Supply Demand Manager

The role One of our clients, a global ophthalmic medical device and pharmaceutical business, is looking for a Demand & Supply Manager to own the planning that keeps their products flowing to customers worldwide. You'll make sure products are delivered on time and in full across the full portfolio (pharmaceuticals, surgical consumables, implantable lenses and third-party goods) while keeping inventory on target. You'll lead a planning team and run the monthly S&OP cycle. You'll be the link between Operations, Quality, Regulatory, Sales, Customer Service, Finance, suppliers, logistics partners and third-party wholesalers. It's a role with real influence: you'll report insight to the senior leadership team and help shape how the business's supply chain develops for the future. What you'll do

• Lead, develop and motivate a planning team to deliver a best-in-class supply chain
• Build the global monthly demand forecast and track forecast performance metrics
• Prepare and drive the monthly S&OP process, reviewing the planning horizon to keep supply optimised
• Spot supply constraints early and put mitigation plans in place
• Monitor supplier performance against quality and delivery requirements
• Own GxP oversight of supply chain activities
• Manage product phase-ins, phase-outs and new launches with cross-functional partners
• Drive continuous improvement and lead supply chain projects, contributing to wider company initiatives
• Provide management information to leadership and key business forums What you'll bring Essential
• Proven experience in S&OP and integrated business planning, covering demand planning, supply planning and forecasting
• A degree, or equivalent hands-on supply chain experience
• A track record of projects that bridge commercial and supply chain teams
• Exposure to continuous improvement initiatives
• Strong Excel skills (pivot tables, advanced formulas) and confidence with MS Office Desirable
• APICS certification
• ERP experience, ideally SAP or Oracle
• Working knowledge of Good Distribution Practice (GDP) in a pharmaceutical setting
• Auditing experience What makes you successful here You're comfortable with complexity and ambiguity, you communicate clearly with very different audiences, and you build teams with a strong identity. You handle conflict calmly, look for better ways of working, and keep delivering results when things get tough. Interested? Get in touch for a confidential conversation about the role.