At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and modernise the S&OP process, improving planning and forecasting across the business.
- Company: Join a well-known UK business during a transformative period.
- Benefits: Permanent role with opportunities for leadership and impact.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with potential for significant career growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of planning and make a lasting impact in a key leadership role.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in S&OP or planning, with strong systems knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: Peterborough, England, United Kingdom (On-site)
Sector: Supply Chain Planning
Job Type: Permanent
Pod Talent are currently working with a well-known and highly successful UK business on an exciting opportunity for a Head of S&OP to join during a key period of transformation. This is a high-impact leadership role where you will be responsible for modernising and elevating the planning function, improving visibility across demand and supply, and creating a more forward-looking, data-led S&OP process. The business has strong foundations in place, but now requires an experienced leader to bring structure, challenge existing ways of working, and build a best-in-class planning capability.
You will lead established demand and supply planning teams (8 direct reports in total) and play a critical role in improving forecasting accuracy, stock strategy, systems utilisation, and cross-functional alignment.
Key Responsibilities for the role of Head of S&OP / Head of Planning:- Lead and develop the end-to-end S&OP process, driving improved planning maturity across the business
- Manage teams across Demand Planning and Supply Planning, building capability, accountability, and performance
- Improve forecast visibility beyond the current short-term planning horizon to enable better supply and resource planning
- Implement robust short-term planning processes, whilst shaping a longer-term automation roadmap
- Review and optimise stock holding strategy, working capital, and SKU lifecycle management
- Drive a more efficient JIT-led replenishment model
- Evaluate current ERP / MRP system capability and maximise planning functionality within existing systems
- Improve planning data, reporting, KPIs, and decision-making processes
- Work closely with Procurement, Operations, and wider business stakeholders to align supply with demand
- Lead change management across long-standing teams, embedding stronger behaviours and performance standards
- Proven leadership experience within S&OP, Demand Planning, Supply Planning, or Integrated Business Planning
- Strong understanding of forecasting, inventory strategy, replenishment, and supply planning principles
- Experience transforming or improving planning functions within complex operational environments
- Strong systems capability - ERP / MRP knowledge essential (SAGE exposure beneficial but not required)
- Commercially minded with the ability to reduce cost, optimise stock, and improve service simultaneously
- Experience leading established teams through change and performance improvement
- Confident stakeholder manager able to influence cross-functionally and challenge constructively
- Open on industry background - product-based, manufacturing, distribution, retail, wholesale or similar environments all of interest
This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to step into a visible leadership role with genuine scope to shape a function and make lasting impact.
Head of S&OP / Head of Planning (Supply Chain) employer: Job Search Place Limited
Join a dynamic and forward-thinking company in Peterborough, where you will have the opportunity to lead transformative initiatives in supply chain planning. With a strong emphasis on employee development, a collaborative work culture, and a commitment to innovation, this role offers a unique chance to make a significant impact while enjoying a supportive environment that values your contributions. The company prioritises work-life balance and provides competitive benefits, making it an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of S&OP / Head of Planning (Supply Chain)
✨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 Job Search Place Limited, 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 S&OP / Head of Planning (Supply Chain).
We think you need these skills to ace Head of S&OP / Head of Planning (Supply Chain)
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 Job Search Place Limited. 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 Job Search Place Limited 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 Job Search Place Limited
✨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 Job Search Place Limited.
✨Research Specific Challenges Faced by Job Search Place Limited
Look into any unique supply chain challenges Job Search Place Limited 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!
