At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage demand planning, analyse categories, and optimise sales while collaborating with teams.
- Company: Join Loaf, a leading UK furniture brand known for comfy sofas and homewares.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, enhanced family leave, discounts, and a healthcare cash plan.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment focused on inclusivity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Be part of an ambitious team making homes more comfortable and stylish.
- Qualifications: Analytical skills, advanced Excel knowledge, and experience in demand planning or merchandising.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
At Loaf we make insanely comfy sofas, beds and homewares that help people lead more comfortable lives. Founded in 2008, Loaf has steadily grown each year to become one of the leading premium furniture and homeware brands in the UK. We now have 11 Shacks (stores to everyone else!), with more on the way. It's an exciting time to join an ambitious business.
Reporting into the Head of Product Planning, this role will play a key part in the day to day running of the demand planning function, focusing on forecasting and trading categories as well as providing insight and analysis on product.
The Job
- Responsible for core categories within the business.
- Provide category analysis on a weekly, monthly and ad hoc basis and present in meetings.
- Trade categories continually to optimise sales and stocks, ensuring optimum availability while avoiding overstocks.
- Update and maintain all department linecards, forecasting and planning orders and signing off with Head of Product Planning.
- Work alongside the Product Development team during the launch planning process, providing analysis to aid range planning, forecasting sales and planning orders.
- Proposing phaseouts and signing off markdowns, attending key MD meetings, carrying out system and online checks, communicating MDs to all functions, reporting and managing stocks during sale by proposing further markdowns.
- Manage Junior Demand Planner, providing training and aiding progression.
- Carry out brochure checks and web launch checks.
- Responsibility for ad hoc inter‑departmental requests/queries or supplying of information as necessary.
- Run supplier analysis to report on sales and mix to the wider product team.
- Track PO delays to provide analysis weekly and cumulatively by supplier.
- Maintain category range plans, ensuring data is up to date and accurate, updating monthly and year end and setting up new launches.
We're looking for
- Highly analytical and extremely organised.
- Advanced Excel knowledge and a keen interest in systems.
- Great time management with the ability to prioritise, multi‑task and work to deadlines.
- Excellent communication skills for interaction with internal functions.
- Able to quickly identify and solve issues as they arise as well as being proactive in improving current processes and systems wherever possible.
- Awareness of our customer and the market to aid in forecasting and analysing sales.
- Management skills to help guide, motivate and develop Junior Demand Planner.
Some of our benefits
- 25 days holiday, increasing by 1 day each year for 3 years, plus 8 days for bank holidays.
- Enhanced family leave policy.
- Staff and friends and family discount scheme.
- Healthcare cash plan.
- EAP programme.
- Shopping discounts.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Half a day for Christmas shopping.
- Life Assurance - 4 times annual salary.
What's it like working at Loaf?
We are a forward‑thinking, friendly bunch committed to building a fabulous company with brilliant people. The customer is at the heart of everything we do and we're always striving for better, more efficient ways to deliver to the highest standard. As a business, we're working really hard to be inclusive. No matter what identity or background, we want everyone to feel welcome in a place where we can all be ourselves. We'd love you to join us on our journey.
Demand Planner (Maternity Cover - 6 Months) employer: Loaf
Loaf is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and growth, offering a supportive work culture where creativity and collaboration thrive. With generous benefits such as 25 days of holiday, enhanced family leave, and a commitment to inclusivity, employees are encouraged to develop their skills and advance their careers. Located in the heart of the UK, Loaf provides a dynamic environment for those passionate about homewares and customer satisfaction, making it an exciting place to contribute and grow.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Demand Planner (Maternity Cover - 6 Months)
✨Tap into Temp Agency Networks
If you're eyeing a temporary role in supply chain operations, temp agencies can be your best pals. They often have exclusive contracts with companies like Loaf that might not be posted publicly. Get registered with a few reputable agencies and stay in touch—they might just have the perfect gig for you!
✨Make Your Skills Shine
In the world of supply chain operations, showcasing your relevant skills can set you apart in a heartbeat. Try to highlight your experience with logistics software or inventory management techniques when chatting with potential employers. Offer specific examples of how you’ve streamlined operations in the past; it’s all about making that connection!
✨Join Supply Chain Meetups
Getting out there in the community isn’t just for full-time roles! Attend local supply chain meetups and networking events, as they can lead to temporary job opportunities. Plus, you never know—someone in the room could know about an immediate opening at Loaf or have tips on where to look.
✨Be Agile and Available
For temporary positions, having flexibility can make you much more desirable to employers. Keep your schedule open and be ready to jump into assignments at short notice. If you can show that you’re adaptable, companies like Loaf will notice and might keep you in mind for future temporary opportunities!
We think you need these skills to ace Demand Planner (Maternity Cover - 6 Months)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Supply Chain Knowledge:Make sure you showcase any relevant coursework or experience in supply chain management in your CV. If you've worked with inventory management systems, logistics planning, or demand forecasting, include specific examples to demonstrate your skills—this is key in supply chain operations!
Certifications Can Make a Difference:If you've got any certifications related to supply chain operations, like APICS or Six Sigma, splash them in your CV! They can really help you stand out. Temporary roles often look for candidates who can hit the ground running, so proving you’ve got that extra knowledge is a big plus.
Emphasise Flexibility in Your Application:Since this is a temporary role, it's super important to highlight your flexibility and readiness to adapt to new environments. In your cover letter, mention your ability to learn quickly and your willingness to take on diverse tasks—this shows that you're the right fit for a dynamic supply chain environment.
Make Your CV Concise and Relevant:Keep your CV tight and relevant, focusing on the most important past experiences that relate directly to supply chain operations. Avoid filler and concentrate on the skills and experiences that will impress Loaf and relate to the temporary nature of the role. Let's get you that interview!
How to prepare for a job interview at Loaf
✨Know Your Supply Chain Tools
Brush up on the specific tools and software commonly used in supply chain operations, like SAP or Oracle. Make sure to highlight your familiarity with these during the interview at Loaf, as it shows you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
In a temporary role, they’ll want to see how quickly you can adapt and solve problems. Prepare for scenario-based questions that may ask how you’d handle disruptions like delays or inventory shortages. Think of real examples from your past experiences to share!
✨Flexibility is Key
As this is a temporary position, emphasise your willingness to be flexible. Talk about how you’ve quickly adapted to changes in previous roles or how you’re able to step in and learn new processes swiftly, especially those unique to Loaf.
✨Prepare for Team Dynamics
Temporary roles often require quick integration into teams. Be ready to discuss your communication style and how you work collaboratively. You might face questions about working with cross-functional teams, so think about how you can highlight your teamwork skills.
