Product Lifecycle Planner at Howdens in Howden, England, United Kingdom | Kablio

Role

Description

forecast analysis

stock forecast

management reporting

forecast adjustments

process improvement

cutover management

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

Requirements

advanced excel

sap

interpersonal

demand planning

pressure management

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

Benefits

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

Training + Development

Information not given or found

Interview process

Information not given or found

Visa Sponsorship

Information not given or found

Security clearance

Information not given or found

Company

Overview

£2.3 Billion

Annual Revenue

The company achieves consistent financial success with its revenue reaching over £2.3 billion annually.

£328 Million

Pre-Tax Profits

Annual pre-tax profits stand near £328 million, reflecting strong financial health and growth.

900 Depots

Extensive Distribution Network

The company operates over 900 depots across the UK and internationally, providing reliable service to builders and professionals.

1995

Year Founded

Established in 1995 with 14 depots, the company has grown into a major trade-only kitchen and joinery specialist.

Designs, manufactures, and stocks kitchen cabinets, joinery items, flooring, appliances, and hardware from UK sites for in-stock reliability.
Supports professional builders with locally empowered service across the UK and Europe.
Typical projects include full kitchen fits for homeowners and supplying cabinetry and hardware for builders and developers.
Expanded by launching 11 new kitchen ranges and increasing in-house production of fronts and panels in 2024.
Distinctive for its trade-only, in-stock model and large-scale manufacturing of components in Yorkshire and Cheshire.
Lamona, an integrated kitchen appliance brand launched in 2007, marks expansion into appliances.
Holds a Royal Warrant as supplier of fitted kitchens to the Queen since 2015, highlighting its reputation for quality.

Culture + Values

We do what we say, and we rely on each other to do exactly that, every single day.
Everyone at Howdens is responsible for maintaining our industry‑leading reputation.
The business should be worthwhile for all concerned – customers … suppliers … staff and their families.
Building trust within the company and with our loyal customers and suppliers.

Environment + Sustainability

42% Scope Emissions

Reduction Target

Target to reduce Scope 1 & 2 emissions by 42% by 2030, moving toward a 90% reduction by 2050 (base year 2021).

£3.5M Solar Investment

PV Solar Initiative

Investment in solar panels expected to save ~1,000 t CO₂e annually, contributing ~8% of purchased energy savings.

39T Plastic Removed

Plastic Packaging Reduction

Initiative to remove 39 tonnes of plastic packaging in 2024, saving ~110 t CO₂e.

40% HVO Target

Fleet Sustainability

Target to double HVO use to 40% by end-2025, with 15 LNG vehicles and 4 electric trucks in operation.

Net zero target date: by 2050
Zero to landfill achieved across all UK operations in 2023 and maintained in 2024
Sawdust-to-heat biomass boilers convert over 10,000 tonnes sawdust annually, supplying energy equivalent to 10,000 households
Installed waste-heat recovery saving ~600 t CO₂e/year; Power Radar meters identified ~500 t CO₂e/year savings
100% renewable grid electricity at manufacturing sites; 96% renewable energy at depots
Supplier engagement: Scope 3 is 95% of total emissions; engaged 100+ suppliers (covering ~40% of spend), >50% submitting emissions data and aligned to targets
All timber products FSC or PEFC certified; Greenwich matt kitchen frontals are 100% recyclable

Inclusion & Diversity

31 Wellbeing Representatives

Trained in 2023

Represents the number of trained wellbeing representatives supporting mental and women's health initiatives.

Partnered in 2023 with Wellbeing for Women and ANDY’s Man Club for workplace mental-health webinars
Plans in place to expand wellbeing rep network beyond initial 31
No gender‑related statistics publicly disclosed

Articles

Careers at Howdens

Sustainability at Howdens

Howdens Overview

Role

Description

forecast analysis

stock forecast

management reporting

forecast adjustments

process improvement

cutover management

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

Requirements

advanced excel

sap

interpersonal

demand planning

pressure management

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

Benefits

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

Training + Development

Information not given or found

Interview process

Information not given or found

Visa Sponsorship

Information not given or found

Security clearance

Information not given or found

Company

Overview

£2.3 Billion

Annual Revenue

The company achieves consistent financial success with its revenue reaching over £2.3 billion annually.

£328 Million

Pre-Tax Profits

Annual pre-tax profits stand near £328 million, reflecting strong financial health and growth.

900 Depots

Extensive Distribution Network

The company operates over 900 depots across the UK and internationally, providing reliable service to builders and professionals.

1995

Year Founded

Established in 1995 with 14 depots, the company has grown into a major trade-only kitchen and joinery specialist.

Designs, manufactures, and stocks kitchen cabinets, joinery items, flooring, appliances, and hardware from UK sites for in-stock reliability.
Supports professional builders with locally empowered service across the UK and Europe.
Typical projects include full kitchen fits for homeowners and supplying cabinetry and hardware for builders and developers.
Expanded by launching 11 new kitchen ranges and increasing in-house production of fronts and panels in 2024.
Distinctive for its trade-only, in-stock model and large-scale manufacturing of components in Yorkshire and Cheshire.
Lamona, an integrated kitchen appliance brand launched in 2007, marks expansion into appliances.
Holds a Royal Warrant as supplier of fitted kitchens to the Queen since 2015, highlighting its reputation for quality.

Culture + Values

We do what we say, and we rely on each other to do exactly that, every single day.
Everyone at Howdens is responsible for maintaining our industry‑leading reputation.
The business should be worthwhile for all concerned – customers … suppliers … staff and their families.
Building trust within the company and with our loyal customers and suppliers.

Environment + Sustainability

42% Scope Emissions

Reduction Target

Target to reduce Scope 1 & 2 emissions by 42% by 2030, moving toward a 90% reduction by 2050 (base year 2021).

£3.5M Solar Investment

PV Solar Initiative

Investment in solar panels expected to save ~1,000 t CO₂e annually, contributing ~8% of purchased energy savings.

39T Plastic Removed

Plastic Packaging Reduction

Initiative to remove 39 tonnes of plastic packaging in 2024, saving ~110 t CO₂e.

40% HVO Target

Fleet Sustainability

Target to double HVO use to 40% by end-2025, with 15 LNG vehicles and 4 electric trucks in operation.

Net zero target date: by 2050
Zero to landfill achieved across all UK operations in 2023 and maintained in 2024
Sawdust-to-heat biomass boilers convert over 10,000 tonnes sawdust annually, supplying energy equivalent to 10,000 households
Installed waste-heat recovery saving ~600 t CO₂e/year; Power Radar meters identified ~500 t CO₂e/year savings
100% renewable grid electricity at manufacturing sites; 96% renewable energy at depots
Supplier engagement: Scope 3 is 95% of total emissions; engaged 100+ suppliers (covering ~40% of spend), >50% submitting emissions data and aligned to targets
All timber products FSC or PEFC certified; Greenwich matt kitchen frontals are 100% recyclable

Inclusion & Diversity

31 Wellbeing Representatives

Trained in 2023

Represents the number of trained wellbeing representatives supporting mental and women's health initiatives.

Partnered in 2023 with Wellbeing for Women and ANDY’s Man Club for workplace mental-health webinars
Plans in place to expand wellbeing rep network beyond initial 31
No gender‑related statistics publicly disclosed

Articles

Careers at Howdens

Sustainability at Howdens

Howdens Overview