Director of Demand Forecasting & Supply

Director of Demand Forecasting & Supply chain
London

Zapp is London’s leading digital-first, premium convenience retailer and we are relentlessly focused on growing and developing the best-in-class premium convenience proposition for our customers.

As the Director of Supply Chain, you will lead the Demand Forecasting and inventory management operations of our 24/7 convenience/grocery business. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in Demand Forecasting, supplier service level and relationship management, stock control management, and a proven track record of optimising processes to ensure high product availability whilst minimising waste, tailored specifically to the unique demands of a 24/7 online grocery and convenience retailer. A strong candidate will also have an in-depth understanding of the requirements for systems and technology that will scale our supply chain capabilities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead Demand Forecasting at SKU level. Define strategy and execute on store-level SKU forecasting and cover levels, maximising product availability whilst minimising waste.
• Plan for seasonality and special events and manage their impact on demand forecasts
• Set, track and enforce KPIs for supplier service levels to maximise product availability.
• Cultivate strong relationships with suppliers to secure high-quality products and reliable delivery schedules and supplier performance.
• Oversee the operation of the distribution centre - set, track and enforce KPIs measuring DC productivity, stock control accuracy, and defect rates, Work with the third-party managing the DC to deliver high performance standards, supporting our network of retail stores.
• Utilise data analytics and KPIs to assess supply chain performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Implement innovative solutions and technologies to optimise the inventory forecasting, management and supply chain process.
• Lead and mentor a diverse supply chain team, providing guidance, setting objectives, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with departments such as Operations, Finance, and Tech/Product to streamline processes and drive efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory standards, safety protocols, and industry best practices in all supply chain activities.
• Mitigate risks related to supply chain disruptions, developing contingency plans to maintain seamless operations.

Qualifications:

• 10+ years in supply chain management, preferably in a fast-paced retail or grocery environment.
• Strong leadership and decision-making skills with a focus on team development and collaboration.
• In-depth knowledge of supply chain principles, logistics, inventory management, and distribution strategies.
• Proficiency in data analysis, using analytics tools to drive strategic decision-making.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to thrive in a high-pressure, 24/7 operational environment.

At Zapp we embrace diversity. We are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive work environment. We firmly believe that a variety of backgrounds & perspectives make our team stronger and bring our product closer to the customer.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we make all employment decisions without regard to age, national origin, race, ethnicity, religion, creed, gender, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.