At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the S&OP cycle across multiple regions, ensuring alignment and effective planning.
- Company: Join a world-changing FTSE250 biotech manufacturing organisation.
- Benefits: Salary £75,000-£85,000, bonus up to 40%, shares, and private health.
- Other info: Flexible working with a dynamic team and excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-tech environment that improves lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in supply chain operations and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 85000 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid (2 days a week in South Oxfordshire)
Benefits: Salary £75,000- £85,000 (DOE) + Bonus up to 40% + Shares + Private Health
Overview
Procurement Heads are delighted to be recruiting an S&OP Lead for a world changing FTSE250 biotech manufacturing organisation.
Role Summary
Following an S&OP transformation, this organisation is looking for an S&OP lead to manage the successful implementation and adoption of newly designed processes. Whilst there are no direct reports, you will be supported by an experienced team of Senior Planners and will act as the C‑Suite liaison to encourage adoption across APAC, UK and US. We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded supply chain professional to take ownership of the Sales & Operational Planning (S&OP) process across a multi‑regional operation. This is a pivotal role with responsibility for embedding a robust, data‑driven S&OP framework that aligns demand, supply and business priorities, supporting reliable product availability and informed executive decision‑making. Working closely with senior stakeholders across the organisation, you will lead the end‑to‑end S&OP cycle, acting as the central point of coordination between commercial, operational and financial functions. The role requires strong cross‑functional leadership, the ability to influence without authority, and confidence operating in complex, fast‑moving environments.
Key Responsibilities
- Owning and leading the full S&OP cycle across multiple regions, including demand review, supply review, scenario modelling and business alignment
- Acting as the connector between Sales, Supply Chain, Production, Engineering and Finance to ensure plans are balanced, realistic and aligned to business objectives
- Partnering with operational teams on capacity planning and constraint management to support delivery against agreed targets
- Supporting the development of an agile and responsive supply chain capable of adapting to changing demand signals
- Establishing and maintaining S&OP governance, performance metrics and continuous improvement initiatives, driving increased process maturity over time
Ideal S&OP Lead
You will have deep expertise in planning and global supply chain operations, ideally gained within a technology‑led or complex manufacturing environment. You are comfortable operating as a senior individual contributor leading through influence. You can demonstrate a strong track record of implementing or improving S&OP processes, building alignment across functions and translating plans into tangible business outcomes. You are confident engaging with senior leaders and facilitating decision‑making where trade‑offs and ambiguity exist.
Your Experience
- Strong end‑to‑end supply chain knowledge, supported by hands‑on experience with ERP and planning systems
- Deep understanding of forecasting, demand and supply planning, inventory optimisation and S&OP best practice
- Experience operating within a global supply chain environment, including customer delivery and international flows of goods
- A degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Finance or a related discipline
- Excellent stakeholder management and change leadership abilities
Salary of £75,000- £85,000 DOE
Bonus of up to 40%
Private health
Flexible working (2 days a week on site)
The opportunity to apply your skills in a high tech manufacturing organisation that positively effects the lives of many.
S&OP Lead employer: Procurement Heads
Join a world-changing FTSE250 biotech manufacturing organisation that offers a dynamic and supportive work environment in South Oxfordshire. With a competitive salary of £75,000-£85,000 plus bonuses and shares, employees benefit from flexible working arrangements and private health coverage, fostering a culture of growth and innovation. This role not only allows you to lead impactful S&OP processes but also provides opportunities for professional development within a collaborative team dedicated to making a positive difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land S&OP Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work in supply chain or biotech. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common S&OP scenarios. Think about how you would handle demand reviews or capacity planning discussions. The more you rehearse, the more confident you'll feel when it’s showtime!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your influence skills! In your conversations, highlight examples where you've successfully led cross-functional teams or navigated complex environments. This will demonstrate your fit for the role's requirements.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand.
We think you need these skills to ace S&OP Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the S&OP Lead role. Highlight your experience in supply chain operations and any relevant achievements that align with the job description. We want to see how your skills can make a difference!
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 role. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully led S&OP processes in the past, and don’t forget to show your enthusiasm for the biotech industry.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Even though there are no direct reports, we need to see your leadership abilities. Share experiences where you influenced cross-functional teams or drove change without authority. This will demonstrate your capability to lead in a complex environment.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of it. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Procurement Heads
✨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 your knowledge of demand forecasting, supply planning, and how to align these with business objectives. Being able to discuss specific examples from your past experience will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but can apply it effectively.
✨Showcase Your Cross-Functional Leadership Skills
Since this role requires strong cross-functional leadership, prepare to discuss how you've successfully influenced stakeholders across different departments in previous roles. Think of specific instances where you’ve acted as a connector between teams like Sales, Supply Chain, and Finance, and be ready to share how you navigated any challenges.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in complex situations. Prepare for scenario-based questions where you might need to demonstrate how you would handle trade-offs or ambiguity in decision-making. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
✨Align Your Experience with Their Needs
Tailor your responses to highlight your experience in global supply chain operations and your familiarity with ERP systems. Make sure to connect your background in planning and S&OP best practices to the specific requirements mentioned in the job description. This will show that you understand their needs and are well-equipped to meet them.
