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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive world-class planning capabilities and lead cross-functional projects for optimisation.
- Company: Join Danone, a leader in the FMCG sector with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunities for professional growth, and a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by transforming planning processes and enhancing forecast accuracy.
- Qualifications: Deep knowledge of planning principles and proven experience in S&OP transformation.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on continuous improvement and digital innovation.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 95000 ÂŁ per year.
Role Purpose
Drive world‑class planning capabilities to unlock optimisation and continuous improvement of the end‑to‑end planning process for Danone North Europe (NE) (UK, Ireland, Nordics and Baltics). Lead the cross‑functional introduction of a new IBP (Integrated Business Planning), including project governance, improved integration of demand signals & in‑market performance to improve bottom‑up forecast generation. Lead the adoption of advanced analytics & tools to enhance forecast accuracy / forecast bias.
Key Activities
- Enhance Planning Capabilities: Define the NE Planning Competency Model aligned with EU Center of Excellence (CoE) with external benchmarks. Deploy targeted training to create a culture of planning excellence & accountability, with ongoing follow up where bias or volatility persists.
- Unlock process optimisation & continuous improvement: Redefine and monitor planning KPIs providing reporting and insights to senior leadership on performance. Use data‑driven analysis to identify risks and opportunities for improvement. Lead key user groups for Demand & Supply teams to unlock continuous improvement, tool optimisation & cross‑category best practice sharing.
- Best in class IBP governance & adherence: Lead the transformation to the IBP process & identify areas for optimisation. Monitor KPIs / inputs to flag performance concerns, bottlenecks or issues requiring escalation. Organise training sessions for stakeholders on IBP principles, tools & their roles within the cycle. Maintain the GPS calendar & playbook. Provide support to Planning community.
- Deliver a Digitally Enabled future: Lead the adoption and integration of advanced planning tools, analytics, and digital solutions. Partner with EU CoE / IT team to identify & accelerate tool innovation.
About You
- Technical expertise with a deep knowledge of planning principles, S&OP processes, and forecasting methodologies.
- Proven experience leading an S&OP transformation within a multi‑category business.
- Experience with advanced planning systems (e.g., SAP IBP, APO, or similar) and analytics tools.
- Proven ability to lead cross‑functional teams and influence senior stakeholders.
- Strong change management and communication skills.
- Ability to translate business objectives into planning strategies and actionable initiatives.
- Strong data analysis and interpretation skills to drive decision‑making.
- Advanced understanding of FMCG supply chain dynamics and market trends.
Salary Bracket ÂŁ80,000 - ÂŁ95,000
Head of Planning Excellence employer: Danone
Contact Detail:
Danone Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Planning Excellence
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their planning processes and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be clear about your achievements and how they relate to the role of Head of Planning Excellence. Confidence is key, so rehearse until you can deliver it smoothly.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Planning Excellence
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Head of Planning Excellence. Highlight your experience with S&OP transformations and advanced planning systems, as these are key for us at StudySmarter.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your passion for planning excellence and how your skills align with our mission. Don’t forget to mention specific achievements that demonstrate your expertise.
Showcase Your Data Skills: Since data analysis is crucial for this role, make sure to include examples of how you've used data-driven insights to improve planning processes in your previous roles. We love seeing numbers that back up your claims!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Danone
✨Know Your Planning Principles
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of planning principles, S&OP processes, and forecasting methodologies. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past roles, especially in leading transformations. This will show that you understand the core of what the role entails.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading cross-functional teams and influencing senior stakeholders. Think about specific situations where you drove change or improved processes, as this will demonstrate your capability to lead the IBP transformation effectively.
✨Data-Driven Decision Making
Be ready to discuss how you've used data analysis to identify risks and opportunities in previous roles. Bring examples of KPIs you've monitored and how your insights led to actionable improvements. This will align perfectly with their focus on continuous improvement and optimisation.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Advanced Tools
Since the role involves adopting advanced planning tools and analytics, make sure you know your way around systems like SAP IBP or similar. If you have experience with any digital solutions, be prepared to share how they enhanced your planning capabilities in the past.