At a Glance
- Tasks: Own and enhance demand forecasts while collaborating with teams to optimise stock management.
- Company: Join Zelus, Nike's exclusive global licensee for teamwear apparel and equipment.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse and inclusive culture with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the sports industry by shaping teamwear products for athletes worldwide.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in demand planning, advanced Excel skills, and strong analytical capabilities.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
About Zelus
Zelus is Nike Inc.’s exclusive global licensee for teamwear apparel and equipment, serving athletes and teams from grassroots to elite level across football, rugby, basketball, athletics, hockey, and more. Based in Hilversum, we bring together creative, passionate people to deliver high‑quality product for teams around the world — with a Swoosh on every kit.
The role
We are looking for a commercially minded and analytically strong Demand Planner to join our growing Planning function within the Finance team. This is a high-impact role responsible for owning and continually improving the end-to-end demand planning process across our Teamwear category. You will play a critical role in ensuring optimal stock health, improving forecast accuracy, supporting commercial decision‑making, and driving operational efficiency across the business. This role is based in our Altrincham office, with a hybrid working pattern of three days in the office (Monday to Wednesday) and two days working remotely (Thursday and Friday). Occasional travel to our Netherlands office will be required (around once per quarter).
What you’ll do
- Demand Planning & Forecasting
- Own and enhance SKU‑level demand forecasts in collaboration with Commercial, Product, and Finance teams.
- Translate quantitative and qualitative inputs into accurate forecasting models.
- Provide multi‑season buying forecasts to support supply chain and factory planning.
- Continuously improve forecast accuracy to support strategic stock‑buying decisions.
- Incorporate commercial growth assumptions, market trends, and upcoming projects into planning models.
- Stock Management & Optimisation
- Be accountable for the stock position and visibility across multiple warehouse locations.
- Monitor and report on stock health using key KPIs, including clearance levels and size curve performance.
- Analyse sales performance to optimise inventory allocation and minimise excess stock exposure.
- Drive stock efficiency through data‑led recommendations and actionable insights.
- Support the development and execution of stock clearance and SLOB reduction strategies.
- Cross‑Functional Business Partnering
- Be the key planning partner to commercial and marketplace teams globally.
- Support commercial decision‑making through insightful analysis and reporting.
- Collaborate closely with Supply Chain teams to understand and validate stock flow management.
- Build strong relationships across departments to ensure alignment with wider business objectives.
- Process Improvement & Reporting
- Enhance and streamline existing reporting tools and planning processes.
- Identify automation opportunities to improve efficiency and data accuracy.
- Partner with the Data team to ensure consistency and integrity across reporting outputs.
- Deliver clear, accessible analysis that supports strategic and operational decision‑making.
What you’ll bring
- Hands‑on experience building processes, creating forecasts, challenging stakeholders and influencing buying decisions.
- Advanced Excel skills and data analysis capability - confident using pivot tables, XLOOKUPs/index‑match, forecasting models, stock KPI reporting, and translating large datasets into clear commercial actions and recommendations.
- Experience in demand planning and forecasting (typically 3+ years).
- Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast‑paced and dynamic environment.
- Strong commercial understanding with ability to communicate with colleagues across functions.
- Ideally a background of FMCG, Supply Chain and or Retail.
- Strong organisational and prioritisation skills with a flexible approach.
Why join Zelus?
At Zelus, you’ll have the opportunity to lead with impact, work closely with a globally recognised sports brand partner, and help shape how teamwear product comes to life for athletes worldwide. We offer a collaborative, inclusive culture, strong benefits, and real opportunities for professional growth. Zelus is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and celebrate diversity in all its forms. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will be happy to support you.
Demand Planner in Altrincham employer: Zelus Sport
Zelus is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive culture, allowing employees to lead with impact while working closely with the globally recognised Nike brand. Based in Altrincham, we offer strong benefits, a hybrid working model, and ample opportunities for professional growth, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the sports apparel industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Demand Planner in Altrincham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those at Zelus or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that job descriptions just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common demand planning scenarios. Think about how you'd tackle stock management or forecasting challenges. Show them you're not just a number cruncher but a strategic thinker!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll be part of our community from the get-go, which is always a bonus when landing that dream role.
We think you need these skills to ace Demand Planner in Altrincham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Demand Planner role. Highlight your experience in demand planning, forecasting, and any relevant skills like advanced Excel. We want to see how your background aligns with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about the role and how your skills can contribute to our team at Zelus. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role is all about data and analysis, make sure to showcase your analytical skills in your application. Mention specific tools or methods you’ve used in the past to improve forecasting accuracy or stock management.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zelus Sport
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Demand Planner, you'll need to demonstrate your analytical skills. Brush up on key metrics related to demand forecasting and stock management. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to influence buying decisions in the past.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
This role requires strong cross-functional partnerships. Prepare examples of how you've worked with different teams, like Commercial or Supply Chain, to achieve common goals. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively across departments.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that test your problem-solving abilities. Think about potential challenges in demand planning and how you would address them. Use real-life examples to illustrate your thought process and decision-making skills.
✨Demonstrate Your Process Improvement Mindset
Zelus values efficiency and innovation. Come prepared to discuss any past experiences where you've enhanced processes or implemented automation. Show how your proactive approach can contribute to improving their demand planning function.
