Supply Planning Lead in Birmingham

We are looking for an experienced

Supply Planning Lead to lead our supply planning function, ensuring we have the right products available, in the right place, at the right time, while balancing customer service, inventory and working capital.

Leading a team of three Supply Planners, you will take ownership of the development and execution of short-, medium- and long-term supply plans.

You will work closely with Demand Planning, Procurement, Manufacturing, Operations, Logistics, Commercial and Finance to create an aligned and responsive supply plan that supports the wider business strategy.

This is a highly collaborative role with responsibility for identifying supply risks, improving inventory health and strengthening our S&OP/IBP processes.

You will also play an important part in developing our planning capability, improving systems and data, and supporting wider supply chain transformation.

How You’ll Make an Impact

Lead and develop the Supply Planning team , creating a high-performing environment with clear priorities, accountability and opportunities for development.

• Own the development and maintenance of short-, medium- and long-term supply plans , translating demand forecasts into achievable supply requirements.
• Work closely with Demand Planning, Manufacturing, Procurement and Operations to align demand, production, material availability and capacity .
• Play a key role in the monthly

S&OP/IBP cycle , ensuring accurate and timely supply inputs and clearly communicating assumptions, risks, constraints and opportunities.

• Identify potential supply constraints and risks early, developing mitigation and recovery plans to protect product availability and customer service.
• Drive improvements in inventory optimisation , balancing availability with inventory investment, working capital and service expectations.
• Take ownership of inventory health, including the management and reduction of excess, obsolete and slow-moving stock .
• Develop appropriate inventory and replenishment strategies, including

Make to Order, Make to Forecast and Make to Stock , based on demand patterns, lead times and business requirements.

• Monitor supplier performance, lead times, market trends and external factors that could impact supply, ensuring risks are understood and effectively managed.
• Partner with Finance to support inventory forecasting, working capital planning and performance analysis .
• Use data and insight to monitor key measures including OTIF/customer service, inventory turns, stockouts, supply plan adherence, inventory value and excess and obsolete stock.
• Maintain the integrity of planning systems and data, ensuring supply assumptions, changes and adjustments are appropriately documented and communicated.
• Drive continuous improvement across planning processes, reporting, systems and data accuracy, identifying opportunities to simplify and standardise how we work.
• Support the implementation of new planning technologies and wider supply chain transformation initiatives .
• Build strong relationships across Sites, Sales, Marketing, Finance, Customer Service, Demand Planning and the wider Supply Chain organisation, providing constructive challenge where needed to achieve the best overall business outcome.
• What You’ll Bring

We’re looking for someone who combines strong technical supply planning knowledge with the ability to lead people, influence stakeholders and turn complex data into clear business decisions.

You’ll ideally bring

• A degree in

Supply Chain, Business, Economics, Engineering or a related discipline , or equivalent relevant experience.

• Strong experience within supply planning, demand planning, forecasting, inventory management or a related supply chain planning role .
• Previous experience of leading, coaching or developing a planning team .
• A strong understanding of supply planning principles, inventory optimisation, capacity planning and end-to-end supply chain processes.
• Practical experience of

S&OP and/or IBP processes , with the ability to translate demand requirements into robust supply plans.

• Experience working with planning and ERP technologies such as

SAP APO/IBP, Oracle, Anaplan or similar systems .

• Advanced Excel skills and confidence working with large and complex datasets .
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify trends, understand root causes and translate data into actionable recommendations.
• Commercial awareness and an understanding of the relationship between inventory, working capital, service levels and business performance .
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to challenge assumptions and influence decisions across different functions and levels of the organisation.
• Experience identifying and managing supply chain risks and constraints , with a proactive approach to mitigation.
• A continuous improvement mindset and experience improving planning processes, systems, reporting or ways of working .
• The ability to operate effectively in a changing environment, balancing strategic planning with the day-to-day priorities of a busy supply chain.