Forecasting and Stock Manager

Internal use only - Grade E

About us We're the team behind digital retailer Very . Our purpose, helping families get more out of life, powers everything we do. And we want our people to get more out of life too! If you're high-performing, ambitious and make the most of every opportunity, we want to hear from you. In return, you'll enjoy heaps of flexibility, great perks and benefits, and the freedom to be yourself, keep learning and take your career wherever you want it to go.

If you love making a difference, you'll love making it sparkle for millions of Very customers.

We are seeking a Forecasting & Stock Manager to join our exciting and dynamic Toys department based at our Speke Head Office. This role is essential for providing effective leadership, support, and guidance to our Forecasting and Stock Planners. You will leverage your expertise to enhance their skills and knowledge, serving as a single point of contact for the wider department and Senior Management Team regarding forecasting and stock health.

As the Forecasting & Stock Manager, you will:
Own and lead stock planning and forecasting for the assigned category and wider department, partnering with the Senior Category Manager to build a robust trade plan aligned to budgeted KPIs and P&L goals. Provide strategic oversight and guidance on forecasting and stock planning processes, methodologies and best practice to the team; act as the department's single point of contact, delivering regular updates on stock and forecasting health to senior leaders.

Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and senior stakeholders (e.g., Head of Supply Chain), acting as an escalation point for brands to support long-term planning and strategy. Lead, mentor and develop Forecasting and Stock Planners, providing direction, knowledge sharing and support to foster capability and growth.

We know our expectations are high, as are our ambitions as a business. We understand that one candidate may not have all the experience listed below. The ideal candidate will be ambitious, driven, and proactive, capable of leading business change and driving benefits through adoption and a culture of continuous improvement. Strong numerical, analytical, and communication skills are essential. Experience in merchandising, stock planning, statistics, or other commercial roles is a great platform for anyone interested in applying.

• Strong commercial acumen with a demonstrated analytical capability.
• Expert knowledge and experience in stock and sales management.
• Deep understanding of retail merchandising principles, including product assortment planning, inventory management, pricing strategies, and promotional activities.
• Ability to prepare and present reports and insights to senior management, providing recommendations based on data-driven analysis.
• Strategic thinking and the ability to develop long-term plans and strategies for the forecasting and stock planning function.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make data-driven decisions.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills to collaborate effectively with suppliers, vendors, and internal stakeholders.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and experience in guiding a team.
• Ability to provide mentorship, support, and direction to team members, fostering their growth and development.

• Flexible, hybrid working model
• Inclusive culture and environment, check out our Glassdoor reviews
• £1000 flexible benefits allowance to suit your needs
• 30 days holiday + bank holidays
• Linked In Learning access
• Bonus potential (performance and business-related)
• Up to 25% discount on
• Matched pension up to 6%
• More benefits can be found on our career site