Demand Planner

Specsavers; Whiteley; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Specsavers in the United Kingdom is seeking a Demand Planner to join our Demand Planning team within Supply Chain. You will own the full lifecycle of a large frame portfolio, forecast weekly demand, manage replenishment and support product exits to ensure customer availability.

You'll collaborate daily with suppliers, warehouses and glazing labs to place, deliver and align orders with forecasted demand, while optimising stock levels and reducing obsolescence through improved planning processes

Qualifications

• Experience in planning and forecasting with strong Excel skills.
• Confident with forecasting or ERP systems.
• Ability to build strong relationships and communicate clearly with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Forecast weekly demand and manage replenishment for a large frame portfolio.
• Develop accurate short, medium and long-term SKU forecasts.
• Collaborate with suppliers, warehouses, and labs to align orders with forecast.
• Improve forecast accuracy and support ranging decisions with cross-functional teams.

Skills

Forecasting

Excel

Analytical

Stakeholder comms

Tools

ERP systems

Forecasting tools

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.