Demand Planner

Demand Planner

London Head Office

Hybrid Working

Job Purpose

At WHSmith our people are at the heart of everything we do. They are the ones that go the extra mile for our customers. The ones that enable our growth. That’s why our Merchandising team is passionate about creating an environment where people can be creative and trailblazing in order to do their best work. The Demand Planner will plan sales profits and demand to maximise sales and minimise exit and overstocks. You will also complete range analysis to identify opportunities for sales / waste optimization and lead forecasting/ planning for new stores, initiatives and products.

Who we are

Celebrating 230 years, we’re proud to have grown and evolved into a globally recognised brand present in over 30 countries around the world, and we’re proud to be that air of familiarity people love and trust on their journey, both in life and through life. As a diverse group of over 11,000 colleagues, we are all on the same journey to a better business through our commitments to our planet, people and the communities we serve.

For UK Travel our mission is simple - to create value for our stakeholders by providing a platform for global brands responsible for essentials and technology in airports (including our InMotion stores), hospitals, rail stations and other markets. Our office is based in a buzzing part of central London close to Liverpool Street Station. We are an ambitious team that thrives on pace, collaboration and innovation resulting in a real entrepreneurial culture at all levels. It’s perfect for people who are happy to use their initiative and embrace life outside their comfort zone.

What you’ll do

• Create and shape ongoing forecasts and challenge where appropriate.
• Prepare forecast data and stock buy details for key seasonal peaks for sign off meetings.
• Manage stock levels on continuing ranges.
• Work with buyers & key suppliers to ensure key lines always remain in stock
• Monitor promotional activities and highlight variances where they differ from the sales forecast to react to shortage or overstocks
• Continue supporting development of stock systems and forecasting methods to continually improve accuracy across the business.
• Manage sell through on delisted product

Who you are

• Demonstrated proficiency in forecasting and forecasting methods with an understanding of their financial and operational impacts.
• Proven working experience of stock management.
• Strong listening, presentation, and decision-making skills
• Strong interpersonal skills to effectively interact with all teams, areas and levels of the business affecting the forecast process
• Commercial acumen and the ability to interpret market trends
• Supply chain management
• Inventory management
• Mathematical skills
• Organisational skills
• A high level of Excel knowledge with the ability to analyse and manipulate data quickly and an attention to detail
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills

What we can offer you

• Competitive salary and car allowance
• Annual bonus based on company and personal performance
• Hybrid working model from home and in the office
• 24 Days holiday, plus your Birthday off, plus Bank Holidays with an opportunity to buy extra days holiday
• Finish at 4pm on a Friday
• Competitive pension contribution
• Staff discount card for stores and online