At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and modernise the S&OP process, improving planning and forecasting across the business.
- Company: A well-known UK business undergoing transformation in supply chain management.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working after 6 months, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a transformative journey with excellent career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping a best-in-class planning function in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in S&OP or planning, with strong systems and stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Location: Peterborough (site-based initially, moving to hybrid working after 6 months).
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:- 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.
If interested, please apply here or email holly@pod-talent.com.
Head of S&OP / Head of Planning (Supply Chain) in Peterborough employer: Pod Talent
Join a well-known and highly successful UK business as the Head of S&OP in Peterborough, where you will lead transformative initiatives within a supportive and collaborative work culture. With a focus on employee growth and development, this role offers the chance to shape a best-in-class planning function while enjoying the benefits of hybrid working after six months. The company values innovation and accountability, providing a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of S&OP / Head of Planning (Supply Chain) in Peterborough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the supply chain industry and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its S&OP processes. Be ready to discuss how your experience can modernise their planning function and improve forecasting accuracy. Show them you’re the leader they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of exciting roles waiting for talented individuals like you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of S&OP / Head of Planning (Supply Chain) in Peterborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Head of S&OP. Highlight your leadership experience and any specific achievements in demand and supply planning that align with what we're looking for.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this high-impact role. Share your vision for modernising the planning function and how you can drive improvements across the business.
Showcase Your Systems Knowledge:Since strong systems capability is key, don’t forget to mention your experience with ERP/MRP systems. If you've worked with SAGE or similar, make it known! We want to see how you can maximise planning functionality.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to lead and shape our planning function!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pod Talent
✨Know Your S&OP Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the S&OP process and its importance in supply chain management. Brush up on key concepts like forecasting accuracy, inventory strategy, and JIT replenishment. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the role but also passionate about it.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As this role involves leading teams, be prepared to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed and developed teams in the past. Highlight your experience in driving change and improving performance, as well as how you've influenced cross-functional stakeholders. This will demonstrate your capability to lead effectively in a high-impact environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific challenges related to demand and supply planning. Think about scenarios where you've had to optimise stock levels or improve forecasting processes. Practising your responses will help you articulate your thought process and problem-solving skills during the interview.
✨Research the Company and Its Culture
Familiarise yourself with the company's values, recent developments, and their approach to supply chain management. Understanding their current challenges and how you can contribute to their transformation will give you an edge. It shows that you're genuinely interested in the role and ready to make a meaningful impact.
