Forecasting and Inventory Planner

The Role At HelloConnect, you will be part of a dynamic team in Inoza Tower, BGC that embraces innovation and leverages advanced technology to create exceptional experiences. Our culture is built on collaboration, continuous learning, and a commitment to excellence. You’ll have the opportunity to work on impactful projects, develop your skills, and grow within a supportive environment that values diverse perspectives and experiences. In this role, you will take on a key responsibility in getting the right products to our members at the right time. You’ll own our robust short and long-range forecasts and demand plans, bringing together seasonal patterns, customer trends and upcoming marketing activity to determine optimal purchasing volumes across all of our product types. You’ll build the long-term view of our monthly themes, finding smart ways to put excess legacy kits and theme stock to good use where appropriate. From there, you’ll break that plan down into full theme forecasts and fortnightly production plans, agreed with our 3PL partner. You’ll also be the go-to person for stock reporting, reconciling our internal view of stock against supplier stock levels, taking into account both regular reporting and every stock movement, so the business always has an accurate picture. Great communication is key to success in this role. You’ll work closely with your own team and the wider business, bringing data to life through clear, visual reporting that gives everyone complete transparency. Working alongside our Supply Chain Director and Operations Manager, you’ll have the opportunity to shape how we plan, driving improvements in forecasting accuracy and building processes that reduce excess stock and risk. Contributing to our ongoing efforts to drive business success and enhance customer satisfaction. We’re looking for passionate individuals who can bring their unique skills and ideas to the table. Even if you don't meet every requirement but believe you’d excel in this role, we’d love to hear from you! What you’ll do Planning & Forecasting: • Taking account of current and future stock, create and implement short, full-theme and long- range forecasts and demand plans. • Collaborate with the marketing team to understand their plans and objectives and reflect these in forecasting. • Partner with the Head Buyers to drive commercial opportunities through the strategic timing of themes, and to ensure consistent stock availability for retail opportunities and permanent listings with key partners. • Calculate and submit purchasing volumes for subscription and shop through a defined S&OP process, using available technology to improve accuracy, and work with the Supply Chain. Director to ensure a smooth sign-off. • Report on overall stock levels, weekly progress on reducing excess and short-dated stock, and upcoming risks and priorities. • Work with marketing, the Operations Manager and the Supply Chain Director to clear short-dated stock, including promotional packs and shop activity, so that every short-dated item has a plan and no expired product is used. • Work with our 3PL to plan and direct production, minimizing delays to order dispatch. • Work with the wider team to plan brew and drawdown schedules for Welcome Box beer and wine, and to ensure consistent availability of non-core items such as packaging, magazines and snacks. • Identify opportunities to sell surplus stock through other Beer52 channels. • Work with the Supply Chain Director and Operations Manager to deliver peak forecasts and forward plans that manage volume increases. • Develop robust processes and tools that promote good practice and continuous improvement. 3PL Supervision: • Share forecasts as appropriate to allow for efficient production planning. • Maintain an internal stock tracking system and carry out regular data quality checks to hold the 3PL to account and ensure FIFO/FEFO is followed. • Work with the 3PL to assess whether damaged or expired stock is still usable. • Provide product ID sheets and replacements promptly. • Manage product listings and replenishment quantities for the online shop. Reporting: • Develop clear reporting and visualizations to communicate key stock metrics, including stock count, valuation and depletion. • Produce weekly stock expiry reports, focusing on stock with under 6 months and over 12 months of shelf life remaining, and a month-end stock valuation for the finance team. • Create reporting templates for third parties as required. Automation & Efficiency: • Work with the Supply Chain Director to identify key areas for improved automation and transparency using various technologies as deemed appropriate. What you’ll bring • 3 years of experience in demand planning or forecasting, ideally in FMCG, food and drink or e- commerce. • Highly numerate, with advanced Excel or Google Sheets skills. • Able to turn data into clear, visual reporting for the wider business. • Strong understanding of stock control, including short-dated stock. • Confident working with 3PLs and suppliers. • A clear communicator who builds strong relationships across teams. • Organized and detail-focused, with a drive to improve processes and reduce waste. What we offer • Competitive Compensation: Beyond the standard package, we offer perks like Long Service Benefits (anniversary bonus) to recognize and celebrate your dedication • Wellness & Perks: We prioritize your well-being by offering mental health support, HMO medical coverage, generous leave benefits plus life insurance for both you and your family's peace of mind • Growth Opportunities: Invest in your personal development with an annual learning & development budget, plus access to the 360 Learning platform • Dynamic Environment: Join a rapidly growing global Business Process Outsourcing company, where you'll collaborate with a diverse community spanning across multiple continents and cultures • Work-Life Balance: Enjoy