Halfords

About us

Halfords is on a journey, building the future of motoring and cycling and looking for people who want to shape what comes next. As the UK's leading retailer of motoring and cycling products, we're backed by one of the country's largest independent vehicle service, maintenance and repair networks through Halfords Autocentres. That breadth gives us a strong foundation and the freedom to keep growing.

Our people get real variety, genuine stretch and the chance to make a visible impact as the business evolves. Whatever your role, you'll be part of a team focused on delivering exceptional service and keeping the nation moving with confidence.

About the role

This is a senior leadership role at the heart of the Motoring Services commercial operation, with responsibility for supply strategy, availability and stock investment across the division.

Working closely with Buying, Planning and Inventory partners, you'll own the supply plan, set and deliver availability targets and manage the Open to Buy. You'll translate complex data into clear commercial direction, lead category-level risk and opportunity conversations and drive continuous improvement across the supply chain. The role also carries accountability for supplier relationships, clearance planning and stock-related cash flow.

The timing is significant. The business is in the process of introducing a new ERP and automated forecasting and replenishment toolset and this role will help shape what that looks like for Motoring Services, influencing the design and leading the team through the transition. It's a role for someone energised by building something better, not just running what exists.

Key responsibilities

• Own the Motoring Services supply plans and contribute to the wider supply chain strategy
• Set and deliver target availability levels, managing risk and opportunity with commercial partners
• Lead the annual stock budget process and manage Open to Buy
• Improve stock turn and gross margin return on investment
• Drive clearance planning to maximise value and minimise obsolete inventory
• Develop supplier relationships and extend professional supply chain management practices
• Translate complex analytics into clear, actionable insight for commercial teams
• Lead, develop and engage a high-performing planning team
• Shape and deliver the ERP transition for Motoring Services as part of the wider business transformation programme

About you

You'll bring significant experience in merchandising, planning or stock management at a leadership level, with a strong track record of running high-performing teams in a retail environment. You know how to influence buying decisions through data and commercial reasoning, and you're equally at home leading a planning cycle as you are presenting to senior stakeholders.

Beyond the core planning expertise, we're looking for someone with genuine curiosity about the broader supply chain, the confidence to engage with operational and physical logistics questions, and the ability to build credibility quickly across functions.

• Proven leadership of planning or merchandising teams in a retail environment
• Strong experience partnering with senior stakeholders in complex or matrixed organisations
• Demonstrated ability to influence commercial decisions using data and insight
• Experience leading cross-functional planning processes
• Confident using planning and stock control tools such as SAP, SAP BW or equivalent
• Strong financial acumen, including experience building business cases
• Outstanding communication and influencing skills

Reward & benefits

• A fair and competitive salary, evaluated against market data, with an annual discretionary bonus scheme
• Car allowance, pension, life assurance, 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays and enhanced family leave
• Commitment to your ongoing personal and professional development
• Access to a wide range of employee discounts across the Halfords suite of products and services
• Wellbeing and inclusion support, with active Colleague Networks across the business

At Halfords we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for our colleagues. We're an equal opportunities employer and proud to welcome applications from all backgrounds and embrace diversity within our one Halfords Family.

We operate a hybrid working policy with 3 days on site at our Support Centre in Redditch, Worcestershire.