Demand Planner – Retail Forecasting & Inventory Management

About the role

We are looking for a Demand Planner to lead the forecasting and inventory management process for our retail categories. The role ensures accurate Open-to-Buy data, timely order placement and optimal stock levels to maximise sales while protecting margins.

Key responsibilities

• Maintain monthly stock, sales, margin and intake data by category, ready for business use at the start of each month.
• Facilitate departmental re-forecast meetings to adjust sales, margins and orders at the category/item level.
• Prepare detailed item-wise purchase orders, considering supplier lead times, transit, promotions, sales history and seasonality.
• Analyse weekly forecast vs actual sales, flag gaps and work with stakeholders to take corrective actions.
• Review purchase orders before release to ensure alignment with agreed forecasts.
• Alert stakeholders to potential over-stock or stock-out situations and drive timely order placement.
• Monitor stock availability of best-selling and continuous lines throughout the year.
• Produce and share monthly forecast accuracy reports.
• Coordinate with logistics to prioritize shipments and clearance.

Required profile

• 3-5 years of stock management and sales forecasting experience, preferably in retail merchandising.
• Bachelor’s degree; MBA is a plus.
• Strong analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and provide actionable insights.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

Required skills

• Advanced Excel
• Business Objects
• SAP
• MS Office suite