Product Lifecycle Planner

Howdens is looking for a Product Lifecycle Planner to join our Demand Planning team at Howdens on a 9-month fixed-term contract. This is an exciting opportunity to support the planning and management of our product portfolio, including New Product Introductions (NPI), product cutovers, and depot stock allocations. You will play a key role in ensuring forecast accuracy, improving processes, and supporting the business in delivering operational and commercial objectives.

Location | Howden, East Yorkshire

Contract | 9 Month FTC/Full Time.

Reporting to | Demand Planning Manager

What will you be doing as a Product Lifecycle Planner

As a Product Lifecycle Planner, you will support the Demand Planning Managers in ensuring forecast accuracy, efficient stock management, and smooth product lifecycle activities. You will:

• Maintain and update depot stock forecasts for NPI, Cutover, OPO, daily traders, and post-launch activities, ensuring alignment with project timelines.
• Collaborate with Category, Commercial, and Supply Planning teams to factor in depot stock requirements and provide context on major forecast changes.
• Lead or support systems and process improvements to enhance forecast accuracy, reduce non-value-added tasks, and streamline reporting.
• Manage forecast adjustments for product discontinuations, depot stock depletion, and new depot openings.
• Produce and analyse key management reports to identify trends, improve allocation performance, and support operational and strategic planning.
• Facilitate product cutovers and discontinuations, ensuring service levels are maintained and residual stock is minimised.
• Continuously analyse gaps between sales and allocations, tailoring SKU mix forecasts and addressing forecast deviations to improve accuracy year-on-year.
• Build strong cross-functional relationships to respond to new initiatives and changing demand patterns effectively.

What do you need to qualify for the Product Lifecycle Planner

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in Demand or Supply Planning, ideally in a Blue Chip, Manufacturing, or Retail environment.
• Strong knowledge of SAP data management / MRP systems; experience with SAP APO/IBP is desirable.
• Advanced Excel skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships across multiple functions.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage competing priorities, and respond to changing business demands.

What we can offer you:

• Competitive Salary + company bonus
• Pension Plan with maximum company contribution of 12%
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays + opportunity to purchase up to 5 more days
• Free lunch at the on-site canteen
• Free onsite car parking
• Friendly and supportive environment offering exceptional reward and recognition

About us:

Howdens Joinery is the UK’s number one trade kitchen supplier providing thousands of products across kitchens, joinery, and hardware. We have over 900 depots throughout the UK and Europe – making us the first choice for more than 460,000 loyal trade professionals. With an ambitious and credible growth plan, we continue to build on our £2.2 billion sales made last year.

There is a strong entrepreneurial ethos and the opportunity to develop within a fast-paced and commercial environment. That, along with a competitive salary, development opportunities, and exciting rewards, are among the reasons why our people enjoy working for Howdens – and why we have been named as one of the 10 Best Big Companies to Work For.

How to apply:

We are building a future where world-class service, innovation, and sustainability are embedded within our DNA. If Howdens sounds like the kind of place where you can build and develop your career as a Product Lifecyle Planner, then we are keen to hear from you.

Howdens is founded on the principle of being Worthwhile for ALL concerned. We’re working hard to ensure we provide an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. We will do everything we can to support you during your application. If you need us to make any adjustments to our recruitment process, please email recruitmentteam@howdens.com with the job title and location, and we will be happy to help you.

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