At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead end-to-end category planning and drive performance across multiple countries.
- Company: Join Danone, a certified B-Corp committed to sustainability and health.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and a range of inclusive benefits.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on health and sustainability 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. Do you want to be one of them?
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 in London 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Category Planning in London
✨Join Supply Chain Meetups
Get yourself out there by attending supply chain meetups and industry events. It's a great way to meet fellow professionals, learn about trends, and maybe even hear about job openings before they’re posted online.
✨Show Off Your Skills on LinkedIn
Don’t just sit back and wait for opportunities! Post insights or articles on LinkedIn about supply chain challenges or solutions you’re passionate about. This not only showcases your expertise but can catch the eye of recruiters looking for someone like you.
✨Engage with Supply Chain Communities
Dive into online communities related to supply chain operations like forums or groups on Reddit and LinkedIn. Engaging in discussions can help you network, get advice, and you might even stumble upon some hidden job opportunities.
✨Apply through Our Website
When you spot a position at Danone, make sure to apply through our website directly. It's often the quickest way to get your application in front of the right people and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role of Head of Category Planning.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Category Planning in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in supply chain operations. Whether it’s managing logistics or coordinating with suppliers, we want to see examples of how you've navigated the complexities of the supply chain. Concrete achievements, like reducing costs or improving delivery times, will definitely catch our eye!
Quantify Your Impact:When listing your previous roles on your CV, go for numbers! Mention percentages or actual figures where possible—like how much you've improved efficiency or reduced waste. It's all about showing us the tangible impact you've made in your past positions in supply chain operations.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:In your cover letter, don’t just regurgitate your CV. Instead, connect your experiences specifically to the role at Danone. Share why you're passionate about supply chain operations and how this full-time role aligns with your career goals—I mean, who wouldn’t want to hear that!
Research and Reflect:Before you apply, take some time to research Danone and its supply chain operations. Reflect on how your skills and experiences can fit into their operations. Being able to discuss their challenges and how you can contribute to solving them in your application will really make you stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Danone
✨Know Your Basics in Supply Chain Management
Make sure you've got a solid grasp of key supply chain concepts like demand forecasting, inventory management, and logistics. We could be quizzed on these during technical rounds, so brush up on any software tools commonly used in the industry like SAP or Oracle. This knowledge will help us show we can hit the ground running!
✨Show Off Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss real-world scenarios where you've used data analysis to solve supply chain challenges. If you've got experience with tools like Excel or Tableau, get ready to talk about how you've used these to optimise processes or improve efficiencies. Employers love seeing that we can turn data into actionable insights!
✨Highlight Your Teamwork and Project Management Skills
In a full-time role, collaboration is key. Think of examples where you've worked on cross-functional teams or managed projects. Sharing how you navigated challenges while working with diverse groups will show that we can thrive in a dynamic environment like at Danone.
✨Research Specific Challenges Faced by Danone
Look into any unique supply chain challenges Danone might be facing, whether it's sustainability, supplier relationships, or global disruptions. Being prepared to discuss these topics shows that we're not only informed but also genuinely interested in how we can contribute to their success. That’s a big plus in any interview!
