Demand Planner in Stoke-on-Trent

Relevant Degree beneficial - but not essential.

A brand new role for a Demand Planner is now live within the RKW Ltd Supply Chain division. Ideal applicants will have an appreciation of the retail sector, with a technical hands-on background working with Sales Out Data (internal and 3rd party). Reporting into our Merchandising Managers, you will work alongside sales and purchasing and will align closely with customers to maximise sales whilst ensuring stock levels are controlled. A high level of competency with Microsoft Excel and ERP platforms is expected.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Analyse historical sales, promotional activity, seasonality to build an accurate baseline demand plan.
• Develop and maintain demand forecasts at SKU/customer level, using appropriate forecasting methods and system tools.
• Collaborate across departments to incorporate new product launches, promotions and customer insights into the forecast.
• Facilitate regular demand review meetings with the sales team and customers to produce clear forecast assumptions, risks and opportunities.
• Monitor forecast accuracy and drive continuous improvements to the demand plan.
• Analyse demand forecasts to determine inventory replenishment requirements.
• Identify and escalate supply constraints, demand spikes or exceptions, proposing mitigation plans with relevant stakeholders.
• Provide regular reporting and insights on demand, inventory and service performance to support commercial decision-making.

Experience and Skills:

• Previous experience in demand planning, forecasting, replenishment, merchandising or supply chain.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, identify trends and translate insight into actions.
• Advanced Excel skills (e.g., pivot tables, lookups) and confidence working with large data sets.
• Experience using planning systems (e.g., SAP, Power BI, D365) and/or forecasting tools.
• Excellent communication skills, able to work cross-functionally with Sales, Purchasing and Supply Chain.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise, manage deadlines and maintain attention to detail.
• Commercial awareness and customer focus, balancing availability, stock levels and business targets.
• Ability to challenge assumptions constructively and present recommendations with clear rationale.

Company Benefits:

• 25 days annual leave + Bank Holidays
• Free parking on all sites
• Complimentary drinks
• Staff discount on all our products
• Employee Assistance Program
• Refer a Friend Scheme
• Training and development
• Eye care allowance
• Exclusive discounts on cinema, holidays, days out, eating out and much more
• Long service incentives and rewards

Part of the Sutton Venture Group, RKW was established in 1989 and has grown from strength to strength. We have ambitious growth plans and seek an ambitious candidate to help us continue to succeed and help us achieve our vision for the future. Come and join us to celebrate 30 years of business – If you feel you have the right background and experience to carry out this busy role, we look forward to hearing from you, please apply now via this advert or send a CV and covering email directly to Recruitment@rkwltd.com.

Notice to agencies: R K Wholesale Limited (the Company) will not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies, search firms, or independent agents for this available role. Resumes submitted without specific agency authorisation and valid signed agreement in place will become the sole property of the Company. Therefore, no fee will be payable should a candidate be hired as a result of an unsolicited agency, search firm or independent agent's referral.