Demand & Supply Planner – NZ
Mars · Auckland
Job Description:
At Mars, we believe the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today. Across our iconic confectionery and snacking portfolio, we create moments of everyday joy for millions of consumers around the globe.
We are looking for an analytical, commercially minded, and proactive Demand & Supply Planner – NZ to join our dynamic trans-Tasman supply chain team.
In this pivotal role, you will take end-to-end ownership of the New Zealand demand forecasting and supply coordination processes. Acting as the operational bridge between commercial sales, supply partners, and regional leadership, you will champion our Integrated Business Planning (IBP) cycle, safeguard on-shelf availability, and optimize inventory to delight Kiwi consumers every day.
What are we looking for?
- FMCG or Retail Experience: Demonstrated background in Demand Planning, Supply Planning, S&OP / IBP, or Commercial Finance within the FMCG or retail sector.
- Systems & Data Acumen: Practical experience with ERP and planning platforms (SAP, Trade Promotion Management / TPM, Business Warehouse) along with advanced Excel modelling skills.
- Tertiary Qualifications: Degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, Commerce, or related disciplines (preferred).
- Collaborative Influencer: Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills, with proven capability to lead cross-functional alignment in a remote/hybrid trans-Tasman operating rhythm.
- Commercial Mindset: Ability to balance cost, cash, and customer service—identifying inventory risks, mitigating write-offs, and driving continuous process improvements.
- Agility & Drive: Comfort navigating changing priorities in a fast-paced environment with high autonomy and accountability.
What will be your key responsibilities?
1. Demand Forecast Planning & IBP Leadership
- Demand Review Ownership: Lead the monthly NZ Demand Alignment and Review cycle, partnering closely with Account Managers and Commercial Leads to challenge assumptions and incorporate customer promotional plans.
- System Integration: Ensure timely & accurate business forecasting and flawless launch timings, systemising baseline changes and ensuring accuracy across promotional volumes.
- Forecast Accuracy: Drive continuous improvement in ex-factory forecast accuracy and bias to reduce working capital exposure and elevate customer fill rates.
- ANZ IBP Synchronization: Integrate the NZ demand review seamlessly into wider trans-Tasman IBP forums (Supply Review, IBR, and MBR).
2. End-to-End Supply & Logistics Coordination
- Inventory & Service Excellence: Accountable for target Customer Service Levels (DIFOT), warehouse write-off reduction, and distribution centre (DC) stock optimization.
- Risk Mitigation: Proactively identify and resolve supply chain risks, including stock-outs, shelf-life and date code exposures, promotional pack transitions, and customer-specific delivery constraints.
- Operational Partner Support: Provide guidance and day-to-day coordination with local NZ Logistics and Customer Service teams to drive operational synchronicity.
3. Customer & Partner Collaboration
- Supply Chain Partnerships: Proactively collaborate with key retail customer supply teams to develop mutually beneficial operational efficiencies, cost savings, and collaborative forecasting initiatives.
- 3PL Logistics Management: Foster relationships with 3PL warehousing, domestic transport, and ocean freight logistics providers, running structured cadence meetings to track KPI delivery and unlock Value Innovation targets.
- Cost Optimization: Manage and optimize the local NZ logistics cost base, identifying opportunities to drive budget efficiencies while maintaining service reliability.
What can you expect from Mars?
- Genuine career progression with a focus on you and your career goals. Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
- Global health and wellbeing program to support flexibility and work-life balance
- Opportunity to make a difference with our volunteer and ambassador programs
- A culture that offers collaboration, leadership and rewards you for the role you play within Mars
What we stand for:
Mars is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, 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.
Applications will only be accepted from candidates who have the appropriate approval to work in Australia and/or New Zealand.