At a Glance
- Tasks: Own demand forecasting, inventory planning, and stock allocation for our growing retail estate.
- Company: Join VPZ, the UK's leading vape retailer with over 190 locations.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Collaborate across teams and make impactful decisions in a fast-paced industry.
- Why this job: Be a key player in optimising stock and driving business success.
- Qualifications: Experience in demand or inventory planning, strong analytical skills, and retail knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
VPZ is the UK’s number one vape retailer. Since opening our first store in Edinburgh, we've expanded to over 190 locations across the UK and we're not stopping there. We are known for setting and driving the standards within the vape industry, this is a great time to join us as we continue to grow.
We are seeking a commercially minded Demand Planner to own the end to end forecasting, inventory planning, and stock allocation process across our retail estate. You will bridge the gap between data and execution, translating sales trends, seasonality, and promotional activity into actionable plans that maximise product availability while minimising excess stockholding costs. This is a pivotal cross functional role, acting as the central hub of expertise to align Buying, Finance, Operations, Warehouse, and Store teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Demand Forecasting: Develop and maintain rolling sales forecasts at SKU, category, and store level. Monitor forecast accuracy and continually refine planning methodologies.
- Inventory Optimisation: Determine optimal stock levels across stores and warehouses. Identify slow moving or at risk inventory and recommend markdown/exit strategies to protect cash flow.
- Allocation & Replenishment: Own stock allocation strategies for new launches, promotions, and daily replenishment based on store performance and local trading patterns.
- Commercial Analysis: Analyse sell through rates, stock turn, and weeks of cover. Build dashboards to present actionable insights and forecast variances to senior stakeholders.
- Cross Functional Collaboration: Partner with Buying, Finance, and Logistics to ensure stock commitments align with operational capacity and financial budgets.
What We Are Looking For
- Proven Experience: Background in Demand Planning, Merchandise Planning, Supply Chain, or Inventory Planning (ideally within a retail environment).
- Analytical Mindset: Advanced Excel skills and the ability to interpret large datasets to drive commercial decisions. Experience with ERP or specialized inventory management systems is highly desirable.
- Retail Acumen: Strong understanding of core KPIs such as stock turn, sell through, availability, and weeks of cover.
- Communication Skills: Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across warehouse, retail, and head office teams.
- Attributes: Highly organised, detail oriented, and a proactive problem solver.
Please ensure you apply with an up-to-date CV. Applicants must be 18 years old or above, any subsequent job offer is subject to pre-employment screening and right to work checks.
Operations Manager (Demand Planning) in Broughton employer: VPZ
At VPZ, we pride ourselves on being the UK's leading vape retailer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment that fosters growth and innovation. As an Operations Manager in Demand Planning, you will play a crucial role in our expansion journey, benefiting from a culture that values collaboration and continuous improvement, alongside opportunities for professional development and career progression. Join us in our vibrant Edinburgh location, where your contributions will directly impact our success and help shape the future of the vape industry.
