Inventory Planning Assistant

Do you thrive on using data to solve complex problems and making decisions that deliver real-time results? Join us as a Inventory Planning Assistant where analytical thinking, commercial insight and smart planning come together to drive performance. You'll help publishers maximise profitability through effective planning and accurate forecasting, ensuring stock is allocated efficiently and titles perform strongly in retail. Working closely with stakeholders across the business, you'll allocate copy, review performance, support sales forecasting and contribute to print planning to ensure products reach customers when demand is highest. Strong Excel and numeracy skills are essential. You'll be confident analysing and interpreting data to support informed business decisions. This is a great opportunity to combine analysis, organisation and relationship-building in a commercially focused role where your work has a visible impact. We offer an informal hybrid working model, with a minimum of 8 office days every 4 weeks . Role internally known as a Commercial Copy Planner. What you’ll be doing: Allocating stock to retail outlets using our in-house planning system to maximise availability and sales efficiency Analysing sales trends and running supply scenarios to inform national supply recommendations Managing title supply commitments and closures in line with production and distribution timelines Supporting trade marketing activity, promotions, and wholesale development opportunities Tracking print volumes and investigating variances between recommended and final commitments Conducting robust performance reviews, producing performance packs and contributing to Marketing reviews Support sales forecasting and print planning with cross functional teams Drive continuous improvement to maximise commercial performance What we're looking for: Experience within media distribution, logistics, FMCG, or a similar commercial environment. Exposure to demand planning, inventory management, production planning, or supply chain activities (desirable but not essential). Strong analytical and numeracy skills, with confidence working with data and interpreting trends. Proficient in Microsoft Excel, with the ability to analyse, organise and present data effectively. A highly organised and methodical approach, with the ability to manage multiple priorities The ability to review performance, identify opportunities and challenge constructively. Strong communication skills and the ability to build positive working relationships with a range of stakeholders. A proactive, positive and solution-focused mindset, with a commitment to continuous improvement. Even if you don’t meet every requirement, we’d still love to hear from you. If you’re excited about the role and believe you could be a great fit, we encourage you to apply. Please note Frontline Group is unable to provide sponsorship for this role. About us United by our mission to ‘Make the Complex Simple’ , we connect some of the world’s most recognised brands with consumers across retail, media, and premium environments. We’re the UK’s leading magazine distribution business and a leading retail solutions partner across publishing and home entertainment, made up of three business units – Frontline Distribution Solutions, Frontline Retail Solutions, and Gold Key Media . Through our three business units, we deliver market-leading solutions across publishing, home entertainment, and global brand engagement. From managing the retail journey for iconic titles like Vogue, Grazia, Radio Times and Good Housekeeping, as well as leading children’s brands such as Pokémon, Frozen and Barbie, to working with major publishers, film and music studios, and leading UK retailers including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons and Waitrose, we play a critical role in bringing products to market. Our reach also extends to premium global environments, with brand placements across major travel hubs, four- and five-star hotels, airport lounges, and internationally renowned events – partnering with world-leading hospitality venues to engage high-value audiences. Whether it’s magazines, collectibles, books, music, film, or global brand campaigns, we combine deep industry expertise, strong partnerships, and innovative execution to deliver commercial success for our clients. Our Culture We’re passionate about developing talent and supporting our people grow and thrive. Our people are at the heart of our success. You’ll be part of a business that celebrates diversity and creates an environment where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and empowered to be their authentic selves. Guided by our I ACT values – Impact, Ambition, Collaboration, and Trust – you’ll work in a team that encourages innovation, drives sustainable performance, and supports your development, giving you the opportunity to make a real impact within a happy, high-performing and inclusive working environment. We offer a comprehensive benefits package to support your wellbeing and lifestyle, including: 28 days holiday plus bank holidays (pro rata) Contributory pension, including life assurance, and income protection Informal hybrid working arrangements, combining in-office and remote/home working. Additional leave: 2 paid volunteering days per year and family-friendly policy Wellbeing support, including our Employee Assistance Programme On-site gym and parking at Stuart House, Peterborough Reward Gateway scheme – Smart Spending App with access to a range of deals and discounts Salary‑sacrifice options including private medical insurance, car scheme, and holiday purchase scheme Learning and development opportunities Coaching and mentoring available to all colleagues