Head of Production Planning in Chesterfield

We are Global Brands Ltd, the leading independent drinks brand development business that owns, markets and distributes an enviable collection of products across the RTD/RTS, spirits, soft drinks and beer categories. We’ve developed some of the best performing brands in the market place such as VK, HOOCH and Franklin & Sons. Our recipe for success involves spotting market trends early, knowing our customers’ business goals and needs, and having expert buying, marketing and sales teams.

Our Head Offices are based within our own award winning 4-star Hotel CASA in Chesterfield, North East Derbyshire. An opportunity has arisen for Head of Planning and Supply. This is an exciting opportunity to join a company that has established itself globally, but still has the agility of an SME.

Reporting directly to our Production Director and overseeing a team of four, the main purpose of this pivotal role is to ensure a consistent level of supply and stock holding co-ordinated through multiple third-party contract packers within the UK and Europe. The successful candidate will have experience working within planning, be able to problem solve under pressure and have excellent communication skills to maintain and build on supply chain relationships. The individual will be involved in multiple aspects of a dynamic and ever evolving business, from working closely with our technical and procurement teams on all production related matters to working alongside brand and marketing teams throughout NPD and playing an instrumental role in year-end audits alongside our financial team.

Role Purpose

The Head of Planning & Supply is responsible for leading the end-to-end supply chain function, ensuring the business delivers best-in-class product availability, cost efficiency, and operational performance. This role owns the full planning cycle from demand forecasting through to production, materials procurement, and finished goods availability, operating across a global manufacturing and supplier network.

Key Responsibilities

• Supply Chain Leadership
  • Own and lead the end-to-end supply chain function, including demand planning, supply planning, production scheduling, and inventory management
  • Ensure high service levels across all markets while optimising working capital and stock holding
  • Manage supply across multiple third party manufacturing sites and co-packers, ensuring capacity alignment with demand
• S&OP & Forecasting
  • Lead the monthly S&OP process, driving alignment between Sales, Finance, and Operations
  • Deliver a robust, data-driven demand forecast and translate into actionable supply plans
  • Continuously improve forecast accuracy and planning capability
• Supplier Management
  • Aid the Procurement team’s strategy across raw materials, packaging, and finished goods
  • Support supplier relationship management and performance across a multi-million-pound spend
  • Ensure supply continuity and risk mitigation across the supplier base
• Operational Execution
  • Oversee production planning and materials availability to ensure seamless execution
  • Maintain control of MRP systems, master data, and planning tools
  • Drive operational efficiency improvements across the supply chain
• Team Leadership
  • Lead, develop, and structure the planning team
  • Build capability across forecasting, planning, and supplier management
  • Foster a high-performance, accountable, and collaborative culture
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Work closely with Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Operations
  • Support new product development (NPD) and product lifecycle management
  • Provide clear reporting and insight to senior leadership

This role is office based, with a work-from-home day included.

The person:

• A minimum of 3-5 years’ experience within planning, FMCG experience advantageous
• Previous office management experience
• An organised and methodical approach to working with the ability to work well under time constraints
• Have well-developed communication and interpersonal skills to build and maintain strong supplier relationships
• Strong numeracy skills
• Proficient in MS Office, particularly in excel.

The package

• Enrolment into our health & wellness scheme
• Company pension
• Free lunch daily
• Free on-site parking
• The chance to work with an exciting, diverse spirits portfolio and make a real commercial impact
• The opportunity to own brands, shape strategy and see your ideas come to life in market
• Endless opportunities to grow, learn and level up your career
• Working 4 days a week from our head office in Chesterfield, with one day working from home

Global Brands Ltd proudly manages its Talent Acquisition and onboarding processes in house. Please no Recruitment Agency enquiries. Global Brands Ltd. celebrates diversity and is an equal opportunity employer, welcoming applications from all backgrounds. Please advise us if you require any adjustments during the interview process.