Demand Planner in Cheltenham

Hours: 36 hrs per week - 7.5 hrs (Mon - Thur) 6 hrs Friday

Permanent Location: Cheltenham

Key Objectives

As a member of the Supply Chain department, you perform all relevant tasks to provide effective end-to-end demand planning functions for your allocated brands, including sales analysis, demand forecasts and KPI driven stock management. The brands that you work on are subject to change dependent upon business focus and priorities. Focus on building a robust supply network through participating in sourcing and negotiation tasks, whilst forming strategic partnerships with your supplier base. Alongside the remainder of the supply chain team, you will work closely with wider teams such as Sales, Product Development, Commercial Planning and the R&D team, to ensure cross-functional alignment.

Key Responsibilities

• Sales & performance analysis alongside ad-hoc analytical work
• Navigate various data sources such as ERP systems, Power BI Reporting & spreadsheets.
• Work with pre-set templates and reports, as well as blank page thinking.
• Demonstrate strong communication skills whilst sharing key findings with relevant stakeholders.
• Conduct regular forecast reviews, working in alignment with commercial sales plans and customer feedback.
• Propose and execute measures to improve the quality of the forecasts where appropriate.
• Participate in new product development projects and launches into market, partaking in the Stage Gate project management process as well as weekly, cross-functional brand project meetings.
• Take part in regular portfolio reviews with the Brand Managers.
• Maintain optimal inventory levels in accordance with set KPI targets (i.e. stock turn, forecasting accuracy, availability).
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with suppliers and focus on building a robust supply network.
• Minimise obsolescence stock and effectively manage stock tails (end of life-cycle product management).
• Mitigate the impact of slow-moving SKUs, working cross-functionally to establish solutions.
• Manage your overall inventory levels and advise on stock availability for all order requirements.
• Work closely with your supplier base, monitoring their OTIF performance and conducting strategic reviews.
• Carry out sourcing activities, including cost negotiations, MOQ and lead time optimisation, as well as identify and pursue dual/new supplier options.
• Raise and expedite purchase orders, working closely with our freight forwarders on import & export requirements.
• Develop a strong relationship with our 3PL partners in the UK and USA, ensuring a smooth stock inbound process and supporting with stock reconciliation work.
• Pursue objectives and initiatives aiding risk management and cost mitigation to enhance the business’ financial performance.

ESG

Support the company’s sustainability mission and ESG agenda. Participate in charitable projects in aid of the business’ chosen charity partner.

Qualifications & Experience Requirements

• Qualified to degree level or equivalent in a relevant discipline such as business or finance.
• Experience of forecasting within a formal demand management process, including Sales and Operations planning process, utilising ERP systems and forecasting software.
• Strong negotiation skills and experience with supplier management.
• Highly competent and creative with numerical data.
• Extremely high level of attention to detail.
• Ability to interpret complex sets of information and identify challenges before they arise – strong problem-solving skillset.
• High level of commercial acumen and awareness of current trends within beauty and lifestyle industry – experience within the retail sector would be advantageous.
• Computer literate – able to use MS Software applications, especially Excel to an advanced level.

Key Competency Requirements

• Apply strong analytical skills throughout ad-hoc analysis and regular forecasting tasks.
• Consistently demonstrate initiative and a positive attitude towards problem solving and decision making.
• Apply a big-picture perspective at all times.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to communicate clearly, effectively and appropriately with colleagues, suppliers, customers and other stakeholders at all levels.
• Adopt our philosophy of continuous improvement – question the status quo and participate in process reviews.
• A strong sense of commercial awareness facilitates day-to-day operations.
• Show a desire for creating efficiencies and seeking optimisation, whilst remaining adaptable to change.
• Apply excellent team working skills in your role, as you operate cross functional.
• The Demand Planning team is a strong unit, where support is given and workload shared.
• Ability to remain calm and thrive within a fast-paced environment.