About Us

WHSmith Travel is committed to getting the right product, in the right place, at the right time. Our logistics and supply chain teams are key to maintaining the efficiency of our stock flows across UK and international operations. We believe in innovation, operational excellence, and collaboration — supporting WHSmith’s reputation for reliability and customer satisfaction.

The Role

As a Logistics Planner, you will play a critical role in creating operational forecasts, improving service levels, and optimising stock flow across our DC and network to ensure stores are well-served. You will coordinate with internal and external stakeholders, utilise data to make planning decisions, and ensure logistics operations align with business needs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Create operational forecasts for our Distribution Centres using business sales and insight from the Merchandise and Trading teams
• Plan and schedule stock transfers between DCs and stores, taking into account demand forecasts, lead times, and costs.
• Forecast stock requirements based on sales trends, seasonality, upcoming promotions, product launches, and international store schedules.
• Liaise with supply chain partners (DCs, transport providers, custom/clearance where applicable) to ensure timely delivery of goods.
• Monitor and track shipments; identify and handle issues or delays proactively, escalating when necessary.
• Produce regular reporting (weekly/monthly) on key metrics: fill rates, transit times, stock availability, cost variances.
• Work cross-functionally with Merchandising, Retail Operations, and Commercial teams to align planning with trading objectives.
• Maintain and improve logistics planning processes – identifying inefficiencies and implementing improvements.
• Support the wider Logistics team with analysis to support decision making and drive excellent customer service.

What We’re Looking For:

• Experience in logistics planning, supply chain planning, or a related role (preferably in retail or travel sectors).
• Strong numerical and analytical skills; good comfort with Excel (pivot tables, lookups), data analysis, and reporting.
• Excellent organizational skills, able to manage multiple priorities and tasks under tight deadlines.
• Good communication skills, able to liaise with internal teams and external partners.
• Problem-solving mindset; able to respond quickly and effectively when issues arise.
• Understanding of international logistics/customs procedures would be a plus.
• A strong team player, who thrives in fast paced environments and enjoys affecting change

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Hybrid working where possible.
• 24 days holiday (plus birthday off), plus Bank Holidays, with ability to buy extra days.
• Opportunities for learning and development.
• Early finish on Fridays (where business permits).