At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the implementation of AI/ML-enabled forecasting and replenishment strategies.
- Company: Dynamic retail company seeking innovative leadership in F, A & R.
- Benefits: Flexible contract terms, hybrid work model, and potential for permanent role.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and hands-on operational involvement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of retail operations and make a significant impact.
- Qualifications: Experience at Head/Director level in F & R with strong retail background.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Interim Head of F, A & R (Forecasting, Allocation & Replenishment)
Contract: 12-18 months (will consider full or part-time)
IR35: Outside IR35
Start: ASAP
Location: London, UK. Hybrid.
Context & Role
Our client is implementing a next-generation, AI/ML-enabled forecasting, allocation and replenishment capability and is looking for an interim Head of F, A & R to provide senior functional leadership through phase 1 of delivery. This is a hands-on operational role. The individual will act as the functional lead for the programme, helping shape how the capability should operate, guiding key decisions through design/build/test/pilot, and ensuring outputs are commercially and operationally viable. There is potential for the role to convert to a permanent Head of F, A & R post-pilot. Ad hoc travel within the UK will be required.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as the senior business lead for F, A & R during the pilot
- Help shape the future operating model, governance, and ways of working
- Provide oversight of forecasting and replenishment outputs
- Guide exception/override philosophy and decision-making
- Work closely with vendor and programme teams on solution behaviour and configuration
- Ensure outputs align with real-world retail operations (stores, depots, constraints)
- Bring judgement to key trade-offs (e.g. availability vs. stock)
- Capture pilot learnings and inform rollout direction
Profile Required
- Former Head/Director level in F & R, Replenishment, Stock Optimisation, or similar
- Experience in a high-volume, multi-site retailer
- Strong understanding of store-level forecasting, allocation, and replenishment
- Experience with modern planning tools (e.g. RELEX, BlueYonder, o9, ToolsGroup)
- Able to operate at both strategic and hands-on levels
- Credible senior operator
Typical backgrounds include
- UK grocery: Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons
- General merchandise: M&S, Next, John Lewis, Argos
- (Selective) vendor experience: RELEX, BlueYonder, o9 — where combined with strong retail exposure
Screening Focus
- Has owned F, A & R / DC to store replenishment in a retail environment
- Experience shaping or implementing store ordering capabilities
- Comfortable bridging system outputs and commercial reality
- Strong grasp of retail operational constraints
- Able to work across business and technology teams
If this sounds like the role for you, please apply via the link.
Head of F,A&R in London employer: Aria Intelligent Solutions
Aria Intelligent Solutions is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With comprehensive benefits including private medical coverage, generous annual leave, and unique perks like personal charity days and wellness seminars, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally in the vibrant city of London. Join a community that values innovation and collaboration, where your contributions directly impact leading retailers and FMCG brands.
Contact Details:
Aria Intelligent Solutions Recruitment Team
