional, and long-term forecasts across all customer categories, using market data and cross-functional inputs.
Collaborate Across Teams: Partner with Sales, Category, Finance, Operations, and ISP (VRP) teams to align forecasts, manage demand consensus, and support collaborative forecast agendas.
Drive Forecast Accuracy: Deliver to SFA and BIAS targets, review NPD projections, and integrate competitor insights to continuously improve forecast precision.
System & Process Ownership: Act as Functional Expert for planning tools, lead system upgrades and process improvements, and ensure consistent demand planning controls.
Reporting & S&OP+ Inputs: Prepare high-quality Step 2 Demand Review Meeting reports, facilitate forecast review meetings, and consolidate inputs for S&OP+ and related processes.
What are we looking for?
A technical expert who is also a strong collaborator and communicator.
Proven experience in demand planning, forecasting systems, and S&OP/S&OP+ processes.
Advanced skills in statistical modeling, data analysis, and forecasting tools – but just as importantly the ability to turn data into clear, compelling and actionable insights.
Strong stakeholder engagement and facilitation skills to drive cross-functional alignment.
Ability to lead system training, resolve technical issues, and serve as the first point of contact for demand planning tools.
High-level decision-making skills in recommending and executing forecast changes, tool enhancements, and process improvements.
Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.
Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.
Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.
