Job Description

Demand Planner

£35,000 to £41,800 plus excellent benefits (Work Level 6A)

Manchester city centre – hybrid working between home and coming into the office at least once a week (find out more about our hybrid working policy at https://jobs.coop.co.uk/hybrid-working-policy)

5/7 working pattern, working around 9 weekends per year

12-month Fixed Term Contract

We’re looking for a Demand Planner to join us and play a key role in making sure our products are in the right place at the right time for our customers. You'll translate customer demand into supply plans, working closely with suppliers and internal teams to make sure products flow efficiently through our distribution network and into stores.

Why this role matters

You'll lead the planning behind some of our biggest trading events. Combining data, commercial insight and long-term planning, you'll help drive availability, sell through and deliver great customer experiences during our most important moments.

What you'll do

• Deliver forecasts and supply plans
• Lead planning for key events, promotions and seasonal trading peaks
• Support delivery of category sales plans through effective forecasting and replenishment
• Build strong relationships with Commercial, Logistics, suppliers and other internal partners as well as suppliers
• Analyse trends and trading performance to identify risks and opportunities
• Take ownership of availability, stock, waste and inventory decisions within your category
• Make sure products are supplied in the most cost-effective way
• Collaborate cross-functionally to deliver successful event plans

What you’ll bring

We’re committed to making our roles as accessible as possible, so we only ask for the minimum criteria. To thrive here, you’ll need to bring:

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, able to influence suppliers and colleagues across different teams
• Commercial awareness and an understanding of the impact planning decisions have on availability, waste, sales and stock levels
• Experience in demand planning, forecasting or supply chain roles, ideally within retail, fresh, seasonal or horticulture categories
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret data, identify trends and make informed decisions
• Excellent planning and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple seasonal events and priorities simultaneously
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, changing environment

Why Co-op?

At Co-op, we’re owned by our members. And because we’re owned by you, we can do right by you. So when you join us, you’re not just taking a job, you’re joining a movement. We’re an organisation that puts people and communities first, and we’re powered by purpose. We want this to be a place where you can thrive, so you’ll also receive:

• An annual bonus (based on personal and business performance)
• 28 days holiday (rising to 32 with service) plus bank holidays
• A pension with up to 10% employer contributions
• Access to a subsidised onsite gym (at our Manchester HQ)
• 30% discount on Co-op products and 10% off other brands
• Stream – early access to a percentage of your pay as you earn it
• Virtual healthcare including GP appointments, mental health support, nutrition and fitness advice
• 24/7 colleague support service
• Training and support for your development and career progression
• Cycle-to-work scheme

A place you’ll belong

We’re building diverse and inclusive teams that reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and are committed to creating a workplace where colleagues can feel like they belong, supported by our inclusive policies and the ways we work.

We’re proud to be part of the Disability Confident scheme and offer interviews to disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria for a job. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, we’ll support you.

Learn more about our recruitment process at jobs.coop.co.uk/apply-process and our inclusion commitments at jobs.coop.co.uk/diversity-inclusion.