At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Sales & Operations Planning process for a major global brand.
- Company: Join a premium beverage company known for innovation and growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, benefits, and a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on business strategy in a fast-paced, collaborative culture.
- Qualifications: Experience in S&OP, strong analytical skills, and stakeholder management required.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with a global team and travel occasionally.
The predicted salary is between 64000 - 96000 £ per year.
Location: West London
Type: Permanent
Salary: Up to £80,000 + benefits
Are you a commercially minded planning leader ready to drive operational strategy across a global consumer brand? Our client, a market leader in the premium FMCG space, is seeking a Sales & Operations Planning Manager to lead cross-functional planning and drive business-critical decisions across their EMEA operations.
The Company
Our client is a household name within the premium beverage sector, known for its bold brand, high-growth trajectory, and dynamic presence in hundreds of countries worldwide. With a culture rooted in performance, energy, and innovation, they’ve carved out a distinct position in the global market and continue to set trends across the industry. Their EMEA HQ in London is a fast-paced, collaborative environment where ideas are actioned quickly, and cross-functional alignment is key to success. You’ll be joining a business that invests in its people, rewards ownership, and encourages entrepreneurial thinking.
The Role
As Senior S&OP Manager, you’ll take ownership of the regional Sales & Operations Planning process for ~50% of the business, playing a crucial role in balancing supply and demand across the EMEA region. Working closely with demand planning, procurement, finance, and commercial teams, as well as external partners, you’ll lead the S&OP cycle from insight to action, supporting long-term growth and operational efficiency. This is a high-visibility role with real impact on business direction.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and Own S&OP Process: Drive the monthly S&OP cycle and weekly Sales & Operations Execution (S&OE) for ~50% of EMEA sales. Prepare and deliver key reporting packs, including demand, supply, inventory, and stock metrics.
- Executive Engagement & Presentation: Facilitate high-level S&OP and Supply Management meetings. Present strategic insights to senior leaders and influence business decisions.
- Data Analysis & Storytelling: Consolidate complex datasets into actionable insights to support proactive decision-making and risk mitigation.
- Forecasting & Budget Alignment: Manage capacity, material requirements, and budgetary planning. Ensure alignment between demand forecasts and business expectations.
- Process Improvement & Governance: Continuously mature S&OP processes and develop KPIs and scorecards (e.g. OTIF, forecast accuracy, inventory turns).
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Build strong partnerships across operations, commercial, and external partners to ensure end-to-end supply chain visibility and coordination.
- Risk Management: Identify supply risks and obsolescence early. Lead resolution planning and escalate when necessary.
- Strategic Influence: Act as a joint owner of the EMEA S&OP process, driving alignment, accountability, and long-term value creation.
What We’re Looking For
- Extensive experience in S&OP or Integrated Business Planning (IBP)
- Strong understanding of planning KPIs, budget alignment, and supply chain transformation
- Proven stakeholder management at senior and executive levels
- Strong ERP system knowledge (SAP APO/ SAP IBP or equivalent)
- Excellent presentation, data analysis, and communication skills
- Ability to work at both strategic and tactical planning levels
- A proactive, commercially minded team player with high attention to detail
- A degree in a business or numerate discipline is desirable
- Flexibility to collaborate across time zones and travel occasionally
Why Join?
Global Brand – Join a well-established business with a powerful presence and strong growth trajectory.
Sales Operations Planning Manager employer: Advocate Group
Contact Detail:
Advocate Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales Operations Planning Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the FMCG sector, especially those who have experience in S&OP roles. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in sales and operations planning.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific ERP systems mentioned in the job description, such as SAP APO or SAP IBP. Consider taking online courses or certifications to enhance your knowledge and demonstrate your commitment to mastering these tools.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with cross-functional collaboration during interviews. Think of examples where you've successfully worked with different teams to drive business outcomes, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest developments in supply chain management and S&OP best practices. Being able to speak knowledgeably about current trends will help you stand out during discussions with hiring managers.
We think you need these skills to ace Sales Operations Planning Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in Sales & Operations Planning or Integrated Business Planning. Emphasise your understanding of planning KPIs and any previous roles where you managed cross-functional teams.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention specific examples of how you've driven operational strategy or improved S&OP processes in past positions to demonstrate your fit for the role.
Highlight Data Analysis Skills: Given the importance of data analysis in this role, ensure you provide examples of how you've consolidated complex datasets into actionable insights. This could be through specific projects or achievements that showcase your analytical capabilities.
Prepare for Interviews: If selected for an interview, be ready to discuss your experience with ERP systems like SAP APO or SAP IBP. Prepare to share how you've influenced business decisions at a senior level and your approach to risk management in supply chain operations.
How to prepare for a job interview at Advocate Group
✨Understand the S&OP Process
Make sure you have a solid grasp of the Sales & Operations Planning process. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully led S&OP cycles in the past, and be ready to share specific examples of how your leadership has driven operational efficiency.
✨Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills
Since this role involves consolidating complex datasets into actionable insights, come equipped with examples of how you've used data analysis to influence business decisions. Highlight any tools or methodologies you've employed to improve forecasting accuracy.
✨Prepare for Executive Engagement
This position requires presenting strategic insights to senior leaders. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, and prepare to discuss how you've influenced decisions at an executive level in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Cross-Functional Collaboration
Be ready to discuss your experience working with various teams, such as demand planning, procurement, and finance. Share examples of how you've built strong partnerships to ensure supply chain visibility and coordination, as this is crucial for success in this role.