Operations manager (demand planning)

About us

VPZ is the UK’s number one vape retailer. Since opening our first store in Edinburgh, we've expanded to over 190 locations across the UK and we're not stopping there. We are known for setting and driving the standards within the vape industry, this is a great time to join us as we continue to grow.

About the Role

We are seeking a commercially minded Demand Planner to own the end to end forecasting, inventory planning, and stock allocation process across our retail estate.

You will bridge the gap between data and execution, translating sales trends, seasonality, and promotional activity into actionable plans that maximise product availability while minimising excess stockholding costs. This is a pivotal cross functional role, acting as the central hub of expertise to align Buying, Finance, Operations, Warehouse, and Store teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Demand Forecasting: Develop and maintain rolling sales forecasts at SKU, category, and store level. Monitor forecast accuracy and continually refine planning methodologies.
• Inventory Optimisation: Determine optimal stock levels across stores and warehouses. Identify slow moving or at risk inventory and recommend markdown/exit strategies to protect cash flow.
• Allocation & Replenishment: Own stock allocation strategies for new launches, promotions, and daily replenishment based on store performance and local trading patterns.
• Commercial Analysis: Analyse sell through rates, stock turn, and weeks of cover. Build dashboards to present actionable insights and forecast variances to senior stakeholders.
• Cross Functional Collaboration: Partner with Buying, Finance, and Logistics to ensure stock commitments align with operational capacity and financial budgets.

What We Are Looking For

• Proven Experience: Background in Demand Planning, Merchandise Planning, Supply Chain, or Inventory Planning (ideally within a retail environment).
• Analytical Mindset: Advanced Excel skills and the ability to interpret large datasets to drive commercial decisions. Experience with ERP or specialized inventory management systems is highly desirable.
• Retail Acumen: Strong understanding of core KPIs such as stock turn, sell through, availability, and weeks of cover.
• Communication Skills: Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across warehouse, retail, and head office teams.
• Attributes: Highly organised, detail oriented, and a proactive problem solver.

Please ensure you apply with an up-to-date CV.

Applicants must be 18 years old or above, any subsequent job offer is subject to pre-employment screening and right to work checks.