Demand Planner

Specsavers; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Specsavers in the United Kingdom is seeking a Demand Planner to join the Demand Planning team within Supply Chain. You will own the full lifecycle of a large frame portfolio, forecasting weekly demand, managing replenishment and supporting product exits.

You’ll work closely with suppliers, warehouses and glazing labs to ensure orders are placed and aligned with forecast demand, balancing availability with optimal stock levels.

Qualifications

• Experience in planning and forecasting a portfolio of products.
• Strong Excel skills and confidence with forecasting or ERP systems.
• Attention to detail and the ability to work on own initiative.
• Ability to build relationships and communicate clearly with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Forecast weekly demand for the frame portfolio.
• Manage replenishment to balance availability with stock holding.
• Support clean exits and product phase-outs.
• Collaborate with suppliers, warehouses and labs to execute plans.
• Develop short, medium and long-term SKU level forecasts.
• Improve forecast accuracy and forecasting processes.

Skills

Forecasting

ERP systems

Excel

Analytical thinking

Inventory management

Stakeholder management

Supply chain planning

Tools

Forecasting tools

ERP systems

Job description

Do you have a methodical and logical approach to daily operations in what can be a changing and challenging environment? If yes, then read on…

We’re looking for a Demand Planner to join our Demand Planning team within Supply Chain, playing a key role in making sure the right frame products are available in the right place, at the right time. This is a varied role, with real impact on customer availability, supplier relationships and how effectively we manage stock across our network.

In this role, you’ll take ownership of the full lifecycle of a large frame portfolio, forecasting weekly demand, managing replenishment and supporting clean and well-controlled product exits. You’ll work closely with suppliers, warehouses and glazing labs on a daily basis to ensure orders are placed, delivered and managed in line with forecasted demand, while balancing availability with optimal stock holding. Customer availability sits at the heart of what you’ll do, with a clear focus on understanding performance, identifying root causes of issues and communicating confidently with stakeholders about resolution and forward outlook.

You’ll also play a strong part in inventory optimisation, ensuring stock levels support demand without creating unnecessary excess or obsolescence. This includes analysing stock and order pipelines, expediting or adjusting supplier orders where needed, and continually improving planning and supply processes. Alongside this, you’ll be responsible for developing accurate short, medium and long-term forecasts at SKU level, using agreed forecasting methods and tools, and working closely with Category Buying and Manufacturing & Distribution teams to improve forecast accuracy and support ranging decisions.

You’ll be someone who is organised, analytical and comfortable working in a fast-moving and sometimes ambiguous environment. You’ll bring previous experience in planning and forecasting, along with strong Excel skills and confidence working with forecasting or ERP systems. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability and the confidence to work on your own initiative are all important, as is the ability to build strong relationships and communicate clearly with a wide range of stakeholders. Empathy, teamwork and a calm, considered approach when handling challenges will really help you succeed in this role.

If you’re looking for a role where you can make a tangible impact, develop your forecasting and planning expertise and work collaboratively across Supply Chain, this could be a great next step.

This role closes on the 25th August, if we have high volume of applicants this may close earlier.