Head of Commercial Planning
Department: Commercial
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Manchester
Description
REFY now trades DTC globally and in retailers across four continents and three third party logistics sites. The commercial planning team drive the ability to trade in all these channels through sales & stock planning. The Head of Commercial Planning owns the sales forecast, the demand plan and the stock; 95%+ fulfilment as a major key results, stock targets, utilizing the Open to Buy and WSSI, product forecasts, recommended retail price alignment and promotional sign-off.
This role works with and alongside Comemrcial Accounts, Commercial Field Team, Operations, Product, Digital and Marketing. They review margin, stock and timing behind their plans, and will lead three regional commercial planning managers and their executive team.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Commercial Plan, Pricing & Promotions
- Own the sales forecast, quarterly and monthly reforecasts, annual commercial plan and financial year critical path, aligned with Finance and cross-functional teams.
- Own recommended retail price alignment across existing lines and new products, working with Product and Commercial teams by region.
- Oversee the promotional calendar, gift with purchase and sampling activity, ensuring dates, mechanics, depth and funding support sales, stock and margin targets.
- Support Commercial Accounts, Ecommerce and joint business planning with clear sales, stock, margin and timing recommendations that protect the P&L.
Trading & In-Season Decisions
- Lead the weekly cross-functional trade meeting, turning sales, stock and margin insight into clear in-season actions.
- Trade the business in week, using sell-through by SKU, channel and region to identify risks and opportunities while there is still time to act.
- Own in-season trading decisions within signed stock targets, including stock movement, replenishment, allocation and markdown recommendations.
- Escalate material profit impacts and decisions above threshold to the Commercial & Operations Director.
- Minimise RTV and markdown through proactive cross-functional trading.
Demand Forecasting & Product Planning
- Build and own the rolling demand forecast by SKU, channel and region.
- Measure and improve weighted forecast accuracy per SKU, including monthly reporting against agreed targets.
- Own new product launch forecasts, NPD stock and sales planning, and phasing of lines in and out ahead of launch.
- Provide the stock, margin and SKU productivity view to support retailer range, assortment and forecast alignment decisions.
Stock Investment, Fulfilment & Stock Health
- Own stock targets, WSSI, Open to Buy and the intake plan across every region and channel.
- Maintain 95%+ fulfilment across regions and channels, setting weeks cover and safety stock by SKU and deciding allocation in shortage.
- Own the accuracy of the despatch plan across three third party logistics sites, working closely with Operations.
- Balance availability with cash tied up in stock, while protecting intake margin at SKU level.
- Own stock health, including ageing, expiry, red markdown and the stock provision forecast with Finance.
Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Working
- Lead and develop three regional Commercial Planning Managers and their teams, each aligned to a third party logistics site and regional commercial team.
- Build capability so the team can run their regions confidently, on time and with reduced escalation.
- Own the planning systems roadmap, including the move away from manual spreadsheets and improvement of planning data.
- Provide the Commercial & Operations Director with a clear weekly view of what is at risk, what it costs and what decision is needed.
- Coach and develop planning capability across the wider Commercial team.
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
Essential
- 10+ years experience in merchandising, commercial planning or demand planning within a retail, branded or consumer goods business, ideally beauty, premium consumer or a similarly stock-led environment.
- Proven ownership of stock targets, Open to Buy and WSSI as live trading tools.
- Experience trading a multi-channel business in season, including reading sell-through and taking timely corrective action.
- Track record of managing fulfilment or fill rate targets for retail partners, including identifying and resolving root causes when performance slips.
- Experience building demand forecasts and being measured on SKU-level accuracy across more than one market.
- Strong commercial understanding of margin, with the ability to show how stock and timing decisions affect gross profit.
- Proven leadership of a planning team, with experience developing, coaching and managing performance.
- Experience owning promotional and pricing plans, including measuring activity against incremental profit
Desirable
- Advanced Excel skills and experience using ERP systems; NetSuite and Shopify experience would be beneficial.
- Experience implementing or improving a planning system, including reducing reliance on manual spreadsheets.
- Experience supplying prestige or major retail partners, such as Sephora, Space NK, Boots or Selfridges, including use of retailer portals and fill rate measures.
- A planning or supply chain qualification, such as APICS CPIM, CSCP or IBF CPF.
OUR PERKS
- 25+ Days Holiday: Start with 25, earn one for every year's service (up to 5)
- Extra Holidays: Option to buy up to 5 additional days.
- Sabbatical Leave: Take up to 3 months off after 4 years of service.
- Community First Day: A day to support a cause you love.
- Bonus Scheme: Rewards for your hard work and success.
- Family Leave: Enhanced support for new parents.
- EV Scheme: Drive electric with salary sacrifice options.
- Financial Coaching: Guidance to boost your money mindset.
- Flexible Religious Holidays: Flexibility to honour days that matter to you.
- Flexible Working: Flexi start and finish times with the option to work one day per week from home.
- REFY Product Perks: Annual allowance, exclusive discounts, and be the first to try new REFY products before any launches!
- Regular Social Events: Team-Building days and seasonal parties.
- Career Growth: Tailored training and development opportunities.
- Vitality Health Insurance: Health coverage with added benefits.
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Head of Commercial Planning in Manchester employer: Refybeauty
REFY is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee development and a vibrant work culture in the heart of London. With competitive commission structures, unique perks, and a commitment to luxury standards, team members are empowered to excel while enjoying a supportive environment that fosters growth and collaboration. Join us to be part of a dynamic team where your contributions directly impact customer experiences and business success.
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