Head of Demand Planning

Job Description
Mars: Where your Tomorrow Starts Today

Mars is a family-owned business that has been making products for people and their pets for more than 100 years. We're behind some of the best loved brands in the world including MARS, SNICKERS, EXTRA, ECLIPSE, PEDIGREE, WHISKAS, DOLMIO, BEN'S ORIGINAL MASTERFOODS and ROYAL CANIN ORIJEN ACANA we are dedicated to making a positive impact on people and the planet.

Join us in building a sustainable future where people, communities, and the planet can truly thrive.

About the role:
This role will be working for our Mars Petcare segment, where we make life better for pets and their owners. Lead the Demand Planning team to deliver the best view of demand plan, drive productivity and best in class demand planning practices, collaborating with Sales and Supply to optimize stock levels, enhance customer service, and support strategic growth for the business.

Are you a strategic demand planning leader ready to shape the future of one of Australia's most loved pet care businesses? At Mars Petcare, you'll have the opportunity to make life better for pets, their owners, and your team — while driving best-in-class planning excellence across ANZ.

Role Title:
Head of Demand Planning

Location:
Melbourne

Hours:
Full-time, Hybrid

Reporting to:
ANZ S&OP Director – Pet Nutrition

What You'll Do

• Lead & Develop Team: Lead and coach a team of 4–6 Demand Planners, fostering engagement, capability growth, and a high-performing culture.
• Own End-to-End Planning: Shape the future of planning – overseeing and owning the full demand planning process, ensuring robust forecasting methodologies and continuous improvement.
• Deliver Forecasts that Drive Growth: Lead the creation of robust 18–36-month rolling forecasts, ensuring accuracy and alignment that fuel strategic decisions.
• Champion S&OP Leadership: Partner with senior leaders to guide data-driven decision-making that delivers exceptional business outcomes.
• Drive Transformation: Champion process improvement and digital enablement, simplifying operations and elevating performance.
• Collaborate & Influence: Partner with Sales, Supply, and Global teams to align demand, challenge assumptions, and deliver insight-driven plans that balance ambition and realism.

Your Unique Ingredients

• Experience in a complex Demand Planning function, ideally in a similar FMCG or CPG environment
• Proven people leadership experience, with the ability to coach and develop people
• Perspective that includes the wider supply chain and customer
• Strategic agility, with the ability to set strategy and direction, while managing change and stakeholders
• Degree qualified, or relevant equivalent work experience

Why You'll Love Working For Mars

• Purpose: Help craft beloved brands with a legacy of over 100 years of local manufacturing making products that people and pets will love all while helping to build a more sustainable future.
• People: A culture that values your contributions, fosters leadership, and recognises the impact you make. Your work truly matters here.
• Development: Shape your career with personalised development and real opportunities to grow from day one.
• Enjoy a team and business environment that is invested in helping you manage and grow your energy for work and life.
• Legacy: Work for a proudly family-owned company with 100+ years of local manufacturing.
• Community: Be part of a passionate team of pet lovers

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.

We know everyone's needs are different, and we're committed to making our application process accessible and supportive for all candidates. If you require any adjustments along the way, simply let us know in your application form. We'll work with you to understand what will help you feel comfortable and supported.