At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and transform supply chain operations for exceptional customer service and efficiency.
- Company: Fast-paced food manufacturing business with a focus on growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, benefits package, and long-term career development opportunities.
- Other info: Opportunity to drive continuous improvement and influence strategic planning.
- Why this job: Join a senior leadership team and make a real impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in food manufacturing, strong leadership, and supply chain management skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 60000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) Manager to join a growing and fast-paced food manufacturing business. Reporting directly to the Managing Director and forming part of the Senior Leadership Team, this role will lead and transform end-to-end supply chain operations to deliver exceptional customer service, operational efficiency, compliance and continuous improvement across the business.
This is a strategic and hands-on leadership role responsible for aligning demand, supply, production, warehousing and logistics functions to support the company’s long-term growth objectives.
Responsibilities- Sales & Operations Planning – Lead and manage the S&OP process to ensure alignment between sales forecasts, operational capacity and business objectives.
- Develop accurate supply and demand forecasts to optimise service levels and minimise waste.
- Drive cross-functional collaboration between commercial, operations, procurement and logistics teams.
- Supply Chain & Logistics – Oversee end-to-end supply chain operations including inventory management, warehousing, transport and logistics.
- Manage relationships with third-party logistics (3PL) providers and external warehouse partners.
- Ensure efficient stock management, resource planning and production scheduling across the business.
- Data, Systems & Performance – Utilise ERP systems and data analytics to monitor supply chain performance and identify improvement opportunities.
- Analyse trends, KPIs and operational data to support decision-making and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Lead cost reduction and service improvement projects while maintaining operational excellence.
- Leadership & Continuous Improvement – Lead, develop and support high-performing teams across the supply chain function.
- Champion a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Support business transformation initiatives and drive operational efficiencies through lean and digital improvements.
- Work closely with senior stakeholders to support strategic planning and business growth.
- Previous senior leadership experience within complex food manufacturing or FMCG environments.
- Strong understanding of end-to-end supply chain operations including planning, inventory, logistics and warehousing.
- Proven experience leading S&OP and demand planning processes.
- Strong commercial awareness with experience managing budgets and delivering cost efficiencies.
- Excellent analytical, forecasting and problem-solving skills.
- Experience using ERP systems alongside strong Excel and Microsoft Office skills.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence at all levels.
- Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced and evolving manufacturing environment.
- Strategic thinker with strong operational execution skills.
- Calm and solutions-focused under pressure.
- Highly organised with excellent planning and prioritisation skills.
- Passionate about leadership, team development and continuous improvement.
- Resilient, adaptable and commercially driven.
- Opportunity to join a growing and ambitious food manufacturing business.
- Senior leadership position with genuine influence across the organisation.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Long-term career development opportunities within a dynamic environment.
Sales and Operations Planning Manager in IP1 in Ipswich employer: Energy Jobline ZR
Join a dynamic and ambitious food manufacturing business in Suffolk, where you will play a pivotal role as a Sales and Operations Planning Manager. With a competitive salary and benefits package, this position offers not only the chance to influence strategic decisions but also ample opportunities for career development in a supportive and collaborative work culture that champions continuous improvement and operational excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales and Operations Planning Manager in IP1 in Ipswich
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the food manufacturing sector, especially those in S&OP roles. Use LinkedIn to connect and engage with them; you never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s supply chain operations. Understand their challenges and think about how your experience can help them improve. This shows you're not just interested in the role but also in their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your leadership style and strategic thinking can drive continuous improvement in their S&OP processes. Confidence is key, so rehearse until it feels natural.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Sales and Operations Planning Manager in IP1 in Ipswich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Sales and Operations Planning Manager role. Highlight your experience in supply chain operations, S&OP processes, and any relevant achievements in food manufacturing or FMCG environments.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've led teams, improved processes, and driven operational efficiencies in previous positions.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role involves data analysis and performance monitoring, be sure to mention your experience with ERP systems and any analytical tools you've used. We want to see how you can leverage data to make informed decisions.
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 important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Energy Jobline ZR
✨Know Your S&OP Inside Out
Make sure you understand the Sales & Operations Planning process thoroughly. Be ready to discuss how you've led S&OP initiatives in the past, and think about specific examples where your leadership made a difference in aligning demand and supply.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your analytical prowess. Bring examples of how you've used data analytics and ERP systems to drive improvements in supply chain performance. Highlight any KPIs you've successfully influenced and how you approached problem-solving.
✨Emphasise Cross-Functional Collaboration
This role requires strong collaboration across various teams. Be prepared to share experiences where you've driven cross-functional teamwork, especially between commercial, operations, and logistics. Show how you can foster a culture of accountability and collaboration.
✨Demonstrate Leadership and Continuous Improvement
Talk about your leadership style and how you've developed high-performing teams. Share specific instances where you've championed continuous improvement initiatives, and be ready to discuss how you handle challenges in a fast-paced environment.
