Demand & Supply Planning Manager

About the company

Westfalia Fruit is a global fresh produce business and a specialist in avocados, operating across a vertically integrated supply chain. The company grows, sources, ripens, packs, processes, and markets avocados and other fresh produce throughout the year for customers around the world. With the largest avocado-growing presence globally, it serves retail and wholesale partners through sales offices in the UK, Europe, North America, Latin America, and Southern Africa.

Role overview

The Demand & Supply Planning Manager will own the planning function within the supply chain team in Munich, Germany. This person will be responsible for building and executing responsive demand and supply plans that keep customer demand, operational capacity, product availability, inventory, and waste under control. Reporting to the Head of Supply Chain, the role will also lead the local S&OP process and serve as the key link between Commercial, Sourcing, and Supply Chain teams.

Key responsibilities

• Lead planning across short-, medium-, and long-term horizons using commercial inputs, historical sales, and market signals.
• Improve forecast quality and coordinate regular cross-functional demand review discussions.
• Create supply plans that align with expected demand while reducing stock gaps and surplus inventory.
• Revise plans quickly when supply interruptions or market changes affect the business.
• Own the local S&OP cycle, make sure functions stay aligned, and raise planning risks when needed.
• Track inventory condition, manage shelf-life exposure, and support waste minimisation efforts.
• Maintain accurate planning master data and parameters, and monitor core performance indicators.
• Deliver analysis and recommendations that support both strategic and day-to-day planning decisions.
• Work closely with Customer, Sourcing, Operations, Quality, and Finance teams to balance supply and demand.
• Where relevant, guide and coach the planning team while reinforcing ownership and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, Economics, or a closely related discipline is required.
• APICS, IBF, or an equivalent certification is preferred.
• Background in supply planning and/or demand planning, ideally in FMCG, fresh produce, or other perishable categories.
• Strong experience with S&OP, inventory optimisation, and balancing supply with demand.
• Prior exposure to matrix or cross-functional working environments.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, support, or mentor planners and planning teams.
• Solid knowledge of forecasting methods, planning systems, and supply planning workflows.
• Strong analytical ability with confidence handling large datasets and converting findings into action.
• Experience using planning and reporting tools such as SAP IBP, APO, Oracle, Excel, or BI platforms.
• Good understanding of end-to-end supply chain flow, stock policies, and service level management.
• Highly organised, detail-focused, and able to prioritise effectively.
• Clear communicator who can influence stakeholders across functions.
• Commercially minded and customer-oriented in decision-making.
• Calm, resilient, and proactive when solving problems under pressure.
• Comfortable operating in uncertain situations and driving accountability across teams.

Benefits

• 30 days of vacation.
• Access to a premium fitness centre at a low cost.
• Free parking.
• Fresh fruit and specialty coffee provided.

Equal opportunity statement

The employer follows an equal opportunity approach and considers all applicants fairly regardless of age, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, family or parental status, national origin, veteran status, neurodiversity, or disability.