Company Description
Equip Outdoor Technologies UK Ltd based in Alfreton, Derbyshire specialise in the design and marketing of technical outdoor clothing and equipment. Our experienced and enthusiastic team develop innovative designs, manufactured to the highest standard and brought to market throughout the world. Equip Outdoor Technologies own and operate two leading aspirational outdoor brands, Rab and Lowe Alpine. For further information on Equip please visit our website at
* Our team is based at our Head Office just outside The Peak District National Park off jct28 of the M1 corridor.
Position
Great opportunity to join our Inventory & Analytics Team as a Senior Demand Planner. To ensure that accurate seasonal sales and production forecasts are delivered in line with the forecasting critical path and wider business deadlines. Proactively lead the forecasting generation process and ensure that relevant considerations are taken into account, including but not limited to: sales and inventory data; marketing priorities; range architecture and stock strategy.
Key Responsibilities of the Senior Demand Planner (including but not limited to):
* Lead and be responsible for the delivery of seasonal sales, production and closing stock forecasts in line with key dates in the critical path.
* Proactively manage the forecasting critical path and ensure the team are aware of the timelines and deadlines, making sure it aligns with key milestones in the broader business critical path. Ensure all team members are aware of key deadline dates and that deadlines are met and all risks to deadlines are highlighted to the Head of I&A in a timely manner.
* Champion and play an active part in the software implementation and development and utilise Slim4 to continuously improve accuracy of sales and production forecasts and ensure that the software is being utilised fully across the team.
* Continuously seek improvements and implement changes to our processes so we further utilise Slim4 to refine ways of working in order to increase accuracy and efficiency.
* Be responsible for and input into the production of the sign off packs that are produced to support all forecast updates (both B2B and B2C), ensuring that they highlight the variances to last year, previous forecast and budget and identify risks and opportunities that will positively impact inventory levels in the business
* Build strong working relationships with all key stakeholders across the business to ensure forecasting inputs are robust, meaningful and are received in a timely manner to support the ongoing forecasting process
* Work closely with the stock control team to ensure that stock is correctly distributed to the varying locations with the split process
* Identify stock shortages/surpluses and work with the Stock Control team to optimize stock on hand across the global distribution centers.
* Responsible for the maintenance of forecasts in Navision/BC ensuring these are always kept up to date and ensure that any changes are communicated all relevant stakeholders.
* Produce in collaboration with the Web team a seasonal forecast for Equips B2C website(s)monitor sales and stock availability throughout each selling season and ensure corrective action is taken to optimize inventory and support Web sales
* Work collaboratively with the Forecasting and Inventory Analyst to proactively propose and implement solutions to improve demand planning accuracy and process efficiencies.
* Management and development of the Demand Planners/Web Merchandiser by providing clear instructions, having regular 121 communication, highlighting both good performance and areas of improvement, identifying personal development needs and training requirements, and completion of the yearly PDP process.
Requirements
To join us you must have:
Essential
* Previous experience in an Assistant or Junior Merchandising or demand planning position from a retail or import merchandising background
* High level of IT competency across Navision/Business Central & Excel
* Conscientious and self-motivated
* Able to work within a team and on own initiative, with minimal supervision
* Excellent communication skills at all levels
* Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines with the ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritise workload
* Organised and methodical with an exceptional level of attention to detail
* Able to provide the Buying and Merchandising team with excellent service
Desirable
* A commercial understanding of the outdoor industry
Other information
Salary and Benefits:
* Salary range £40, £44,592.73 per annum, commensurate with qualifications, skills and experience
* Contributory company pension scheme, subject to qualifying conditions
* Discretionary profit share bonus scheme
* Life Assurance scheme
* Employee Benefits Platform
* Employee Wellbeing Programme
* Hybrid working (discretionary basis, determined by business need) as well as an early finish on Fridays
* Free, unlimited access to LinkedIn Learning training resources
* Great staff discounts on our Rab and Lowe Alpine products
* Reciprocal trade discounts on climbing, bikes, camping, sailing and running equipment
* Casual dress code
* Modern facilities with free on-site parking and we are proud to be a climate neutral company
Closing date for applications is 16 November 2025
For general enquiries please contact: [email protected]
Strictly No Agencies please
Our people are part of one team that is geared to achieving success for the company, and we are strongly committed to inclusivity, promoting equality and celebrating diversity among our staff. We are looking for people who are passionate about and can help live our values of Synergy, Ingenuity, Ambition, Determination and Integrity.