At a Glance
- Tasks: Own demand planning and stock control for a diverse range of food products.
- Company: Established international food sourcing and distribution business with strong values.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, matched pension, and life assurance.
- Other info: Stable environment with excellent career growth and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Be part of a small team where your contributions directly impact the business.
- Qualifications: Experience in supply chain or stock control, strong analytical skills, and Excel proficiency.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
A supply chain planning role where the forecast, the stock position and the supplier lead times are genuinely yours to own, rather than one line in a large planning function.
We're supporting a long-established international food sourcing and distribution business with the appointment of a Supply Chain Planner within its foodservice division. The division supplies pub chains, restaurant groups, contract caterers and wholesalers across chilled, ambient and frozen, with around 90% of the range in frozen and poultry. Product comes in from suppliers across Asia and the EU, so lead times are long and the planning has to be right well ahead of the demand.
This is a small team, and the role exists because the division has grown. You'd own the planning side of it: the forecast, the stock position, and the reporting behind both. It would suit someone analytical who enjoys the detail of stock and demand, and who is confident enough to challenge a forecast or chase a supplier without waiting for permission.
Key Responsibilities
- You'd take ownership of demand planning and stock control across roughly 130 SKUs and 80+ customers, working closely with the commercial team, finance and a centralised logistics function.
- Forecast customer demand from sales history, challenging Account Managers where the numbers don't hold up.
- Hold an accurate stock position and reconcile daily and weekly against third party cold stores.
- Own the stock value projection, with monthly reviews looking 3, 6 and 12 months ahead.
- Build the regular reporting and dashboards that the team, finance and logistics work from.
- Work with logistics on container arrivals, minimising demurrage, handballing and storage cost.
- Put a documented end-to-end planning process in place, including process maps, flags and warnings.
What We're Looking For
You’ll have supply chain, planning, demand or stock control experience, ideally from food, foodservice or FMCG. Poultry or frozen exposure would be a bonus rather than a requirement. What matters most is analytical capability. This is a numbers role - sales history, forecasts, reconciliations and reporting - and Excel is used heavily, so you’ll need to be genuinely strong with it rather than just comfortable.
Beyond that, it’s about ownership. The team is small and fast-moving, and you’ll be expected to pick up an issue with a supplier or an internal team and run with it rather than escalate it. This role is five days a week on site in Surrey. That’s a firm requirement rather than a preference, so it’s worth being sure the commute works before applying.
Why Join?
In a team of three, you’re not one planner among twenty. The forecast, the stock position and the reporting are yours, and the people making the commercial decisions are sitting next to you. The business has been trading food internationally for generations and holds the accreditations you’d expect behind that - ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001, BRCGS storage, Red Tractor and Sedex - so there’s real infrastructure here rather than a thin trading operation. It’s also a stable place to land. Most of the team have been there well over a decade, and the business runs on a straightforward set of values: honesty, integrity, unity, efficiency and drive to succeed.
The package is £38,000-£40,000 plus 25 days holiday with the option to buy five more, a 6% matched pension and life assurance from day one. If you’re interested in learning more, we’d be happy to have a confidential conversation.
Supply Chain Planner - Food Service in Surrey employer: Henderson Brown Recruitment
Join a dynamic and health-focused manufacturing company in Lincolnshire as a Procurement Manager, where you will lead a dedicated team and play a pivotal role in enhancing supplier performance. With a strong emphasis on employee growth and a hybrid working model, this organisation fosters a collaborative work culture that values innovation and strategic thinking. Enjoy competitive remuneration and the opportunity to make a tangible impact in a thriving business that prioritises both its people and its products.
Contact Details:
Henderson Brown Recruitment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Supply Chain Planner - Food Service in Surrey
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Logistics and supply chain are all about networking, so hit up those trade shows and local meetups. Places like the UK's Logistics and Supply Chain conference can be goldmines for connecting with potential employers like Henderson Brown Recruitment and learning about the latest trends in the industry.
✨Leverage Online Communities
Join forums and LinkedIn groups specifically for logistics professionals. Share your insights and ask questions to get noticed. Being active in these spaces can help you establish credibility and might just lead to an opportunity at Henderson Brown Recruitment!
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Portfolio
Even if it’s a full-time gig, having a portfolio can really set you apart. Include case studies or projects that demonstrate your understanding of supply chain management, logistics software, or solving operational challenges. You’d be surprised at how much this can impress hiring managers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don't forget the power of applying directly through our website! A lot of companies like Henderson Brown Recruitment keep job postings exclusive to their sites. This way, you can easily keep track of your applications and ensure your profile is in front of the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Supply Chain Planner - Food Service in Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:In your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight your understanding of logistics and supply chain management principles. Mention any relevant courses you've taken or tools you've used, like inventory management software or data analysis platforms, to showcase your skills and keep up with best practices in the industry.
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your previous work experience, remember to use numbers wherever possible. Did you improve delivery times by a specific percentage? Did you help reduce costs? These kinds of quantified achievements not only catch the eye but also demonstrate your capability in the logistics sector.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Henderson Brown Recruitment:This is your chance to really connect with the team at Henderson Brown Recruitment. In your cover letter, express why you're passionate about supply chain logistics and how your goals align with the company’s mission. A little personalisation goes a long way!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications related to logistics or supply chain management—like APICS or Six Sigma—make sure you flaunt them! These show that you're committed to your professional development and can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Henderson Brown Recruitment
✨Know Your Logistics Tools
Make sure you're familiar with key logistics software and tools like SAP or Oracle ERP. These are often used in the industry, and being able to demonstrate your knowledge or experience with them can really set you apart during your interview with Henderson Brown Recruitment.
✨Perfect Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect to tackle scenarios that showcase your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you've had to optimise supply chains or handle logistics challenges. Have a few examples ready to discuss how you made decisions that led to improvements.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Supply chain roles heavily rely on teamwork and communication. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Maybe share a time when you coordinated with a team to resolve a logistical hiccup. This can show Henderson Brown Recruitment that you're a team player!
✨Understand the Big Picture
Be ready to talk about the broader logistics and supply chain trends. Having insights into current challenges in the industry, like sustainability or lead times, can impress the interviewers at Henderson Brown Recruitment. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
