Space Planner
Attractive Salary, Benefits, & Bonus
36.5 Hour week (Hybrid)
Newtownabbey
Who are we?
At Henderson Group, we are proud to be Northern Ireland’s leading foodservice provider. Our group encompasses Henderson Wholesale, Henderson Retail, Henderson Foodservice and Henderson Group Property.
We employ over 5,000 staff and have been placed 4th in Ulster Business Top 100 Companies 2023.
We're a family-owned team that cares about our people and the community in which we live. Our leaders care about employees and our employees succeed together and celebrate the success of others.
We are interested in your aspirations, interests and skills and we strive to support and inspire you to do well.
A look into the role
Henderson Wholesale is a leading Wholesaler in Northern Ireland and supplies goods to over 450 stores across various brands such as SPAR, EUROSPAR and VIVO. We source from local farmers, growers and producers and are proud to contribute to our local economy and environment.
We achieved Gold accreditation against the Investors in People standard framework in 2023 in recognition of people management excellence and our commitment to investment in people.
The purpose of the role:
Working within the Space Planning team, this position is crucial to our long-term vision, involving close collaboration with various departments to implement category growth strategies.
Responsibilities will include managing and reporting on several processes within the team to ensure and facilitate efficient range management across retail stores. In addition, successful candidate will be responsible for conducting category reviews in accordance with the Category Review calendar.
Working as Space planner you will:
* Utilise product and store performance data by running reports, analysing data and pulling key insights from findings to optimise range in stores, ensuring the right products are in the right stores.
* Develop close working relationships with Trading Managers and the category development team to improve sales, profitability and efficiency of your categories.
* Propose and influence key stake holders on distribution strategies for new and existing range based by analysing data & consumer trend insights.
* Review micro layout principles to support category development, consumer shopping ease, and future-proofing of stores.
* Carry of category reviews and communicate the benefits and opportunities of each review to senior stakeholders to ensure buy-in and compliance.
* Develop category planograms in partnership with Trading to address current gaps and support the profitable rollout of ASR in HRL and HWL stores.
* Measure the impact of completed Category reviews on sales, profitability, and efficiency, and take corrective action as needed.
Skills for Success
Joining us as Space planner the minimum criteria you’ll need is:
* Proven experience in analysing data to produce clear, evidence-based, and actionable insights.
* Proficient in using MS Office software, particularly Excel.
* Experience of working within FMCG or a Retail environment
* Full Clean Driving License with access to your own vehicle
The Attributes you’ll need include:
* Ability to show initiative and apply thorough analytical thinking
* Strong numerical skills
* Ability to work independently
* Ability to communicate effectively at all levels.
* Time management
* Persuasively communicates ideas and proposals to gain support and alignment from others.
It is Desirable if you have:
* Solid understanding of the NI convenience retail market
* Familiarity with category management or space planning
* Third Level Qualification in Business or a relevant subject
* Demonstrated experience in retail or wholesale.
* Proficiency in category management knowledge and technical skills
* Proficiency with QlikView or comparable tools for conducting rigorous data-driven analyses.
* Experience in Project Management and familiarity with Critical Path methodologies.
Are we right for you?
As part of this role, it will be important that you feel aligned with the values that we live and work by.
Ambition – We always strive to be better. We seek new challenges and look for ways to do things better.
Customer First – We provide exceptional service. We put customers at the heart of everything and support our communities.
Teamwork – We succeed together. We help colleagues to succeed, and we share our knowledge and skills.
Integrity – We are fair, honest and ethical. We treat everyone with dignity and respect. We are inclusive and champion diversity.
The Reward
The impact you can make with Henderson Group goes far beyond your day to day. You will be part of a business supporting defibrillator installations and school sports days. In the last year Henderson group staff and retail stores raised over £1 million for charity partners.
You will have the balance necessary to enjoy your job and your life. We will help you to feel proud of what you do and achieve. And we will be here to celebrate your success.
Our business has been recognised externally for delivering excellence in employment. We value employee development and heavily invest in our people.
Benefits include market competitive salary, bonus, contributory pension scheme, healthcare, life assurance, employee assistance programme, social club, Perks Offers/Discount scheme throughout UK/Ireland, staff discount (grocery/fuel) at SPAR/EUROSPAR Henderson Group company-owned stores and many more.
This is a full-time position working 36.5 hours per week. Working hours will be 8:45am-4:45pm Monday to Thursday and 8:45am-3:45pm Friday. Hybrid and flexible working arrangement available.
If you'd like to speak with us before making your application, our Talent Acquisition Specialist - Joanne McClelland would be happy to have a confidential chat with you about the role on offer - email joanne.mcclelland@henderson-group.com to get in touch.
Completed applications must be submitted online by midnight on Sunday 2nd November 2025
*Applicants should note that we reserve the right to apply the desirable criteria if required at shortlisting stage*
We are an equal opportunities employer.