Operations Planner

Frontline; Peterborough; Hybrid; GBP 22,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Contributory pension

Hybrid working

Volunteer days

Employee assistance programme

On-site gym

Discounts (Smart Spending App)

Private medical insurance

Job summary

Frontline in Peterborough is seeking a proactive Stock Returns Coordinator to own the planning and movement of stock, including returns processes and supplier credits. You will collaborate with suppliers and supply chain partners to resolve issues and drive process improvements, while reporting on delist and returns data.

The role offers a hybrid working model with a minimum of 8 office days every 4 weeks and opportunities to develop planning and inventory experience within a busy supply chain.

Qualifications

• Experience in logistics, distribution, FMCG, media distribution or similar.
• Familiarity with demand planning, inventory management or supply chain processes.
• Organised, methodical and able to work to tight deadlines.
• Numerical data analysis and reporting abilities.
• Comfort using systems, including Excel; knowledge of stock management systems helpful.

Responsibilities

• Produce and share weekly delist reports and returns data.
• Manage cyclical and ad-hoc stock returns from data through completion.
• Prepare accurate returns information and request supplier return authorisations.
• Arrange cost-effective stock returns or disposal with required paperwork.
• Work with suppliers to confirm credits and investigate shortfalls.
• Maintain the shared returns tracker and monitor performance.
• Arrange weekly and ad-hoc stock movements, including promotions collections.
• Produce allocation files, lookahead reports and monthly promotional tracking.
• Analyse return rates, shrink and stock variances; suggest improvements.
• Build relationships with suppliers, wholesale partners and supply-chain stakeholders.

Skills

Stock control

Supply chain coordination

Data analysis

Excel

Communication

Tools

MS Excel

Business Central

Job description

Are you organised, analytical and confident coordinating stock movements across a busy supply chain?

In this varied role, you'll take ownership of regular and ad-hoc stock movements and manage the stock returns process, ensuring activity is accurate, efficient and cost-effective. A major focus of the role is managing stock returns, from preparing accurate data and arranging collections to confirming supplier credits.

You'll work closely with suppliers and supply chain partners to arrange collections, confirm credits, resolve issues and identify opportunities to improve processes.

This is a great opportunity to build your planning and inventory experience while making a direct impact on stock performance.

We offer an informal hybrid working model, with a minimum of 8 office days every 4 weeks.

What you'll be doing:

• Produce and share weekly delist reports and potential returns data.
• Manage cyclical and ad-hoc stock returns from initial data through to completion.
• Prepare accurate returns information and request return authorisations from suppliers.
• Arrange cost-effective stock returns or secure disposal, including the required paperwork.
• Work with suppliers to confirm accurate credits and investigate any return shortfalls.
• Maintain the shared returns tracker and monitor performance, taking corrective action where needed.
• Arrange weekly and ad-hoc stock movements, including promotional cardboard collections and deliveries.
• Produce allocation files, lookahead reports and monthly promotional tracking information.
• Analyse return rates, shrink and stock variances, recommending practical improvements.
• Build effective relationships with suppliers, wholesale partners and other supply chain stakeholders.

What we're looking for:

• Experience of working in logistics, distribution, FMCG, media distribution or a similar environment.
• Familiarity with demand planning, inventory management, production planning or supply chain processes.
• An organised and methodical approach, with confidence working to tight deadlines.
• The ability to analyse information accurately and work comfortably with numbers.
• Confidence using systems, including Excel; familiarity with stock management systems or Business Central would be helpful.
• The ability to build positive working relationships and communicate effectively with different stakeholders.
• A positive, resourceful approach and the confidence to challenge constructively.
• An interest in improving processes and making a measurable difference

Please note Frontline Group is unable to provide sponsorship for this role.

About us

United by our mission to ‘Make the Complex Simple', we connect some of the world's most recognised brands with consumers across retail, media, and premium environments. We're the UK's leading magazine distribution business and a leading retail solutions partner across publishing and home entertainment, made up of three business units - Frontline Distribution Solutions, Frontline Retail Solutions, and Gold Key Media.

Through our three business units, we deliver market-leading solutions across publishing, home entertainment, and global brand engagement. From managing the retail journey for iconic titles like Vogue, Grazia, Radio Times and Good Housekeeping, as well as leading children's brands such as Pokémon, Frozen and Barbie, to working with major publishers, film and music studios, and leading UK retailers including Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, Morrisons and Waitrose, we play a critical role in bringing products to market. Our reach also extends to premium global environments, with brand placements across major travel hubs, four- and five-star hotels, airport lounges, and internationally renowned events - partnering with world-leading hospitality venues to engage high-value audiences.

Whether it's magazines, collectibles, books, music, film, or global brand campaigns, we combine deep industry expertise, strong partnerships, and innovative execution to deliver commercial success for our clients.

Our Culture

We're passionate about developing talent and supporting our people grow and thrive.

Our people are at the heart of our success. You'll be part of a business that celebrates diversity and creates an environment where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and empowered to be their authentic selves.

Guided by our I ACT values - Impact, Ambition, Collaboration, and Trust - you'll work in a team that encourages innovation, drives sustainable performance, and supports your development, giving you the opportunity to make a real impact within a happy, high-performing and inclusive working environment.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package to support your wellbeing and lifestyle, including:

• Contributory pension, including life assurance, and income protection
• Informal hybrid working arrangements, combining in-office and remote/home working.
• Additional leave: 2 paid volunteering days per year and family-friendly policy
• Wellbeing support, including our Employee Assistance Programme
• On-site gym and parking at Stuart House, Peterborough
• Reward Gateway scheme - Smart Spending App with access to a range of deals and discounts
• Salary‑sacrifice options including private medical insurance, car scheme, and holiday purchase scheme
• Learning and development opportunities
• Coaching and mentoring available to all colleagues