At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead end-to-end category planning and drive demand and supply performance.
- Company: Join Danone, a certified B-Corp committed to sustainability and health.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and a range of excellent rewards.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and enjoy a hybrid working environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on health and nutrition while leading a high-performing team.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in Supply Chain and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 105000 £ per year.
About The Job
Danoners are steering us to a more sustainable future, helping to make the world healthier. As a certified B-Corp, we have our Danone Impact Journey to 2026. This will only be possible with each and every one of our leaders.
Role Purpose
The Head of Category Planning is accountable for end-to-end planning performance for selected North Europe categories, combining direct responsibility for Demand Planning and the coordination of Supply with broader leadership of category planning execution. Acting as a performance, orchestration and capability leader, the role ensures robust cross-functional decision-making, alignment between commercial ambition and operational execution, and measurable impact on service, cost, inventory, waste and growth delivery. The role operates as a key category planning leader within the North Europe Planning, connecting the IBP/S&OE rhythm with category priorities, supply constraints and business trade-offs.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead Category Planning Performance: Own end-to-end planning performance across multiple categories, ensuring excellent service, availability and business results within a multi country organisation (MCO). Drive planning readiness for innovation, portfolio changes and business transformation initiatives. Identify and manage risks, leading recovery plans when service or supply is impacted.
- Drive Integrated Demand & Supply Planning: Lead the demand planning process, ensuring robust assumptions and high-quality forecasting. Align demand, supply and logistics teams to deliver achievable and responsive category plans. Translate market insights, risks and opportunities into clear recommendations and actions.
- Enable Business Decision-Making: Act as the key planning partner across Commercial, Finance, Manufacturing, Logistics, Procurement and Operations. Provide data-driven scenarios that support prioritisation and executive decision-making. Strengthen planning governance, discipline and cross-functional collaboration.
- Optimise Service, Inventory & Cost: Balance customer service, inventory, cost and waste targets to deliver sustainable business performance. Lead mitigation plans during supply constraints, shortages and operational disruptions. Drive productivity, simplification and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Lead & Develop the Team: Coach, develop and inspire a high-performing Category Planning team. Establish clear standards for planning excellence and performance management. Champion digital capabilities, data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement.
About you
We would like you to demonstrate your following key skills:
- Experiences: Significant experience in Supply Chain, Planning or Operations leadership roles. Experience leading multiple distinct categories across complex multi-country organisation (MCO) with diverse stakeholders. Strong understanding of demand planning, supply planning, S&OE and IBP processes. Experience in complex FMCG or consumer goods environments. Proven record of leading teams, developing talent and influencing senior stakeholders.
- Core Skills: Strategic and analytical thinking, scenario-based decision-making, stakeholder management and executive influence, coaching, capability building and change leadership, resilience and clarity in ambiguity.
Salary Bracket: £90,000 - £105,000
About Us
At Danone UK & Ireland, we are committed to delivering better health through better nutrition for millions of consumers and patients in our communities. We believe in the benefits of working both in the office hub and at home. Time in the hub enhances community, problem solving and innovation, while home working supports focus, learning and wellness. Our hybrid working framework is designed to help you perform your role in the most efficient way. Your manager will guide how you split your time between home and your nearest hub, based on your role and business needs. The aim is to support you in doing your best work, while creating connection moments that matter. We have a range of flexible benefits and excellent rewards. Inclusion and Diversity (I&D) is deeply embedded in Danone's DNA, representing our core values and beliefs. We embrace diversity as a driving force for positive change, nurturing an inclusive workplace where every individual is valued.
The closing date for applications is 16th August, you will therefore hear about your application after this date.
Head of Category Planning employer: Danone
At Danone, we pride ourselves on being a purpose-led employer that champions health and sustainability. Our Finance Business Partner role offers not only competitive salaries and flexible benefits but also a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and continuous learning. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, we provide ample opportunities for professional growth in a supportive environment, making Danone an exceptional place to advance your career in finance.
