Retail Workforce Planning Support Manager (Lymedale DC based) in Newcastle

The Workforce Planning Support Manager will support and underpin the maintenance of the Retail Payroll Model to deliver the payroll budget effectively and equitably across all stores. Driving strategic initiatives that align payroll allocations with broader business goals.

Responsible for enhancing labour management, allocation, and efficiency by optimising processes, encouraging the effective use of tools like Dayforce, and supporting retail teams through coaching to strengthen their knowledge and confidence in rota planning.

Supporting the wider store and retail team to ensure the seamless execution of daily operations are maintained and SLA’s are adhered to. This role involves close collaboration with cross-functional stakeholders, continuous process improvement, and direct support to retail and store teams to meet evolving operational needs always striving for the most efficient ways of operating in stores. The role also serves as a deputy to the WFP Manager when required.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING:

• Partner with WFP Analysts to manage daily operations and ensure the smooth execution of all business-as-usual activities within the WFP team, in line with the agreed SLA’s.
• Support with the implementation of new initiatives from other functions and ensure any that directly impact the model are captured and reflected in the allocated hours.
• Assist with the quarterly and annual budget processes, monitoring payroll usage against the budget and identifying any unbudgeted activities.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance profit, customer experience, and team efficiency, whilst continuously evaluating and challenging business models to ensure effectiveness and relevance.
• Review resource requirements for all operational and trade activities and ensure they are considered individually or collectively and in line with the Retail Activity Planner (RAP), communicating and tracking associated labour costs where needed.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders across the business, including Central Ops, Finance, IT, H&S, Risk & Compliance, and People teams (including senior management), to ensure seamless coordination at every stage of the process.
• Engage with field and store teams to engage, support and coach them on how to continue to adapt to the model and effectively use Dayforce to plan their teams where needed, maximising efficiency scores and colleague coverage.
• Ensure all communications to field and store teams are clear, aligned, and support effective workload management. Comms should be planned and released in accordance with the given deadlines and targeted to the relevant audience.
• Provide senior management clear and timely reports on the payroll performance as requested, pulling reports and using data to drive strategic decisions and make informed and considered proposals.

WHO YOU ARE:

• Excel – able to use excel to extract, calculate and analyse data so it can be presented in a clear and understandable way.
• IT literate – confident in using basic IT programmes and any specific to the role (Anaplan, Business Objects, Power BI).
• Strong communication skills – both written and verbal with the ability to engage senior leaders.
• Financial acumen – awareness of P&L accounts and how payroll costs impact the budget and profitability.
• Influential – ability to shape thoughts or the direction of a project/workflow through proven trust and knowledge.
• Decision Maker – understand the situation and make clear recommendations to resolve issues or progress.
• Ability to build strong cross functional relationships.

WHATS IN IT FOR YOU:

• 40% staff discount plus friends & family discounts throughout the year.
• Access to our reward platform for external discount and offers.
• Private pension scheme.
• Profit related bonus scheme.
• Option to join our Healthcare Private Medical Scheme.
• Virtual GP access for you and your children – it allows you to speak to a doctor at a time and date that suits you.
• All employees are covered by our life assurance policy from day one.
• Unlock extra leave with our buy more holiday scheme.
• Celebrate YOU! Enjoy an extra paid day off on your birthday each year.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave, and shared parental leave (eligible after 2 years service).
• Spread the cost of your commute with interest-free season ticket loans.
• Do your bit for the environment and save money with our Cycle2Work scheme.
• We're proud to partner with the Retail Trust and Fashion & Textile Children's Trust.