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: W013229
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.
