Forecasting and Stock Planner

Internal use only: Grade F

About us 

We’re the team behind digital retailer Very.  

Our purpose, helping families get more out of life, powers everything we do.  

And we want our people to get more out of life too! If you’re high-performing, ambitious and make the most of every opportunity, we want to hear from you. In return, you’ll enjoy heaps of flexibility, great perks and benefits, and the freedom to be yourself, keep learning and take your career wherever you want it to go.  

If you love making a difference, you’ll love making it sparkle for millions of Very customers. ✨  

About the team 

We have a fantastic role available for a Forecasting & Stock Planner working in our high profile Toys team. In the role you will get the opportunity to work with some of our biggest brands like LEGO, Pokémon and Barbie, and working in one of our biggest growth categories right as we enter the most exciting Christmas trading period.  

About the role 

This role will support the Category Manager and Forecast & Stock Manager in forecast and stock plans associated to the development and delivery of a commercial range within the Toy department, whether 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. 

• Focusing on all aspects of stock planning, formulating plans with the Category Manager and Forecast & Stock Manager, and feeding into the Supply Chain and Commercial team.  

• Analysing stock performance with an understanding of all impacting factors and reacting/adjusting plans and forecasts accordingly. 

• Supporting the Category Manager with the development and maintenance of an effective trade plan to meet the needs of the budgeted KPI’s, recommending contingency as and when required to meet stock expectations. 

About you 

• Background in planning, merchandising, commercial or forecasting 

• Capable to take ownership and governance of the stock plan 

• Ability to build strong relationships with suppliers and internally with distribution centres to ensure trade plans are effective 

• Take high level category plan and create line level forecasts by week 

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

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

• Oversee production planning, stock phasing and delivery schedule 

• Align ongoing forecast iterations in response to performance and stock holding feeding into Forecast & Stock Manager to manage OTB accordingly 

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

Some of our benefits  

• Flexible, hybrid working model  

• Inclusive culture and environment, check out our Glassdoor reviews  

• £1000 flexible benefits allowance to suit your needs  

• 30 days holiday + bank holidays  

• LinkedIn Learning access  

• Bonus potential (performance and business-related)  

• Up to 25% discount on Very.co.uk  

• Matched pension up to 6%  

• More benefits can be found on our career site  

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 one stage interview process for this position:   

1st stage - A one hour face-to-face interview with the hiring team to discuss your skills and relevant experience + competency questions. This is also a great opportunity to find out more about the role and to ask any questions you may have.   

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.  

Diversity, inclusion and equal opportunities 

We’re building a culture of everyday inclusion, and welcome applications from anyone who believes they can do the job. We don’t discriminate based on age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. 

We want our recruitment process to be accessible to everyone. If you need reasonable adjustments to apply, interview, or perform a role, let us know via [email protected]. We’ll be happy to support you. 

We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Committed Employer and have nine brilliant colleague networks - including DAWN (Disability Awareness at Very) and Think (Neurodiversity at Very) - that are helping us make Very an even more inclusive place to work.