Forecast & Inventory Planner - Food

Job DescriptionThe Role 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.This role sits within the food merchandising team and will involve working cross functionally across other areas of the commercial and operations teams to deliver success within your product area. You will be responsible for accurate forecasting and stock planning to ensure sales, availability, waste, and profit targets are delivered. Working closely with the buyers to analyze product and range performance, and plan effectively for new launches and seasonal trading periods.
What you will be doing Optimise sales, availability, and waste through accurate forecasting and stock planning principlesManaging stock clearance and markdown through detailed analysis of sales performance Build & maintain collaborative relationships and effective communication with the Buying, Retail Operations, and Store Space teams to collectively deliver the best customer experience and availability.Develop strong communication with key suppliers to ensure maximum availability driven by on time and in full fulfilmentUnderstand and analyze trends and seasonal trading profiles to provide accurate forward inventory forecasts and successful range launches to agreed critical pathReview weekly trading performance, identify opportunities & issues and provide relevant analysis to support decision makingPlay a key role in new product and range launches, influencing the store ranging decisions and accurately forecasting inventory requirementsWorking closely with the Supply Chain team to effectively manage stock flow and forward planning, ensuring regular communication is in place to deliver on time availability to storesProvide guidance and coaching to bring out the best in your direct reports and team membersWhat we are looking for Comprehensive range planning and stock management experience in a comparable environment - necessary Passionate, self-driven, enthusiastic individual who thrives in a fast-paced environmentHighly analytical and numerate with strong attention to detail with ability to use data and personal impact to influenceAbility to negotiate, be resilient with ability to handle conflict whilst maintaining relationshipsExcellent communication skills with the confidence to present to internal and external senior stakeholdersAn individual who can work cross-functionally to deliver results with strong business acumenHow we reward our teamsHybrid Working Model from home and in the office4pm Friday FinishFlexible Working Arrangements25 days holiday, plus your Birthday off, plus Bank Holidays with an opportunity to buy extra days holiday (can we reference the additional 2 days for 100% attendance)Family Friendly LeaveCompetitive Pension ContributionSharesave SchemeAnnual Bonus based on company and personal performanceCompetitive Salary and Car AllowancePrivate Medical InsuranceStaff Discount Card for stores and onlineAbout usCelebrating 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 12,000 colleagues, we are all on the same journey to a better business through our commitments to our planet, people and the communities we serve.WHSmith are proud to be an inclusive employer, we want our colleagues to feel welcome, and free to be themselves with us.Our UK Travel 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.
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