This section tells you all you need to know about the position and its responsibilities, outlining everything we hope to see in a successful candidate.
Summary
Supply and Demand Planner
All the details
Key accountabilities and measures
Drive sales and availability through effective end to end supply and demand planning
Achieve availability, wastage and inventory targets
Build relationships though effective communication with trading, retail and central store performance teams, keeping them up to date on forecast, availability and supplier status’s
Build and maintain excellent supplier relationships. Work alongside suppliers to ensure we abide by GSCOP, ensuring we remain compliance and fair to all parties
Manage, measure and report on supplier performance. Exploit the benefits of forecasting and ordering system to deliver optimum solutions order fulfilment and delivery accuracy
Facilitate successful product and range launches, promotions, seasonal planning, NPD, events and phase change in line with the agreed critical path, engaging with Commercial in a timely manner
Accurate and timely system set up for all activity, using expert knowledge to build forecasts at Product, Store Trading Group and Regional level
Oversee and manage accurate store level forecast including outliers
Work collaboratively with the central Store Performance Team to manage seasonal peaks, trading events and address specific areas of store feedback
Manage end to end peak processes, including forecast planning, supplier management and product group checking
Manage NDC stock holding and inbound planning (Ambient specific)
Work with the Lead Supply and Lead Demand Planners to achieve best practice ways of working in your specific area of responsibility.
Support in the resolution of payment queries working with Buying
Identify opportunities to drive continuous improvement and drive best practise, whilst delivering the best service to our customers
Demonstrate the M&S values in role
Key skills
Has Supply and Demand experience with a another major retailer or within a similar environment
A passion for Foods and M&S products with a desire to learn about our brand and our customer’s
Is highly organised with an eye for detail, able to anticipate and manage problems, prioritising and escalating where necessary
Able to demonstrate a strategic mindset
Is highly analytical and proficient in the use of Microsoft Office with strong Excel skills
Strong Stakeholder Management skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across various departments
Is resilient, proactive and a team player with a ‘can do’ attitude
Key relationships and stakeholders
Supply Chain leadership team
Lead Supply Planner
Lead Demand Planner
Store Performance Team
Retail traders
Commercial: Buyers, Trading and Heads of Trade
Being an in-person business
We're at our best when we're close to customers, and for many of us at M&S, that means working in store every day.
To stay close to customers, our support teams are in the office three days a week as we believe that skills are developed through collaboration, and that spending time together makes us more creative and connected. It also means we can solve problems as soon as they arise, learn and grow as a team, build trust, and get closer to our colleagues.
We want to succeed by earning and deserving the trust of consumers. We try to do the right thing for customers, whether it’s creating healthy everyday food or delivering the small moments of joy in their lives. People rely on M&S and that’s what makes it such a privilege to work here.
What motivates me is getting to learn something new, and the best thing about buying is that you can go into any area, and you’ll become an expert in it. I started in food – ambient snacking and soft drinks – then moved into homecare, buying pet food and household products. Now I’ve been promoted to a Senior Buyer role within our Bakery team.
Your voice matters here. You can share your ideas ‘Straight to Stuart’, our CEO, or get involved in our BIG (Business involvement Group). Our colleague networks are also great places to find support, listen to each other and encourage debate.
Experience the business
We’re passionate about our customers and colleagues. To get closer to our customers we work in our stores 7 days per year. That way we can see how operations run and look for ways to do better each day.
Providing a safe space for colleagues with all types of health conditions or disabilities and supporting with business initiatives to ensure our stores are truly accessible for our customers.
Gender Equality Network
Addressing gender-related challenges, raising awareness, and driving action to ensure equal opportunities for all.
Menopause Network
Initiating and encouraging open conversations about menopause by offering support and sharing experiences.
LGBTQ+ Network
Proactively representing LGBTQ+ issues and opportunities to deliver a truly inclusive place to work and shop for our colleagues and customers.
Cancer Network
Fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, addressing stigma, providing guidance and raising awareness to empower and assist colleagues affected by cancer.
Forces Community Network
Supporting colleagues connected to the Armed Forces, aiding their transition to civilian life, and ensuring that they thrive in the workplace.
Family & Carers Network
A support network for parents and carers, offering a space for colleagues to share experiences, exchange ideas, and access useful resources.
Culture and Heritage Network
Raising awareness of various religions and cultures through events and comms, to educate others and better represent our M&S colleagues and customers.
End of slider Colleague Networks carousel
Benefits
Time off
Competitive holiday entitlement with the potential to buy extra holiday days.
Life assurance
Get cover for twice your salary up to age 70 (double with our Pension Plan).
Workplace savings
We’ll help you save through our Pension Savings Plan, Share Buy and Sharesave schemes.
My Choices
Save on everyday costs through discounts and offers and get access to great health benefits.
Cycle to work
Bike/accessory hire with Cycle to Work and save on tax and national insurance.
Smart tech
Buy the latest technology with interest-free financing directly from your salary.
Wellbeing hub
Get access to resources to support your wellbeing, including a free virtual GP service.
Giving back
Support your favourite charities by donating through your pay or even volunteering for them.
Bonus
We have discretionary bonus schemes depending on your role and our business performance.
Pay
Earn a competitive salary.
Colleague discount
After completing your probation period, you'll receive 20% colleague discount across all M&S products and many of our third-party brands for you and a member of your household.
Please note only contracts of more than 12 weeks are eligible for this benefit.
Time off
Competitive holiday entitlement with the potential to buy extra holiday days.
Life assurance
Get cover for twice your salary up to age 70 (double with our Pension Plan).
Workplace savings
We’ll help you save through our Pension Savings Plan, Share Buy and Sharesave schemes.
My Choices
Save on everyday costs through discounts and offers and get access to great health benefits.
Cycle to work
Bike/accessory hire with Cycle to Work and save on tax and national insurance.
Smart tech
Buy the latest technology with interest-free financing directly from your salary.
Wellbeing hub
Get access to resources to support your wellbeing, including a free virtual GP service.
Giving back
Support your favourite charities by donating through your pay or even volunteering for them.
Bonus
We have discretionary bonus schemes depending on your role and our business performance.
Pay
Earn a competitive salary.
Colleague discount
After completing your probation period, you'll receive 20% colleague discount across all M&S products and many of our third-party brands for you and a member of your household.
Please note only contracts of more than 12 weeks are eligible for this benefit.
Here’s what to expect at each stage of the application process. This can change depending on the role you’ve applied to. If you need any reasonable adjustments made at any stage, let us know and we can help.