Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead supply chain planning for Prepared Foods and manage resources effectively.
- Company: Join Pilgrims Europe, a leader in the food industry focused on innovation and quality.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a collaborative work environment.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of strategic planning, impacting business profitability and operations.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in S&OP and MRP; degree in Business Management or Supply Chain required.
- Other info: Opportunity to present to the board and influence key business decisions.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 84000 £ per year.
The Head of Planning - Prepared Foods and MRP is responsible for overseeing the entire supply chain planning for Prepared Foods and the Material Resources necessary for production. This role encompasses the planning process from the receipt of demand for prepared foods, calculation of materials and resources requirements, and proposal of production and sales plans (S&OP) that will be cascaded to sites and commercial areas of Pilgrims Europe.
The Head of Planning is responsible for the IBP (Integrated Business Planning) and S&OP (Sales & Operations Planning) processes, working closely with key stakeholders, such as sites SC and Directors, BU leaders, Agriculture, Procurement, Logistics, and Finance to ensure optimised planning scenarios, aligned with budget and strategic goals. This role also accumulates the development and implementation of inventory policies for finished goods and materials.
The Head of Planning will be responsible for presenting the S&OP scenarios monthly to the board of directors for approval before cascading the plans and metrics to all operational areas. The Head of Planning is responsible for monitoring KPIs, creating report systems to support sites, and working closely with them on deviations and proactive action plans. This head will also seek opportunities and projects to increase overall business profitability.
Finally, the Head of Planning - Prepared Foods and MRP will be responsible for planning systems and tools.
- Key Responsibilities/Measures of Success:
- Integrated Business Plan
- Sales and Operations Plans
- Integrated Resources Plan
- Optimised Planning Scenarios
- Inventory Policies and Management
- Developing and Implementing Planning Processes and Policies
- Implementing and Managing Supply Chain Tools and Systems
- Service Level Improvement Processes
- Dashboards and Reports to Support Sites and Operations
Skills & Knowledge:
- Minimum of ten years of experience with S&OP, IBP, MRP, and other related planning processes
- Minimum of three to five years of experience in designing, improving and/or implementing planning processes
- Excellent communication and leadership skills
- Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and drive collaboration across departments and businesses
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Attention to detail and accuracy
- Exceptional analytical and critical thinking skills
- Experience with supply chains and optimisation tools and systems
- Ability to calculate inventory policies
- Educated to Degree level in Business Management, Supply Chain or Equivalent Qualifications [Accredited]
- Experience with streamlining planning processes
- Participating in merging processes involving the planning department
Contact Detail:
Pilgrim's Europe Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Planning
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the supply chain and planning sectors. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet people who work in similar roles. This can help you gain insights into the company culture and expectations, which is invaluable when preparing for interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and technologies in Integrated Business Planning (IBP) and Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP). Being knowledgeable about current tools and systems will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your commitment to staying ahead in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully implemented planning processes in previous roles. Highlight your experience with KPIs and how you've used data to drive decisions, as this will resonate well with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Pilgrims Europe thoroughly, including their business model and recent developments. Understanding their strategic goals will allow you to tailor your discussions during interviews, showing that you're not just interested in the role but also in contributing to their success.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Planning
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience with S&OP, IBP, and MRP processes. Use specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to collaborate across departments.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, explain why you are the perfect fit for the Head of Planning role. Discuss your experience in developing and implementing planning processes and how it aligns with the company's goals.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Provide examples of how you've used analytical and problem-solving skills in previous roles. Mention any tools or systems you've implemented that improved supply chain efficiency.
Prepare for Potential Questions: Think about the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description and prepare answers that showcase your experience in those areas. Be ready to discuss how you would approach presenting S&OP scenarios to the board.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pilgrim's Europe
✨Understand the S&OP Process
Make sure you have a solid grasp of the Sales & Operations Planning process. Be prepared to discuss your experience with S&OP and how you've successfully implemented it in previous roles. Highlight specific examples where your planning led to improved efficiency or profitability.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As the Head of Planning, you'll be leading multidisciplinary teams. Prepare to share instances where you've effectively led teams, resolved conflicts, or driven collaboration across departments. Emphasise your communication style and how it fosters teamwork.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Prowess
This role requires strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to inform your planning decisions. Bring examples of KPIs you've monitored and how you've created reports that supported operational areas.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Inventory Policies
Understanding inventory management is crucial for this position. Brush up on your knowledge of inventory policies and be prepared to discuss how you've developed or implemented these in past roles. Share any tools or systems you've used to optimise inventory management.