Founded over 20 years ago by three entrepreneurial women with a passion for beautiful, practical and comfortable homes, OKA is more than a furniture and homeware retailer: it is a love affair with living well. We inspire people to confidently create a home that reflects their personality, a space where nothing should be too precious or perfect to be enjoyed with family and friends. British-born, today we have 13 stores across the UK, an established Interior Design and Trade business, a mail-order service and a thriving website. We are currently looking to recruit a full time Production Planner to support our Merchandise team, based at our office in Didcot, Oxfordshire. We operate a hybrid working model: three days from the office, the remainder of the week from home. ABOUT US We know the best work is done by people who enjoy their jobs, so we create a fun and nurturing environment where everyone feels valued and is able to thrive. We are looking for an agile and proactive Production Planner with a positive attitude and entrepreneurial spirit who can help us nurture this company culture. Reporting directly to the Merchandiser, the Production Planner is responsible for supporting the planning and trading of our ‘Tailored by Oka’ range, to achieve maximum sales and profit growth whilst keeping within agreed stock and cost targets. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES • Be aware of the OKA brand and where it sits in the UK markets • Understand our customer profile & segments • Lead the ‘made to order’ process and production management ensuring timely escalation of any challenges • Demonstrate understanding of competitors ranges and use this information to make recommendations • Track competitor product ranges, pricing and promotional tactics • Have a clear understanding of our channels and their varying requirements • Minimise all departmental costs where possible (incl raw materials) • Build and maintain strong relationships across the wider business • Provide exceptional internal and external customer service throughout all touchpoints of the made to order process, end customer, manufacturer and internal departments • Role-modelling our Company Values and Behaviours Planning & Analysis • Understand departmental strategy and targets, and how that fits into the OKA strategic pillars • Contribute to the development of the departmental strategy • Identify gaps in the range and make recommendations • Collate information and analysis prior to range review meetings to provide insight to Merchandising & Product Development Team • Update range plans to ensure accurate and up to date information at all times to share with the wider business • Contribute to pre-season allocation plans, working alongside VM, & MAA within the parameters set by the Merchandiser • Provide regular and relevant feedback regarding product/inventory issues and opportunities within the range • Understand department pricing architecture (entry/mid/exit) and provide analysis based on market • Ad hoc analysis as required by the business Intake Management • Work with supply chain to plan efficient movement of stock, to keep stock in right place at the right time • Negotiate and liaise with the supply base • Review critical path to ensure delivery on time & raise issues where necessary • Work closely with Product Development to ensure all new products are following the specified critical path to launch on time • Co-ordinate intake of made to order components/materials to ensure availability for customer orders Trading Assist in all aspects of trading the department, to include: • Running and updating Monday morning reports, & subsequent analysis • Ad hoc analysis as and when required by wider business • Monitor performance and make recommendations on how to exploit/improve • Participate in store visits and provide feedback to the team • Support channels with pulling relevant data and analysis • Work closely with Ecommerce and Marketing team to ensure that newsletters/emails are commercially viable and promoting the products that will drive interest and sales OUR VALUES • Put the Customer First - provides exceptional internal and external customer service at all touchpoints • Be In It Together - approachable, personable, committed to shared success • Think Big - creative, innovative, solutions orientated • Own It - curious, persistent, drives results • Stay Playful - energises others, focuses on positives and opportunities, finds room for spontaneity ABOUT YOU • A creative, problem-solving spirit • Passion for the OKA brand • Highly numerate with excel skills • Ability to communicate in a variety of formats to all levels of the business • Actively seeks continuous personal and team improvements within the work environment • Ability to adapt in a fast-moving business, taking on new challenges and responsibilities • Flexible attitude to working within other areas or departments depending on business requirements • Good organisational skills and attention to detail with proficiency in all Microsoft tools • Passion for helping drive sustainability across the operation OUR BENEFITS PACKAGE • 33 days holiday (including bank holiday entitlement), plus Length of Service increases • Day off for your birthday • Health Care Plan • Generous staff discount: 50% • Enhanced Maternity Pay • Employee Assistance Programme • Eligibility for a discretionary company Bonus Scheme • Discounts on 60 UK retailers via My OKA benefits platform • Plus a suite of additional employee benefits including Company pension scheme, life assurance cover, free eye tests, cycle to work scheme, interest free travel loans, social events, online wellbeing centre and more. If successful you will become part of the OKA family, a fast-paced and dynamic business. If you would like to apply for this position, please send your CV and details of your current salary, salary expectations, notice period and right to work information via the link provided.