Demand Planning Manager

Date: 1 Oct 2025

Location: Mentone, VIC, AU, 3194

Company: Simplot

In Australia, the J.R. Simplot Company's core operations are food manufacturing and agriculture, encompassing potato, vegetable, seafood and sauce operations. We supply a wide range of frozen, shelf-stable and chilled products to major retail and foodservice customers in Australia and New Zealand. The Simplot Global Food business includes 17 food manufacturing and processing sites, serving retail and foodservice customers in 37 countries, with 8,000 people across North America, Latin America and Asia Pacific. Globally, the J.R. Simplot Company employs 15,000 people, driving innovation and excellence across diverse industries.


Within the Australian market, we are a leading provider of quality, nourishing and sustainable food, focussed on creating meals that maximises value from the best Australian-grown produce and global seafood. Our iconic brands have been an integral part of Aussie life for generations, and include Leggo's, Birds Eye, Edgell, John West and Chiko.

Culture and Benefits

 

At Simplot, we are fuelled by our purpose: We Contribute to Feeding Our World. We imagine a better future and set goals to reach it. We are committed to working as one Simplot and are guided by our shared values: 

 

  • Respect for Resources
  • Spirit of Innovation
  • Passion for People

 

We embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion. We care about creating an environment that promotes safety and wellbeing and where our people feel supported, respected and empowered. We do not tolerate any form of discrimination and are committed to providing equal opportunities for all our team members.

 

Simplot is passionate about cultivating a future where good ideas and inspiring possibilities have the chance to grow. We want our team members to build exciting and fulfilling careers with us and offer professional and personal growth opportunities.

The Perks

 

  • Flexible working arrangements and a variety of engaging Health and Wellbeing programs
  • Diverse Leadership Development Programs and Professional Development Support
  • Employee Reward and Recognition Program 
  • Bonus incentives and discounted Health Insurance 
  • Sensory Club Program – Enjoy and taste our new product launches and access to our Culinary cooking sessions
  • Novated Car Leasing Agreements
  • Income Protection Insurance 
  • Opportunity to purchase additional annual leave 

 

Simplot values the creativity and meaningful relationships that grow through face-to-face connection while also recognising the importance of flexibility for our team members. Our hybrid work environment includes four days in the office, with Wednesdays as our dedicated ‘Connect Day' bringing everyone together to strengthen our successful culture of innovation and collaboration.

About our role

 

We currently have an opportunity for a Demand Planning Manager to join our team on a permanent full-time basis, located at Chifley Park, Mentone, reporting into our Senior Manager Demand Planning APAC.


As a Demand Planning Manager within Simplot’s Global Food Integrated Business Planning (IBP) team, you will play a critical role in shaping demand strategy across the APAC region. This position blends advanced analytics with strategic collaboration, requiring you to work cross-functionally with Planning, Sales, and Operations to drive forecast accuracy, reduce bias, and support business growth.


You will lead demand forecasting efforts using data-driven insights and market intelligence, run complex scenario analyses, and present recommendations that empower senior leaders to make informed decisions. In addition to your strategic responsibilities, you will manage and mentor one Demand Controller, ensuring alignment with planning processes and fostering continuous improvement in forecasting performance.


Successful candidates will quickly build trust across the organization, positioning themselves as a key supply chain advisor and helping Simplot meet evolving customer demands with agility and precision.

What you will do

 

  • Lead and set clear objectives for the Demand Controller, aligned with regional and global demand planning goals.
  • Ensure the Demand Controller understands how their work supports broader business outcomes (e.g., forecast accuracy, inventory optimization, S&OP effectiveness).
  • Use statistical models and market intelligence to refine customer demand forecasts and predict sales trends.
  • Run complex simulations to support strategic decision-making.
  • Present data-driven recommendations that empower business leaders to make informed decisions.
  • Take ownership of the 3–4 year demand forecast, driving continuous improvement and accountability.
  • Contribute to evolving the demand planning space by leveraging technology and analytics.
  • Act as a business partner across functions, engaging stakeholders to influence and align planning strategies.
  • Collaborate with global teams, including counterparts in the US, to share knowledge and enhance capability.

About you

 

  • 5+ years’ experience in demand planning, supply chain, or a related field
  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Supply Chain, or a related discipline preferred
  • Strong analytical skills with experience in statistical forecasting, data modeling, and techniques such as time-series and cause-and-effect modelling
  • Proficient in Excel, Power BI, Tableau, and forecasting platforms such as SAP IBP
  • Skilled in communication and stakeholder engagement, with the ability to influence across functions
  • Comfortable working in a dynamic, evolving space with a focus on technology, analytics, and business partnering
  • Proactive and solutions-focused, with a passion for continuous improvement and innovation
  • Strong relationship builder with the ability to listen actively, collaborate effectively, and navigate ambiguity
  • Demonstrated problem-solving ability and decision-making capability
  • People leadership experience is highly regarded

 

If this sounds like you, then please apply online now. 

 

Applications close Friday 17th October. Simplot reserves the right to commence recruiting activity prior to closing date.  

 

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Job Requisition ID: 23702 

Travel Required: Less than 10% 

Location(s): GF Chifley Business Park Office - Melbourne 

Country: Australia 

 

Simplot is an equal opportunity employer and encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply. If you feel you would be a great addition to our team please apply online today, we would love to hear from you. If you require technical assistance, please email us at careers.contact@simplot.com