Senior Import Supply Chain Planner

Established in 1981 with a single store in the Northwest of England, the JD Group is a leading omni-channel retailer of Sports Fashion, Outdoors and Gyms with our colleagues working in stores across several retail fascias in many markets around the world.

JD Sports Fashion Plc was listed on the London Stock Exchange in 1996 and has been a FTSE100 publicly quoted company since 2019 and continues to grow in the UK and internationally.

We want to be the leading global omnichannel retailer in the sports and outdoor industry. To be a part of this successful company and help us to achieve this you will have the desire to ingrain our strategic goals of being a people-led, innovative and customer-focused organisation which provides operational excellence whilst identifying new areas of growth as part of our day to day objectives.

Working for a major Highstreet clothing and footwear retailer as part of the Global Freight Management team.

Working within the import supply chain planning team, you will collaborate with theProduct Development, Merchandising, Finance and DC teams as well as our freight forwarding partners, to facilitate the smooth flow of shipping of private label brands including Pink Soda, Sonneti, Supply & Demand along with licensed brands such as Reebok and Fila.

Critical role in managing and optimising the inbound flow of goods from international suppliers, ensuring timely delivery, whilst minimising costs and risks.

Accountabilities, Tasks and Requirements:Main Accountabilities and Tasks:

Comply with all company Health and Safety policies and procedures, ensuring a safe working environment for all and always work within defined safety areas.
Line Management responsibility of the Import Supply Chain Planners and Assistant Planners.
Managing import plans – ensuring the alignment with demand forecasts and inventory targets.
Identify potential disruptions (e.g. port delays/geopolitical issues) and working with freight forwarder and internal stakeholders to develop contingency plans.
Coordinate with global suppliers, freight forwarders and customs teams to ensure timely and compliant importation of goods.
Forecast demand using historical data, market trends and sales projections.
Managing duties, tariffs and trade compliance issues.
Oversee documentation compliance such as bills of lading, commercial invoices and customs declarations.
Supplier and stakeholder collaboration – build strong relationships with overseas suppliers and internal teams (merchandising, product development, finance).
Performance monitor our factories, forwarders and haulers, optimizing on-time, in full deliveries.
Resolve supply chain disruptions and escalate issues when necessary.
Analyse supply chain performance metrics (e.g. lead times, fill rates, landed costs)
CI projects – recommend and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
To be responsible for the day-to-day control of the workflow and organisation of the team to ensure that the standards of performance, attendance, quality, housekeeping and conduct are met.
To provide on the job support and coaching for team members to enable them to achieve the required standard of performance and behaviours
To deputise in the absence of the Group Freight Manager, ensuring that continuity of service is continued to the same standards
Manage day-to-day people issues including Return To Work, Time & Attendance, holidays and support disciplinary and grievance procedures where necessary.
To participate in any other reasonable duties in line with the needs of the business

Position Requirements – mandatory

Experience of supply chain – focus on international imports
Understanding of Incoterms, HS codes and customs procedures.
Excellent interpersonal skills, able to quickly build effective relationships with stakeholders across the business
High level of resilience, strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
Analytical thinking and problem solving, strategic mindset with hands on approach
Flexible, comfortable to manage change and be adaptable in our fast-paced, dynamic and growing business
Ability to work on multiple priorities under pressure – very organized and ability to plan and prioritise tasks
Able to work to tight deadlines
Enjoys problem solving/issue resolution
Strong experience in using Word, Excel and PowerPoint

Position Requirements – desirable

Knowledge of import and export processes including shipping processes
Awareness of the importance of accurate classifications with knowledge on the complexities required for the customs classification of goods
Experience working in a retail environment.

Further Background Information

Line Manager: Group Freight Manager

Also working with

Product Development, Merchandising, Finance, Warehouse Booking teams, International Suppliers, Multiple Freight Forwarders

We know our colleagues work tirelessly to make JD Sports the success it is today and in turn, we offer them some amazing benefits including staff Discount On JD Group and other brands within the organisation and personal development opportunities to learn and develop at work.

Thank you for your time