Forecasting and Stock Planner - Electrical (12-month FTC)

Internal use only - Grade F

About us.

We are The Very Group and we’re here to help families get more out of life. We know that our customers work hard for their families and have a lot to balance in their busy lives. That’s why we combine amazing brands and products with flexible payment options on Very.co.uk to help them say yes to the things they love. We’re just as passionate about helping our people get more out of life too; building careers with real growth, a sense of purpose, belonging and well-being.

About the role.

We are looking for a Forecasting and Stock Planner to join our Electrical category on a 12-month fixed term contract. 

This role would suit an individual looking to work their way up to Category Manager with strong numerical skills, a great eye for product and a desire not only to work across the analytical and core Merchandising side of the role but also focus on some of the high level buying and product elements involved in building a successful range. 

As an FSP, you’ll enjoy a significant breadth of responsibility for KPI’s such as plans associated to the development and delivery of a commercial range, in season forecasting, stock management, availability, brand relationships, development of trading plans and supporting the Category Manager with managing a large team. You’ll also gain experience of whether we distribute our range through a drop ship distribution model or stocked in through business DC, with the aim of delivering stock efficiency, maximum availability and the management of the customer delivery promise. 

There will be a focus on ownership of all aspects of stock planning, OTB management, analysing sales performance with an understanding of all impacting factors alongside recommending contingency and adjusting plans/forecasts accordingly. 

Relationship building is also crucial, be that with suppliers and brands in managing over/under performance or internally where strong cross functional relationships across the likes of logistics, supply chain, trading and supplier management teams will also be key. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Ownership of the stock plan. 

• Take high level category plan and create line level forecasts by week with the correct phasing. 

• Support category manager with analysis and insight to develop range plan 

• Analyse performance vs. the stock plan and adjust forecasts accordingly. 

• Works with the Category Manager when product performance varies to forecast to take the required action, e.g. through price, mark-down 

• Ownership of WSSI management 

• Ownership for stock holding/stock health and weeks cover 

• Oversee production planning, stock phasing and delivery schedule management. 

• Support Category Manager with analysis to inform strategy, range frameworks, including detailed analysis around the optimal range size, product mix etc 

About you.

• Strong management and leadership skills to coach and develop a team of category assistants. 

• Confident in managing a large supply base with the ability to deputise for category manager where required. 

• Looks to create efficiencies and process improvements across all areas of the day-to-day role. 

• Trading focused, developing a fit-for-purpose promotional plan which meets the needs of the budget, the creative expression requirements of the product offer to the customer and the merchandising of the range within the websites. 

• Demonstrate a continual curiosity to interpret data/insight, with the aim of driving P&L efficiencies/reduction in the cost base versus category return i.e. assortment optimisation, operational efficiency, minimising product returns.

To be effective in your role you’ll need to have previous experience in forecasting, strong negotiation and influencing skills and be open to challenge using data to inform opinion. Experience in merchandising and WSSI management is essential. 

How to apply

Please note that the talent acquisition team are managing this vacancy directly, and if successful in securing this role, you will be required to undertake a credit, CIFAS, Right to Work checks and if a specific requirement of your role a DBS (criminal records) check. Should your application progress we require you to let the team know if there is anything you need to disclose in relation to any of these checks prior to them being undertaken, including any unspent criminal convictions.

What happens next?

Our talent acquisition team will be in touch if you’re successful so keep an eye on your emails! We’ll arrange a short call to learn more about you, as well as answer any questions you have. If it feels like we’re a good match, we’ll share your CV with the hiring manager to review. Our interview process is tailored to each role and can be in-person or held remotely.

You can expect a two-stage interview process for this position:

1st stage - An informal 30-45 minute video call with the hiring team to discuss your skills and relevant experience. This is a great opportunity to find out more about the role and to ask any questions you may have.

2nd Stage – A one-hour formal interview where you can expect both competency and technical questions. This can be held either in-person or remotely.

As an inclusive employer please do let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments.

If you'd like to know more about our interviews, you can find out here.

Equal opportunities

We’re an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.