BAT is evolving at pace into a global multi-category business. Our purpose is to create A Better Tomorrow™ by Building a Smokeless World.
To achieve our ambition, we are looking for colleagues who are ready to join us on this journey! Tomorrow can’t wait, let’s shape it together!
British American Tobacco Poland has an exciting opportunity for a Forecasting and Planning executive in Warsaw
Purpose of this role is to oversee and drive local demand forecasting processes and to ensure the most accurate prediction of multi category product demand.
This position involves developing and implementing effective demand forecasting strategies, collaborating with cross-functional teams and ensuring optimal inventory levels.
Goal is to avoid out of stocks, reduce excess inventory and enhance overall supply chain efficiency in close collaboration with Supply Chain.
The role plays a crucial part in enabling commercial decision-making and aligning demand plans with business objectives, contributing to improved customer and consumer satisfaction, cost efficiency, and the overall success of the business. It entails analysing performance metrics, identifying business opportunities, mitigating risks.
Your key responsibilities will include:
- Demand forecasting strategy: Develop & implement (innovative) demand forecasting strategies (incl. customer / channel level planning), taking on board innovative planning systems (like Kinaxis) to ensure seamless product availability and optimal inventory levels, especially for the volatile New Categories.
- Demand forecasting ownership: Deliver most accurate multi category demand forecasts based on historical data, other market examples, market trends, activation plans, consumer insights and business intelligence. Demand forecast includes total category volumes for BAT and competition. It also covers BAT volumes per SKU yearly, monthly, and weekly. The forecast includes BAT volume planning at the customer level. It covers short-term demand for the current year and the following year to support operational planning. It also includes long-term demand for future planning and SLA purposes over a 3-5 year horizon. Additionally, it involves forecast uploads to BPC systems.
- Cross-functional collaboration: Drive close collaboration with Insights & Foresights, CE Growth Management, local Finance, local Trade Marketing, Category, Consumer Experience and Supply Chain teams to holistically understand demand drivers (e.g. product launch plans, customer requirements) and gather relevant information and insights to drive commercial decision-making, align demand plans with business objectives and foster effective communication.
- Performance analysis: Analyse demand planning performance metrics regularly, identify areas for improvement and implement strategies to enhance forecast accuracy and responsiveness to market changes. Ensure DFA & BIAS improvement month on month, being in line with Global targets.
- Scenario planning: Deliver (business case) scenarios for specific initiatives (e.g. product launches, consumer activation), enabling the business to take informed decisions.
- Inventory optimization: Implement effective practices to maintain optimal inventory levels, minimize out of stocks and reduce excess inventory, thereby supporting Operations in enhancing overall supply chain efficiency.
- Risk mitigation: Proactively identify and address potential risks to demand plans and develop contingency strategies and plans to mitigate supply disruptions.
- S&OP process: Lead demand forecast-related topics in relevant forums such as DRM (demand review meeting) and S&I, ensuring maximum transparency of the latest demand forecast vs business objectives as well as associated opportunities and risk, ensuring close cross functional collaboration and alignment with key collaborators. Coordinate input from all functions, prepare pre-reads and dashboards, facilitate discussions, and ensure decisions are documented and followed up. Drive continuous improvement of the monthly routine, including pre-reads, stakeholder engagement, and post-meeting actions.
- Reporting: Ensure S&OP process-related inputs and outputs to local and above market partners are provided on time in full.
- Simplification: Continuously look for opportunities to streamline demand forecasting and reporting processes and approaches to working.
- People leadership: Develop leadership skills aligned with the CE People Leadership Agenda, encouraging a collaborative and high-performance culture.
What are we looking for?
- Minimum 2 years of experience in demand planning or related roles within the FMCG industry.
- Proven track record in demand forecasting and inventory management, with proven leadership exposure.
- Proficiency in demand planning tools, methodologies, and software, including BI systems.
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, able to translate complex data into clear insights and actions.
- Excellent communication and collaboration abilities, comfortable working in a matrix environment.
- Structured, organized, and independent working style with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Advanced skills in Excel and strong PowerPoint capabilities; experience with Kinaxis is a plus.
- University degree in Marketing, Statistics, Analytics, Mathematics, or similar; English proficiency required, Polish is an advantage.
What we offer you?
- We offer a market leading annual performance bonus (subject to eligibility)
- Our range of benefits varies by country and includes diverse health plans, initiatives for work-life balance, transportation support, and a flexible holiday plan with additional incentives
- Your journey with us isn't limited by boundaries; it's propelled by your aspirations. Join us at BAT and become a part of an environment that thrives on internal advancement, where your career progression isn't just a statement – it's a reality we're eager to build together. Seize the opportunity and own your development; your next chapter starts here.
- You'll have access to online learning platforms and personalized growth programs to nurture your leadership skills
- We prioritise continuous improvement within a transformative environment, preparing for ongoing changes
WHY JOIN BAT?
We’re one of the few companies named as a Global Top Employer by the Top Employers Institute – certified in offering excellent employee conditions.
Collaboration, inclusion and partnership underpin everything we do here at BAT. We are looking forward to enabling every individual to thrive, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, skills, experience, education, socio-economic and professional background, veteran status, perspectives and thinking styles. We know that embracing talent from all backgrounds is what makes us stronger and best prepared to meet our business goals.
We see the career breaks as opportunities not obstacles. Through The Global Returners program, we support professionals looking to restart their careers after an extended absence from the workforce (e.g. time out caring for family, parental leave, national service, sabbatical and/or starting an own venture).
Come bring your difference and see what is possible for you at BAT. Learn more about our culture and our award winning employee experience here.
If you require any reasonable adjustments or accommodations to help you perform at your best during the recruitment process, you are encouraged to notify us. We are fully committed to support you by making appropriate arrangements for you to demonstrate your full potential.
British American Tobacco Polska Trading sp. z o.o., in compliance with Article 24(6) of the Act of 14 June 2024 on the Protection of Whistleblowers (the “Act”), has established an internal reporting procedure (the “Procedure”). The Procedure is available on the British American Tobacco Poland website under “Our Procedures and Policies.”Under the Act, protection applies to individuals who submit a report in good faith. Submitting a report while knowingly aware that no violation of law has occurred may constitute an offense under Article 57 of the Act, punishable by up to two years of imprisonment.
