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- Tasks: Lead the S&OP process, improve forecasting, and optimise inventory across the supply chain.
- Company: Join DCS Group, the UK's top distributor in Health, Beauty, and Household products.
- Benefits: Be part of a family-owned business that values people, performance, and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment with a focus on innovation and excellence.
- Qualifications: Experience in S&OP or planning roles, strong numerical skills, and excellent communication.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic and ambitious supply chain team.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
At DCS Group, we're not just about moving products, we're about driving innovation, efficiency, and excellence throughout every link of our supply chain. With over 30 years of consecutive growth, DCS Group has become the UK's leading distributor, manufacturer, and exporter of Health, Beauty, and Household products. Representing global brands such as Procter & Gamble, Unilever, Kenvue, PZ Cussons, and SC Johnson, alongside our own label Enliven, we combine scale with an entrepreneurial mindset to deliver outstanding customer service.
We're now looking for an experienced and motivated Sales & Operational Planning (S&OP) Manager to join our Supply Chain team. This is a key role focused on running the S&OP process, improving forecasting accuracy, and supporting strong supply and inventory performance across the business.
The Role
Reporting to the Head of Supply Chain, you will own and run the S&OP process for the DCS business. You will gather data across departments and create aligned plans across demand, supply, operations, sales, commercial and finance. Working closely with Sales, Commercial and Operations, and liaising with suppliers and customers, you will support high service levels, improve stock efficiency, and drive continuous improvement within planning.
Key Responsibilities
- Deploy and run the S&OP process, ensuring alignment across key functions
- Develop and monitor demand and supply forecasts, including identifying trends and seasonality
- Review forecast demand versus actual performance, monitoring BIAS and MAPE to improve accuracy
- Ensure forecasts include promotions, visible impact orders, new products and obsolete SKUs
- Share supply and purchase forecasts with key suppliers and adjust where required
- Support inventory optimisation, including stock holding, ROP and EOQ
- Order stock using sales history, forecasts, seasonality and promotional activity
- Work with suppliers, transport, customer service and goods-in teams to support a 98.5% Customer Service Level
- Maintain inventory within target levels and prevent stock being held over 90 days
About You
- Previous experience in a similar S&OP, planning, buying or stock control role
- Strong numerical ability, forecasting skills and attention to detail
- Confident communicator with the ability to build relationships internally and externally
- Process-driven, organised, and able to prioritise in a fast-paced environment
- Able to work to deadlines and manage customer expectations
Why Join DCS Group?
You'll join a growing family-owned business where people, performance and development matter. This is a great opportunity to make a visible impact within a fast-paced, ambitious supply chain team.
Sales & Operational Planning (S&OP) in Oxford employer: DCS Group (UK) Ltd
Contact Detail:
DCS Group (UK) Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales & Operational Planning (S&OP) in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with current employees at DCS Group. Building relationships can give us insider info and might just land you an interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research DCS Group's products and their S&OP process. We want to show that we’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about what they do.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend to do a mock interview with you. Focus on articulating your experience in S&OP and how it aligns with DCS Group’s goals. We need to be confident and clear!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After the interview, send a thank-you email expressing our appreciation for the opportunity. It shows we’re keen and professional, which can set us apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Sales & Operational Planning (S&OP) in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the S&OP role. Highlight your previous experience in planning, buying, or stock control, and don’t forget to showcase your numerical ability and forecasting skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about the S&OP process and how your background aligns with DCS Group's goals. Be sure to mention any relevant achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous roles.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a confident communicator, it’s important to highlight your ability to build relationships. In your application, give examples of how you've successfully collaborated with different teams or stakeholders to achieve common goals.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at DCS Group (UK) Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Sales & Operational Planning Manager, you'll need to demonstrate strong numerical ability. Brush up on your forecasting skills and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. Prepare examples that showcase your attention to detail and how you’ve improved accuracy in forecasts.
✨Understand the S&OP Process
Familiarise yourself with the S&OP process and its importance in supply chain management. Be prepared to explain how you would deploy and run this process at DCS Group. Think about how you can align demand, supply, operations, and sales effectively, and have some strategies ready to share.
✨Build Relationships
Communication is key in this role. Think about how you’ve built relationships with suppliers and internal teams in the past. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you’ve collaborated with different departments to achieve high service levels and improve stock efficiency.
✨Show Your Problem-Solving Skills
DCS Group values continuous improvement, so come prepared with examples of challenges you've faced in planning or inventory management. Discuss how you identified issues, the steps you took to resolve them, and the outcomes. This will show your proactive approach and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.