Job Title: Supply Planner
Location: Brentford
Contract: Fulltime/ Permanent
Department: Operations
Reporting to: Operations & Supply Planning Manager
Aromatherapy Associates has been sharing the therapeutic powers of essential oils for over 35 years. The Brand was founded in 1985 by Geraldine Howard & Sue Beechey, therapists that had trained under the renowned aromatherapist Micheline Arcier, who can be traced back to the modern-day founders of aromatherapy. It was then that they experienced first-hand the powerfully positive effects of essential oils on our physical and emotional wellbeing.
As a Company we have a family culture and live by one of Geraldine’s beliefs: “It’s more than just a business, it’s a way of life”.
The brand is present in over 50 markets globally with Regional Sales offices in the UK, US and Hong Kong. Distribution is across Spa, Retail, Online Retailers, E-commerce and Distributor partners.
As aromatherapy experts, our vision has remained constant for a generation – sharing the power and therapeutic effects of natural essential oils. Our award-winning blends have gained recognition across the beauty world for their transformative effects on the mind, body and skin.
Expertly hand-blended in our London laboratory, our essential oils and unique active botanicals have created innovations in body and skincare.
We care deeply about the ingredients we use and how we deliver them to you. We take a mindful approach to the origins, workers wellbeing and certification of all our oils and botanicals, with a commitment to evolving our support for global community projects.
Our sustainability vision is an ongoing endeavour, along with our desire to create the very best aromatherapy products, so you can enjoy beautiful, glowing, healthy skin, free from harsh chemicals and unnecessary synthetics.
Code of best practice:
Act as an ambassador of a world-class brand and deliver our products and services in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures to ensure customers receive the expected and desirable level of customer service through a sincere approach of professionalism, valuable parting of knowledgeable advice, unsurpassed quality of delivery and genuine attention to customer fulfilment and experience.
Key Responsibilities
Stock Forecasting & Planning
- Manage the inbound supply and demand requirements for product and componentry alike including NPD lines, campaign activity, pack off bundles and the annual festive range launch
- Work as a Supply Chain team with the internal sales leads to collate and build out a sku level, by channel forecast plan that is reviewed quarterly against actual sales to ensure sales planning and stock need are aligned
- Maintain forward forecast requirements for finished goods manufacturers and componentry suppliers as well as utilise sales history to ensure the key sku range is always on stock globally.
- Prepare monthly S&OP deck, PO cash flow plan and maintain outlined required stock value reporting
- Manage all internal communication on inventory availability, short shelf life stocks and drive action plans to clear as needed
- Work with manufacturers and componentry suppliers to outline an ongoing production plan holding them to expected delivery dates and ensuring SLA’s are adhered to
- Work with channel leads directly to ensure stock on hand availability is as needed (particularly for D2C) and correctly allocated to support upcoming sales and promotions
Data Management
- Manage and maintain product master data in Business Central (ERP) and the company product bible
- Collate and maintain supplier and production information required for B Corp, Eco Vadis and EPR reporting
- Key and manage stock and componentry purchase orders, assembly orders and intercompany transfer orders as needed, maintaining and updating expected arrival dates and managing communication with manufacturers and the wider business on the impacts of delays
Stock Management & Accuracy
- Review physical stock on hand at 3PL’s versus Business Central system (ERP) and lead investigations on discrepancies or variances relating to production or receipt of goods.
- Manage inventory adjustments required to support accurate stock figures that support ongoing planning
- Manage obsolete components, discontinued finished goods and short shelf life stocks to reduce write off and maintain stock position.
Person Specification
Experience:
- Previous Supply and/or Demand Planning experience
- Keen understanding of production planning processes (outside of planning systems) having driven transformative change planning processes in previous roles
- Experience with end to end production planning (raw material, componentry and finished goods planning)
- Strong understanding of product master data management and accuracy improvement
- Demonstrable cross functional working
Skills & Aptitude:
- Ability to communicate and influence cross functionally and with all staff levels
- Highly numerate and analytical with advanced excel proficiency
- Highly organised, motivated & solution driven
- Hands on, ability to manage deadlines
- Advanced Microsoft knowledge is essential
- Experience with ERP systems beneficial but not essential
- Strong problem-solving skills and comfortable in both strategic and operational tasks
- Motivated self-starter who thrives in a dynamic and evolving business.
Aromatherapy Associates is dedicated to fostering a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe that a diverse workforce leads to richer discussions, innovative ideas, and better outcomes for our team and the communities we serve. We actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds to join us in our mission to create a more inclusive and equitable future.