Our client, a leading and fast-growing organisation within the FMCG food and beverage sector, is seeking an experienced and influential Head of Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) to lead and embed a robust, best-in-class planning process across the business. This is a highly visible, strategic role, critical to improving forecast accuracy, optimising inventory, releasing working capital, and enabling scalable, profitable growth.
Job Role
Reporting to the Supply Chain Director, the Head of S&OP will own the end-to-end Sales & Operations Planning cycle, ensuring alignment across demand, supply, and financial plans. Acting as a key cross-functional leader, you will work closely with Sales, Marketing, Finance, Supply Chain, suppliers, and customers to establish a single, aligned plan that drives service excellence, efficiency, and long-term growth.
You will lead a team with 3 direct reports and responsibility for a wider planning and analyst community, embedding strong governance, accountability, and continuous improvement across the planning function.
Responsibilities
* Own and lead the end-to-end S&OP cycle, including demand planning, supply planning, reconciliation, and executive review.
* Establish and maintain a “one number” consensus plan across all functions.
* Ensure promotional planning, supplier lead times, and capacity constraints are fully embedded into demand and supply plans.
* Drive the evolution of the S&OP process towards Integrated Business Planning (IBP).
* Significantly improve forecast accuracy and reduce forecast bias through enhanced processes, tools, and analytics.
* Embed demand signals, promotional analysis, and scenario planning to manage demand volatility and supply risks.
* Plan inventory to true customer demand, reducing reliance on supplier-driven commitments.
* Reduce stockholding days and improve inventory efficiency, supporting substantial working capital release.
* Lead, develop, and coach Planning and Analyst teams, building capability, accountability, and succession readiness.
* Champion a culture of continuous improvement and data-driven decision-making.
* Embed BI, Slimstock, and reporting tools into daily operations, improving visibility and insight.
* Automate planning processes where possible, reducing manual administration and improving accuracy.
* Deliver clear, timely KPI dashboards to support senior leadership decision‑making.
* Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders across Commercial, Finance, Supply Chain, Customer Services, and external partners to ensure alignment and execution.
Personal Profile
* Proven experience in S&OP leadership or senior demand planning roles within FMCG, retail, or consumer goods.
* Strong track record of improving forecast accuracy, reducing inventory, and releasing working capital.
* Deep knowledge of forecasting and planning systems such as Slimstock, SAP APO, or Anaplan.
* Experience leading cross-functional planning processes and influencing at senior leadership level.
* Strong analytical, numerical, and problem‑solving skills with high commercial and financial acumen.
* Confident communicator with the ability to engage, challenge, and align senior stakeholders.
* Demonstrated ability to lead change, embed new processes, and drive organisational maturity.
* Experience with BI tools such as Power BI or Tableau is desirable.
* Exposure to supplier negotiations, logistics, and customer service collaboration would be advantageous.
* A collaborative, accountable, and proactive leadership style with a strong focus on team development.
Hours
37.5 hours per week, Early finish on Fridays, Hybrid working with up to 2 days per week working from home
Package
Private Healthcare, Competitive Pension, Discretionary Bonus, Staff Discount, Car Lease Scheme, Group Income Protection, Life Assurance, 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays and birthday)
Ref Code
CV(phone number removed)
To apply, please send your comprehensive CV in strict confidence, quoting the reference above and for the attention of Jon Hemming‑Nash. Please include current salary details within your application.
Due to high response levels, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you have not received a response within one week, regrettably your application has not been successful on this occasion
#J-18808-Ljbffr