Demand Planning Lead

Company overview

Sysco is a global foodservice business that connects people through food and care. It serves restaurants, healthcare providers, educational institutions, hospitality businesses, and other customers that prepare meals away from home. As a leading foodservice company across the island of Ireland, Sysco attributes its growth to committed people who help drive service, innovation, and delivery every day.

The company says it does more than distribute food and beverages; it also brings new ideas, technology, and talent to the sector, creating opportunities for both its people and customers. Sysco is hiring a Demand Planning Lead to support its continued growth and customer-first approach.

Role summary

This position is a key part of the wider organisation and is focused on managing demand forecasting for a defined area. The role sits at the interface between supply planning and customer-facing teams, helping ensure the best possible customer experience. The successful candidate will develop and manage demand for assigned categories using statistics, business intelligence, and other demand signals to improve service levels.

Key accountabilities

• Build and maintain system-generated forecasts for the assigned area, with the goal of improving performance against company targets.
• Review historical sales, seasonality, and upcoming events or activities to produce the most accurate demand signal possible.
• Manage forecasting at both detailed and aggregated levels using the most suitable statistical methods.
• Work with supply chain stakeholders to align forecasting strategy.
• Use root-cause analysis to identify why KPI performance falls short and implement corrective improvement plans.
• Oversee the governance of customer insight and business intelligence inputs.
• Represent demand planning in projects and broader business activities as needed.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement.
• Act as a subject matter expert for demand planning practices.
• Support and train new starters and colleagues who need guidance.
• Lead forecasting for new and lost business.
• Step in for management when required.
• Champion forecasting best practices.
• Own the resolution of system or process errors.

Candidate profile

The employer is looking for someone who is proactive, detail-oriented, self-motivated, organised, and strongly focused on results. The role calls for someone who enjoys challenges and can contribute positively to business growth.

Requirements

• Strong PC skills and solid systems knowledge are essential.
• Advanced Excel capability is important; experience with AX and MRP is helpful, although training will be provided.
• Good numerical and analytical ability is required.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to meet strict deadlines are necessary.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are expected.
• The candidate should be flexible, inventive, and able to bring creative thinking to business issues.
• They must be able to analyse problems and resolve them efficiently.
• Good teamwork is essential, along with a willingness to work with customers and suppliers.
• The role requires availability for weekends, bank holidays, and hours outside the standard office schedule.

Work culture

• Customer focus: understanding customer needs and finding ways to deliver meaningful value.
• Building relationships: working collaboratively across teams and supporting each other through change.
• Clear communication: communicating in a direct, effective, and impactful way.
• Passion for food: sourcing and delivering food and drink that helps create memorable dining experiences.

Additional information

The responsibilities and requirements in this description may change over time depending on business needs. Sysco Ireland is an equal opportunity employer.

Location

This role is based in Limerick, County Limerick, Ireland, with flexibility for candidates in Dublin or Belfast as well.