At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage purchase orders, stock intake, and optimise inventory across channels.
- Company: Join a high-growth global sports and lifestyle brand.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work model, and career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in supply chain and make a real impact on sales.
- Qualifications: Strong Excel skills and a background in supply chain or relevant degree.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a focus on curiosity and ownership.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 35000 £ per year.
Client: Global Sports / Lifestyle Brand
Salary: £30,000 – £35,000
Location: Oxfordshire, hybrid – 3 days in office
Are you analytical, commercially curious, and comfortable working with data in a fast‑paced retail environment? The Advocate Group are exclusively partnered with a high‑growth global sports and lifestyle brand operating across footwear, apparel and accessories. Following continued expansion across wholesale and D2C channels, the business is now looking to appoint a Supply & Demand Planner to strengthen its planning function.
This role sits at the intersection of supply chain, demand planning and commercial operations. It’s well suited to someone who enjoys manual data work, understands how stock moves through a retail business, and wants genuine ownership and progression.
The Opportunity
This position will take responsibility for the placement and maintenance of purchase orders, stock intake accuracy, and the optimisation of stock across multiple channels. The role is highly data‑driven and manual in nature, requiring strong Excel capability and a willingness to work with spreadsheets and templates rather than relying solely on automated systems.
The business is open to:
- Candidates from allocator, planning or supply chain backgrounds
- High‑calibre graduates with a relevant placement year in operations or supply chain who demonstrate strong Excel skills, commercial awareness and the right attitude.
Key Responsibilities
- Purchase Order Management: Place and maintain purchase orders, ensuring accuracy of volumes and dates
- Stock Intake & Placement: Manage the end‑to‑end intake of stock into the business
- Data Extraction & Analysis: Manually extract and analyse data from systems to support planning decisions
- Freight & Logistics Coordination: Work closely with freight forwarders and 3PL partners to manage inbound stock
- Channel Optimisation: Move and optimise stock across wholesale and D2C channels to meet demand
- System Accuracy: Maintain accurate records across SAP and internal planning tools
- Proactive Communication: Flag delays, risks and opportunities to stakeholders
- Forecasting Support: Assist with forecasting activities and planning documentation
- Reporting & KPIs: Support OTIF performance (target 95%) and PO maintenance
- Ownership: Take responsibility for designated product areas
- Projects: Support ad‑hoc projects as required
Skills & Experience
- Strong Excel skills (SUMIFS, templates, manual data handling essential; basic macros a bonus)
- Comfortable working with manual spreadsheets and data‑heavy processes
- Commercial awareness with an understanding of how stock flows through a retail business
- Experience in supply chain, demand planning, allocation or merchandising OR Graduate background with a placement year in operations or supply chain
- Highly organised with excellent attention to detail
- Confident prioritising workload in a fast‑paced environment
- Clear, professional communicator and strong team player
- Proactive, eager to learn, and hands‑on in approach
Why Apply?
This is a role where attitude, Excel capability and commercial thinking matter more than job title. You’ll gain exposure to the full end‑to‑end planning process, work closely with international teams, and play a critical role in how stock is positioned to drive sales. The business values curiosity, integrity and ownership, and is open to developing the right person long‑term.
Sound interesting? Press APPLY NOW or email your CV directly to: ellis.mullaney@advocate-group.co.uk
Supply & Demand Planner employer: Advocate Group
Contact Detail:
Advocate Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Supply & Demand Planner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to supply chain and demand planning. Show off your Excel skills and be ready to discuss how you've handled data in past roles or projects.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your values and interests. Check out our website for openings at brands that excite you, and tailor your approach to fit their culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you on their radar and reinforces your interest in joining their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Supply & Demand Planner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Supply & Demand Planner role. Highlight your Excel prowess and any relevant experience in supply chain or demand planning to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to showcase your commercial awareness and enthusiasm for the role. Tell us why you're interested in working with a global sports brand and how you can contribute to their success.
Show Off Your Data Skills: Since this role is highly data-driven, mention specific examples of how you've used Excel or handled data in previous roles. We love seeing candidates who are comfortable with manual data work and can demonstrate their analytical abilities.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you on our radar quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Advocate Group
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your Excel skills before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've used functions like SUMIFS or handled manual data processes in previous roles or projects. This will show that you're not just familiar with spreadsheets, but that you can leverage them effectively in a supply chain context.
✨Understand the Supply Chain
Familiarise yourself with how stock moves through a retail business. Be prepared to talk about your understanding of purchase orders, stock intake, and channel optimisation. This knowledge will demonstrate your commercial awareness and readiness to take ownership of the role.
✨Show Your Curiosity
The company values curiosity, so come armed with questions about their operations and future plans. This not only shows your interest in the role but also your proactive attitude towards learning and contributing to the team.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and professionally. Since the role involves proactive communication with stakeholders, being able to convey your ideas effectively will be crucial. Think of examples where you've successfully communicated in a team setting or resolved issues.