Forecast & Inventory Planner Produce - M&S Food

Job description

Job Description:

The role at a glance

There is more to M&S than meets the eye, our Foods brand is going from strength to strength under our MD ‘Stuart Machin’ whose vision is to “protect the magic & modernise the rest”. To deliver this vision we are investing in our foods unique quality, freshness and innovation credentials whilst reshaping our store estate, infrastructure, operating systems and cost management, so there has never been a more exciting time to join us. Transforming our Supply Chain is a key part of these changes and we’re looking for ambitious individuals to join us and help shape the future.

This role sits within the Produce Supply Chain team where you’ll be accountable for the performance of your own product area. You will be responsible for maintaining accurate system forecasts and planning appropriate stock levels across your areas to ensure availability and profit targets are delivered. This will require effective planning of new product launches, peak trading, events and range launches. As well as partnering closely with the buyers to analyse and understand range performance and deliver long term improvements in availability and waste.

What the role will involve

·  Proactively driving sales and availability through effective forecast and inventory planning
·  Effective Communication and relationship building with category forecast planners, trading teams, retail and store performance teams, keeping them up to date on forecast and availability status’s
·  Working closely with Supply Chain Planner’s and Suppliers on current availability issues and requirements to meet customer availability and demand. Manage a dotted line reporting relationship with our supplier employee’s working ‘in house’ planning at M&S
·  Successful product and range launches in line with critical path, includes planning ideal inventory for launch and initial weeks, number of trays per store per line and weekly forecasts.
·  Play a key part in the New Product Development planning process ensuring forecasting function has a voice around ideal store numbers and likely impact
·  Build and maintain excellent supplier relationships working with them and Supply chain planners to ensure delivery of required volumes
·  Work collaboratively with buyers and commercial teams to plan and deliver promotional activity – providing forecast and inventory insight
·  Accurate and timely system set up for all promotional, New Product Development and event activity using expert knowledge to build forecasts at Store Trading Group and regional level, working with the Store Performance Team.
·  Provide analysis and recommendations into trading on current range performance

The person we’re looking for

·  Supply and/or Demand planning experience with another major retailer or FMCG company
·  Strong Stakeholder Management skills and excellent communication skills, this person needs to be comfortable leading a cross-functional team towards a common goal. This role also involves a ‘dotted line’ reporting relationship with supplier employee’s who will be working ‘in-house’ at M&S, so would be a great fit for somebody looking to develop people management skills.
·  Highly analytical and proficient in the use of Microsoft Office with strong Excel skills, able to draw insight and action from data. Experience using demand forecasting systems is preferable
·  Owner mentality, demonstrated experience of continuous improvement and implementing process change

What we can offer you in return

·  Opportunities to progress and broaden your skills and experience by moving across areas as part of your development
·  Competitive basic salary which increases in-line with your progression
·  Upskilling on IT support systems
·  Pension
·  Employee discount – 20% on all in-store and online purchases for you and a partner or family member

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