A market-leading FMCG organisation is seeking an experienced Head of Supply Planning to lead and develop its end-to-end supply planning function during an exciting period of growth and transformation.
Reporting into the Supply Chain Director, this high-profile leadership role will be responsible for ensuring optimal product availability, inventory performance, and operational efficiency across a complex manufacturing and distribution network. You will play a key role in aligning demand, supply, manufacturing, procurement, and customer requirements to deliver world-class service levels whilst driving continuous improvement across planning processes.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a forward-thinking planning leader who combines strategic thinking with strong operational execution and stakeholder influence.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the Supply Planning team, creating a high-performance culture focused on accountability, development, and continuous improvement.
- Own the end-to-end supply planning process, balancing customer service, inventory, capacity, and cost objectives.
- Develop supply planning strategies that support business growth, new product introductions, promotional activity, and changing market conditions.
- Drive inventory optimisation across raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods.
- Lead the supply review process within the S&OP / IBP framework, ensuring robust decision-making and risk management.
- Partner closely with Demand Planning, Operations, Procurement, Logistics, and Commercial teams to ensure alignment across the supply chain.
- Manage capacity planning activities across manufacturing sites and external suppliers, identifying constraints and mitigating supply risks.
- Deliver improvements in forecast attainment, inventory turns, service levels, waste reduction, and working capital performance.
- Provide senior leadership with clear visibility of supply risks, opportunities, and performance metrics.
- Lead planning system enhancements, process standardisation, and supply chain transformation initiatives.
About You
- Significant experience within Supply Planning, Supply Chain Planning, Production Planning, or IBP leadership roles within an FMCG environment.
- Proven track record leading large planning teams and developing planning capabilities.
- Strong understanding of S&OP / IBP processes and best-practice supply chain planning principles.
- Experience working within complex manufacturing environments, managing multiple SKUs, production constraints, and customer requirements.
- Strong analytical capability with the ability to make data-led decisions in a fast-moving environment.
- Exceptional stakeholder management skills with experience influencing senior leadership teams.
- Experience driving change, implementing planning improvements, and delivering measurable operational results.
- Knowledge of planning systems such as SAP APO, SAP IBP, Kinaxis, OMP, Blue Yonder, or similar solutions would be advantageous.
To apply for the role please send your CV to
Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates
Head of Planning in Manchester employer: Robert Walters Careers
Join a leading organisation in Walsall that values its employees and fosters a collaborative work culture. As a Group Financial Controller, you will benefit from competitive salary packages, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to make a significant impact on the company's financial strategy. With a commitment to compliance and efficiency, this role offers a rewarding environment where your expertise will be recognised and appreciated.
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