# Will the casserole last until Christmas?

“Will the casserole last until Christmas?” is a supply planner job simulation on FinderK. You work at Thornbury Kitchenware, an original fictional company, and complete 3 assignments in about 70 minutes. It is for anyone who wants to practice supply planner work. No previous work experience is required.

- Role: Supply planner
- Industry: Supply chain planning
- Career: Supply chain and logistics (https://finderk.com/careers/supply-chain-and-logistics)
- Level: Intermediate
- Time: About 70 minutes, 3 assignments
- Access: Included in Plus
- Created by: FinderK
- Work tools: Mail, Office documents and spreadsheets, Tables, Chat
- Page: https://finderk.com/simulations/will-the-casserole-last-until-christmas
- Last updated: 2026-10-10

## Summary

The lead time from Portugal has jumped from six weeks to nine, and the best seller has a big promotion before Christmas. Project the stock, recommend what to do with the costs, and help sales tell the biggest customer the truth.

## Full brief

You are the supply planner for a cookware brand. A shipping delay means any sea order placed now arrives after Christmas, and your best seller has a two week promotion with your biggest customer. You project stock week by week, find when and by how much you would run out, and recommend whether to fly stock in, how much and at what cost, within your approval limits. Then you help the key account manager tell the customer what you can and cannot supply. Automated checks confirm your figures and saved work; your judgement is reviewed against the standard for the role.

## What is Thornbury Kitchenware?

Thornbury Kitchenware is a fictional cookware brand that sells to department stores, kitchen shops and online. Its products are made in Portugal and China and shipped to a warehouse in Daventry. About 40 percent of its year's sales fall in November and December. This case runs from Monday 26 to Wednesday 28 October 2026. Amounts are in pounds.

## Who do you play?

You are the supply planner in the Supply chain team. You plan stock and raise purchase orders. You may raise sea orders up to 10,000 pounds in goods value without approval. Neha approves larger orders and any air freight. You may not commit to customers about volumes or dates; Daniel, the key account manager, does that. Sales decides allocation when stock is short.

## What will you do?

1. 1. Project the stock to Christmas (25 minutes)
2. 2. Recommend what to do (25 minutes)
3. 3. Help Daniel answer Hearth and Home (20 minutes)

## Which skills will you practice?

- Project stock week by week and find a shortfall
- Compare supply options on cost, timing and risk
- Request approval within purchasing limits
- Support honest customer commitments with numbers

## Frequently asked questions

### How long does “Will the casserole last until Christmas?” take?

About 70 minutes, across 3 assignments. When the time is up, you get 10 minutes to round up and submit. Pausing stops the clock.

### Is “Will the casserole last until Christmas?” free?

No. It is included in FinderK Plus. With a free account you can also do it without grading.

### Do I need supply planner experience?

No. No previous work experience is required. The listed level is intermediate.

### What do I get when I finish?

You get feedback on each assignment you submit. Completing all required assignments earns a completion certificate. It records participation and is not professional accreditation.

### Is Thornbury Kitchenware a real company?

No. Thornbury Kitchenware is an original fictional company made for practice. Its coworkers may make mistakes, so check their suggestions against the evidence.