At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead demand and supply planning, shaping a resilient supply chain model.
- Company: Join Sofina Foods, a leader in the FMCG sector with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a car allowance, company bonus, pension scheme, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Opportunity for immediate responsibility and exposure to senior stakeholders.
- Why this job: Spearhead a major evolution in supply chain strategy and make a tangible impact.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in demand and supply planning within FMCG or food manufacturing.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Lead our end-to-end demand and supply planning performance, shaping the future of our supply chain by building a highly integrated and resilient planning model.
Additional Benefits: Car Allowance, Company Bonus Scheme, Company Pension Scheme, Private Medical Insurance
The Role: As our new planning leader, you will take full accountability for our end-to-end planning cycle, ensuring customer demand is seamlessly converted into an executable, cost-effective supply plan. You will link service, inventory, capacity, cost, and cash to drive outcomes, delivering stable plans that protect fill rates, OTIF, and customer confidence. Leading a high-performing central team, you will drive a major transformation to unify our planning operations and build a consistent, world-class central capability. You will act as the business owner for planning systems, championing simplification and automation so we can safely scale and grow volume alongside our customers. Working closely with Procurement, Operations, Logistics, Commercial, and Finance, you will translate commercial opportunities into feasible supply plans and represent the planning function at the Senior Leadership level.
Your Key Responsibilities:
- Own the end-to-end planning cycle covering demand, supply, capacity, stock, and deployment.
- Deliver stable, executable plans that protect customer confidence and support strategic peak periods.
- Define and enforce best-in-class planning standards, rhythms, KPIs, and controls across all sites.
- Lead stock balancing, redeployment decisions, and working capital outcomes to drive inventory accuracy.
- Partner with cross-functional teams to translate commercial changes into feasible supply plans.
- Lead the planning elements of supply chain transformation programmes, driving continuous improvement and automation.
- Develop and lead a high-performing central planning team, building succession and long-term resilience.
- Proactively forecast planning risks while providing clear options and commercial recommendations.
The Ideal Candidate: Senior leadership experience in demand and supply planning within FMCG or food manufacturing. Proven background in owning demand and customer processes at scale within a complex, multi-site environment. Strong commercial and operational judgement with the ability to link planning performance to cash control. Experience leading high-complexity supply chains and exposure to major transformation or operating model programmes. A calm, structured, and decisive leader who remains grounded in detail under pressure. Confident in constructively challenging the status quo and elevating the function with clear, strategic solutions.
Why Sofina Foods? This is an opportunity to spearhead a major evolution in our supply chain strategy. You will have the autonomy to shape central planning governance and build a high-performing team within a collaborative environment. The role offers immediate responsibility, exposure to senior stakeholders, and the chance to make a lasting, tangible impact on our operational capability and commercial growth.
Equal Opportunities: Sofina Foods is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences – regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
Director, Demand & Supply Planning employer: Sofina Foods Europe
Sofina Foods is an exceptional employer that offers a dynamic and collaborative work environment, where you can lead transformative supply chain initiatives and make a significant impact on operational capabilities. With benefits such as a car allowance, company bonus scheme, and private medical insurance, alongside opportunities for professional growth and development, you will thrive in a culture that values diversity and inclusion. Join us to shape the future of our planning operations while enjoying the autonomy and support needed to excel in your role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, Demand & Supply Planning
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their supply chain challenges and think about how your experience can solve them. We want you to walk in feeling confident and ready to showcase your skills!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and get comfortable discussing your achievements. We believe that being well-prepared can make all the difference when it comes to impressing your future employer.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can keep you top of mind and show your enthusiasm for the role. We’re all about making connections, so let’s keep the conversation going!
We think you need these skills to ace Director, Demand & Supply Planning
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Director, Demand & Supply Planning. Highlight your experience in demand and supply planning, especially in FMCG or food manufacturing, and showcase how you've led teams and driven transformation.
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 achievements that demonstrate your ability to deliver stable plans and lead high-performing teams.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see your leadership style! Share examples of how you've successfully managed cross-functional teams and navigated complex supply chains. This will help us understand how you can drive our planning operations forward.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sofina Foods Europe
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Director of Demand & Supply Planning, you'll need to demonstrate your grasp of key metrics. Brush up on KPIs related to inventory accuracy, fill rates, and OTIF. Be ready to discuss how you've used these metrics in past roles to drive performance.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires leading a high-performing team, so be prepared to share your leadership philosophy. Think about examples where you've successfully transformed teams or processes, and how you foster collaboration across departments like Procurement and Operations.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in complex supply chain scenarios. Prepare to discuss how you would handle potential planning risks or unexpected changes in demand, showcasing your strategic thinking and calmness under pressure.
✨Align with Company Values
Familiarise yourself with Sofina Foods' commitment to diversity and inclusion. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to building a collaborative environment and how your past experiences align with their values, especially in leading diverse teams.
