At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead forecasting and planning processes to optimise stock management and automate decision-making.
- Company: Join a rapidly expanding leader in global supply chain innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping the future of supply chain planning with innovative tools.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in data-heavy roles; strong Python skills; numerical degree required.
- Other info: Your ideas will be valued and essential for driving innovation.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
A rapidly expanding organisation at the forefront of global supply chain innovation is seeking a sharp, technically skilled forecasting and materials planning expert to revolutionise their approach to stock optimisation. With thousands of SKUs across international markets, this is your chance to turn a living, breathing supply chain into a digitally orchestrated system that anticipates demand and automates routine decisions.
What You'll Be Doing:
- Build and lead forecasting and planning processes that reduce manual interference and maximise forecast accuracy.
- Develop statistical and AI-driven models, incorporating time-series data, market signals, and stakeholder intelligence to enhance planning outcomes.
- Create tools that allow non-technical users to input valuable business insights without disrupting the modelling framework.
- Drive improved visibility on KPIs such as stock availability, forecast error, and inventory turnover.
- Enable strategic planning across product lines, geographies, and suppliers through intelligent ERP/MRP integration.
- Automate routine planning tasks to free up planners to focus on strategic decisions.
- Be the architect of a "digital twin" for the supply network - modelling different scenarios and observing real-world results.
What You Bring:
- 3+ years in a data-heavy demand forecasting, material planning, or supply chain role.
- Academic background in a numerical field such as Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, or Applied Mathematics.
- Strong Python coding ability - particularly for data manipulation, modelling, and statistical forecasting.
- Experience with ERP or MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite) and a solid grasp of inventory principles.
- Practical understanding of supply chains including warehousing, logistics, and distribution.
- Excellent communication skills - able to convey technical information clearly to non-technical stakeholders.
- A mindset for continuous improvement, automation, and process excellence.
Bonus Points For:
- Familiarity with SQL or time-series databases (e.g., kdb+, InfluxDB).
- Experience applying lean principles to supply chain design.
- Prior involvement in rolling out integrated planning tools or systems.
Why Join?
You’ll be joining an organisation that values innovation and experimentation. Here, your ideas aren’t just welcome - they’re essential. You’ll be given the freedom to shape the future of planning and the tools to make it happen.
Head of Planning employer: Cast UK Limited
Contact Detail:
Cast UK Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Planning
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in supply chain technology, especially around AI-driven forecasting models. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your passion for innovation in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the supply chain and data analytics sectors. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about their experiences, which can provide valuable insights into the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've used Python for data manipulation and forecasting in previous roles. Being able to articulate your hands-on experience will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders. Consider preparing a brief presentation or case study that illustrates how you've successfully done this in the past.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Planning
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in data-heavy demand forecasting and material planning. Emphasise your technical skills, particularly in Python and any relevant ERP/MRP systems you've worked with.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for supply chain innovation and how your skills can contribute to the company's goals. Mention specific examples of how you've improved forecasting accuracy or automated planning tasks in previous roles.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: If you have experience with SQL or time-series databases, make sure to include this in your application. Highlight any projects where you've applied these skills to enhance planning outcomes.
Prepare for Interviews: Be ready to discuss your approach to building forecasting models and how you communicate complex data insights to non-technical stakeholders. Prepare examples that demonstrate your mindset for continuous improvement and process excellence.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cast UK Limited
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Make sure to highlight your experience with Python and any relevant statistical forecasting techniques. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've successfully implemented data-driven models, as this will demonstrate your technical prowess.
✨Understand the Supply Chain Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the intricacies of supply chain management, including warehousing, logistics, and distribution. Being able to speak knowledgeably about these areas will show that you have a comprehensive understanding of the role's requirements.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since you'll be conveying complex information to non-technical stakeholders, practice explaining your past projects in simple terms. This will help you demonstrate your excellent communication skills, which are crucial for this position.
✨Prepare for Scenario Modelling Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to create and analyse different scenarios within a supply chain context. Think about how you would approach building a 'digital twin' and be ready to share your thought process during the interview.