At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in transforming Materials Planning across EMEA for a high-growth drinks business.
- Company: Join a leading global drinks company with a strong presence in 90 countries.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to influence systems and performance in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of Materials Planning and drive meaningful transformation at scale.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership experience in Materials Planning and deep knowledge of SAP and MRP processes.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 88000 £ per year.
This is a high-growth business with category-leading brands and an EMEA footprint spanning close to 90 countries. If you’re looking for a role where scale, pace and influence genuinely sit at Director level, this is one to take notice of.
As Materials Planning Director, you’ll lead a team of around 17 across the UK and South Africa, including three Senior Managers, two Long-Term Planners and twelve Raw Material Planners. You’ll have end-to-end ownership of Raw Materials Planning across EMEA, covering ingredients, kits and cans, with significant spend and P&L impact.
A key part of the role will be driving the transformation of Materials Planning systems, processes and ways of working. You’ll work closely with SAP and analytics teams to improve planning capability, raise execution standards and build a more proactive, data-led function. You’ll also play a critical role in New Product Development, ensuring long-lead-time ingredients and packaging are planned effectively to support an ambitious innovation pipeline.
What you’ll be doing:
- Own EMEA Raw Materials Planning end to end, driving a 98% casefill target and improved OTIF performance
- Lead supplier performance and relationship management in partnership with Procurement, covering raw material suppliers, co-packers and contract fillers
- Drive the transformation of SAP MRP and Materials Planning analytics, with dotted-line oversight of the SAP MM Analyst
- Set inventory strategy and targets, with a strong focus on reducing obsolescence and proactively managing ageing stock
- Represent Materials Planning through the IBP cycle and co-lead S&OP governance
- Lead, coach and develop a team of Senior Managers and Planners, building capability and future succession
- Act as the senior escalation point for Materials Planning matters across the wider business
- Bring greater structure, visibility and consistency to a complex, fast-moving planning environment
What we’re looking for:
- Strong leadership experience within Materials Planning, ideally across an EMEA or multi-market environment
- Deep knowledge of SAP, MRP and PO lifecycle processes
- Experience leading and developing Senior Managers, alongside broader planning teams
- Strong commercial and analytical capability, with the confidence to operate strategically and influence senior stakeholders
- Someone who can bring structure to complexity while maintaining pace and agility
- A resilient, hands-on leader who enjoys solving problems at scale and driving meaningful transformation
This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of Materials Planning within a high-growth global drinks business, with genuine scope to influence systems, processes, people and performance across EMEA.
Materials Planning Director in Slough employer: Advocate Group
Joining this leading global drinks brand as an Artwork Manager offers you the chance to work in a dynamic and innovative environment, where your expertise in packaging and print will be highly valued. With a strong focus on employee development and a collaborative work culture, you'll have the opportunity to manage exciting projects across the EMEA region while contributing to sustainability and continuous improvement initiatives. The hybrid working model allows for flexibility, making it an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Materials Planning Director in Slough
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Logistics and supply chain are all about networking, so hit up those trade shows and local meetups. Places like the UK's Logistics and Supply Chain conference can be goldmines for connecting with potential employers like Advocate Group and learning about the latest trends in the industry.
✨Leverage Online Communities
Join forums and LinkedIn groups specifically for logistics professionals. Share your insights and ask questions to get noticed. Being active in these spaces can help you establish credibility and might just lead to an opportunity at Advocate Group!
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Portfolio
Even if it’s a full-time gig, having a portfolio can really set you apart. Include case studies or projects that demonstrate your understanding of supply chain management, logistics software, or solving operational challenges. You’d be surprised at how much this can impress hiring managers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don't forget the power of applying directly through our website! A lot of companies like Advocate Group keep job postings exclusive to their sites. This way, you can easily keep track of your applications and ensure your profile is in front of the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Materials Planning Director in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:In your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight your understanding of logistics and supply chain management principles. Mention any relevant courses you've taken or tools you've used, like inventory management software or data analysis platforms, to showcase your skills and keep up with best practices in the industry.
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your previous work experience, remember to use numbers wherever possible. Did you improve delivery times by a specific percentage? Did you help reduce costs? These kinds of quantified achievements not only catch the eye but also demonstrate your capability in the logistics sector.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Advocate Group:This is your chance to really connect with the team at Advocate Group. In your cover letter, express why you're passionate about supply chain logistics and how your goals align with the company’s mission. A little personalisation goes a long way!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications related to logistics or supply chain management—like APICS or Six Sigma—make sure you flaunt them! These show that you're committed to your professional development and can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Advocate Group
✨Know Your Logistics Tools
Make sure you're familiar with key logistics software and tools like SAP or Oracle ERP. These are often used in the industry, and being able to demonstrate your knowledge or experience with them can really set you apart during your interview with Advocate Group.
✨Perfect Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect to tackle scenarios that showcase your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you've had to optimise supply chains or handle logistics challenges. Have a few examples ready to discuss how you made decisions that led to improvements.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Supply chain roles heavily rely on teamwork and communication. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Maybe share a time when you coordinated with a team to resolve a logistical hiccup. This can show Advocate Group that you're a team player!
✨Understand the Big Picture
Be ready to talk about the broader logistics and supply chain trends. Having insights into current challenges in the industry, like sustainability or lead times, can impress the interviewers at Advocate Group. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
