Demand Planner

Role overview

This position is focused on forecasting demand for a made-to-order furniture range where every customer purchase can vary by finish, size, and configuration. Instead of standard stock forecasting, the job centers on anticipating demand, aligning it with production capacity, and helping ensure the right products are built by the right makers at the right time.

Company context

You will join a small and collaborative planning function supporting a business that produces furniture to order. The assortment is highly complex, with one product available in hundreds of finishes, multiple sizes, and many configuration options, creating more than 10,000 possible combinations across the category. The role sits within a London head office team and covers a 12-month maternity leave period.

Key responsibilities

• Take ownership of a made-to-order furniture category and use sales performance, customer demand, and product knowledge to guide forecasting, launch planning, and capacity choices.
• Review sales movements, product mix, and customer demand patterns to help improve availability, reduce constraints, and support better use of production capacity.
• Partner with Product Development during new launches and use analysis to support wider commercial decisions.
• Present findings and insights to colleagues across the business.
• Work closely with the Head of Planning to exchange information and support planning decisions.
• Provide support and management oversight to a junior team member.

Requirements

• Previous experience as a Demand Planner, Merchandiser, or Merchandise Planner in a product-led business is preferred.
• Backgrounds from retail head office, manufacturing, production planning, or supply chain will also be considered.
• Experience planning made-to-order products is an advantage, though not essential.
• A strong habit of spotting patterns, asking the right questions, and converting data into practical actions is important.
• Advanced Excel capability is needed, along with a high level of accuracy and confidence working with large data sets.

Working arrangement

This is a hybrid role based in London, with 3 days per week in the office and 2 days working from home. The schedule also offers flexible start and finish times around core hours.

About the opportunity

The role is with a respected brand known for its products and commercial reputation. It is a well-established position, giving you the chance to add value without needing to rebuild the process from scratch. You will be supported by a helpful Head of Planning and a welcoming team in a distinctive London office environment.

Recruitment support

The hiring process is supported by a specialist recruitment partner focused on commercial and product-facing head office roles across buying, merchandising, design, quality, ecommerce, marketing, and supply chain. They offer business insight, preparation support, and interview feedback throughout the process.

Additional information

This is a 12-month maternity cover contract. Compensation is listed as depending on experience, and the package includes hybrid working and flexible start/finish times.