Supply Chain Planning Manager

Job description

APP Wholesale has been supplying plumbing, heating and renewable products to independent merchants and trade customers across the UK since 1969. Built on industry expertise, trusted customer relationships and dependable service, we have grown into one of the UK’s leading plumbing and heating distributors. As part of Lords Group Trading, we combine decades of industry knowledge with the ambition, energy and opportunity of a growing Group.

We are proud to create an inclusive workplace where people from all backgrounds and experiences are welcomed, valued and encouraged to succeed. If you are looking to join a business where you can contribute, develop and be part of a supportive team, we would love to hear from you.

Role Description

The Supply Chain Planning Manager will lead the development and delivery of effective demand, supply and inventory plans across APP Wholesale. Reporting to the Head of Supply Chain, you will work closely with commercial, procurement, sales and operational teams to improve product availability, optimise stock levels and support excellent customer service. This is an opportunity to shape planning processes, turn data into clear decisions and build strong cross-functional ways of working across a growing business.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the demand and supply planning cycle, producing accurate and timely forecasts.
• Develop inventory plans that balance product availability, customer service and working capital.
• Monitor forecast accuracy, stock cover, availability and other key planning measures, taking action where performance is off track.
• Partner with sales, commercial, procurement, branch and warehouse teams to understand demand drivers and align plans.
• Identify potential supply risks, constraints and excess stock, and coordinate practical mitigation plans.
• Support new product introductions, promotions, range changes and product exits through robust planning.
• Improve planning processes, systems, data quality and reporting to enable better decision-making.
• Provide clear analysis and recommendations to the Head of Supply Chain and wider stakeholders.
• Build effective relationships with internal teams and suppliers to support dependable product flow.
• Promote a collaborative, accountable and continuous-improvement culture within the supply chain function.
• Ensure prompt completion of compliance and training modules.

Skills & Abilities:

• Strong demand, supply or inventory planning capability within a distribution, wholesale or similarly complex environment.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate data into clear actions.
• Strong commercial awareness and an understanding of the relationship between availability, stockholding and customer service.
• Confident communication and stakeholder-management skills, with the ability to influence across functions and locations.
• Excellent attention to detail, organisation and time management.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and confidence using planning, ERP or warehouse management systems.
• A collaborative leadership style with a focus on accountability, coaching and continuous improvement.
• Ability to work flexibly and travel between business locations when required.

Experience: