Job Description

Demand Planner

London Head Office

Hybrid Working

Job Purpose

At WHSmith, our people are at the heart of everything we do. They go the extra mile for our customers and enable our growth. Our Merchandising team fosters a creative and trailblazing environment to support this. The Demand Planner is responsible for planning sales, profits, and demand to maximize sales and minimize exit and overstocks. They will also conduct range analysis to identify opportunities for sales and waste optimization, and lead forecasting and planning for new stores, initiatives, and products.

What you’ll do

• Create and refine ongoing forecasts, challenging assumptions when necessary.
• Prepare forecast data and stock buy details for key seasonal peaks for sign-off meetings.
• Manage stock levels across ongoing ranges.
• Collaborate with buyers and key suppliers to ensure key lines are consistently in stock.
• Monitor promotional activities and address variances from sales forecasts to react to shortages or overstocks.
• Support the development of stock systems and forecasting methods to improve accuracy.
• Manage sell-through rates on delisted products.

Who you are

• Proven proficiency in forecasting methods with an understanding of their financial and operational impacts.
• Experience in stock management.
• Strong listening, presentation, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to interact effectively across teams and levels.
• Commercial acumen with the ability to interpret market trends.
• Knowledge of supply chain and inventory management.
• Mathematical and organizational skills.
• High level of Excel expertise for data analysis and manipulation.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

What we can offer you

• Competitive salary and car allowance.
• Annual bonus based on performance.
• Hybrid working model (home and office).
• 24 days holiday plus your birthday and bank holidays, with options to buy extra days.
• Finish at 4 pm on Fridays.
• Competitive pension contributions.
• Staff discount card for stores and online shopping.

Who we are

Celebrating 230 years, WHSmith has grown into a globally recognized brand present in over 30 countries. We are a diverse team of over 11,000 colleagues committed to our planet, people, and communities. Our UK Travel division aims to create value through essentials and technology in airports, hospitals, rail stations, and other markets. Our London office near Liverpool Street Station fosters a pace-driven, collaborative, and innovative culture, perfect for proactive individuals willing to embrace new challenges.