At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage product orders and ensure timely deliveries while analysing supply and demand.
- Company: Join a dynamic company supplying innovative educational resources across the UK.
- Benefits: Career development, training opportunities, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by ensuring customers receive quality products on time.
- Qualifications: 3 years in purchasing or supply chain, strong data handling and communication skills.
- Other info: Exciting growth opportunities in a fast-paced, collaborative setting.
We’re looking for a proactive and detail-oriented Supply & Demand Planner to join our fast-growing team. You’ll play a key role in keeping products flowing smoothly — ensuring the right stock is in the right place at the right time, at the best possible cost.
Our business develops and supplies innovative educational resources used in schools and nurseries across the UK and beyond. With thousands of product lines and over 400 suppliers, this is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment and enjoys working with both data and people.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Manage the ordering and delivery of all externally manufactured products.
- Review and maintain product forecasts to ensure stock levels meet customer demand.
- Work closely with UK and international suppliers to ensure timely deliveries.
- Create and manage supply plans for key suppliers, keeping stock projections on track.
- Represent suppliers in internal meetings and act as their main point of contact.
- Analyse demand and supply reports using tools such as Netstock to drive decisions.
- Manage shortages, substitutions, and quality issues with minimal impact on customers.
- Negotiate with suppliers to resolve delivery or quality problems and secure credits or replacements.
- Optimise purchasing efficiency through effective use of MOQs, MOVs, EOQs, lead times, and forecasts.
- Support the Senior Supply & Demand Planner in achieving departmental KPIs for cost, fulfilment, and availability.
About You
You’ll be someone who enjoys solving problems, working with data, and keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes. You’re confident communicating with suppliers and colleagues alike, and you’re motivated by accuracy, organisation, and efficiency.
What You’ll Bring:
- At least 3 years’ experience in a purchasing or supply chain role, ideally in a fast-moving environment.
- Confident with Microsoft Office and comfortable handling data and reports.
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
- Strong attention to detail, with an analytical and methodical approach.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Commercial awareness and a focus on delivering value.
It’s a Bonus If You Have:
- Can speak Lithuanian.
- Experience in the educational products or mail order industry.
- Knowledge of import/export processes within Europe.
- Experience using demand planning software such as Netstock.
- Working towards (or already hold) a CIPS qualification.
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a growing, forward-thinking company that values innovation and teamwork.
- Work with a supportive and collaborative Purchasing team that makes a real impact.
- Opportunities for career development and training, including professional qualifications.
- Play a vital role in ensuring customers receive the quality products they need — on time, every time.
Supply & Demand Planner employer: The Recruitment Group
Contact Detail:
The Recruitment Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Supply & Demand Planner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their supply chain processes and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Supply & Demand Planner, you’ll need to communicate effectively with suppliers. Role-play scenarios with friends or family to build confidence before those crucial conversations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Supply & Demand Planner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your supply chain experience and any relevant achievements to show us you’re the perfect fit for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re passionate about supply and demand planning. Share specific examples of how you've solved problems or improved processes in previous roles to grab our attention.
Show Off Your Data Skills: Since we love data, don’t forget to mention any tools or software you’ve used, like Netstock. Give us a glimpse into how you’ve used data to drive decisions and improve efficiency in your past roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Recruitment Group
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Supply & Demand Planner, you'll be dealing with data daily. Brush up on your analytical skills and be prepared to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in past roles. Familiarise yourself with tools like Netstock, as you might be asked about your experience with them.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
This role requires excellent communication with suppliers and colleagues. Think of examples where you've successfully negotiated or resolved issues with suppliers. Be ready to demonstrate your ability to convey complex information clearly and effectively.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Prepare to discuss specific challenges you've faced in supply chain management and how you overcame them. Highlight your proactive approach to managing shortages or quality issues, and be ready to share strategies that have worked for you in the past.
✨Understand the Business Context
Familiarise yourself with the educational resources industry and the specific challenges it faces. Showing that you understand the market dynamics and can align your planning strategies with business goals will set you apart from other candidates.