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- Tasks: Lead global planning processes and enhance our value chain through data-driven strategies.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company focused on inclusivity and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by optimising planning across diverse product categories.
- Qualifications: Experience in S&OP functions and strong analytical skills required.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on leadership and inclusivity.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Ready to link teams across markets and product categories to deliver a data-powered planning process that enhances our value chain.
As Head of Operations - Planning you will lead a function that sits at the heart of our end-to-end value chain, bringing together Category Operations and S&OP to create a consistent, standardised planning approach across all regions. Your work will ensure our planning processes are aligned, efficient and enable us to meet the needs of our customers and partners worldwide.
In this role, you will be implementing and embedding a global customised S&OP process that aligns demand, supply, manufacturing, distribution and inventory strategies with our business goals. You will work closely with Retail, Finance, Demand Planning, M&D, Product and Operations teams to create a consistent planning approach across all product categories, from frames and lenses to audiology, accessories, eye health and smart wear. You will run monthly cross-functional reviews, set governance and KPIs, and provide senior leaders with clear insight into planning risks and opportunities.
You will bring clarity and insight to our manufacturing and logistics network, ensuring capacity, stock availability and inventory strategies are optimised globally. You will also create and implement advanced planning tools, dashboards and forecasting models, using analytics to enable real-time decision-making and scenario planning. Working closely with Finance, you will align operational plans with revenue forecasts and budgeting cycles, driving continuous improvement in forecasting accuracy and operational efficiency.
You will bring experience in establishing, embedding or running an S&OP function. You will be confident building strong relationships across commercial and operational teams and able to create and deliver long-term planning frameworks. You will use analytics to align operational and financial priorities and have experience managing complex planning environments. Your ability to influence cross-functional teams, influence at executive level and drive alignment will be essential. You will also bring strong data-driven capability, stakeholder management and change leadership, along with the leadership qualities needed to create an inclusive, safe environment where people can excel.
Qualifications
- Experience in establishing, embedding or running an S&OP function.
- Ability to influence cross-functional teams and executives; strong stakeholder management and change leadership.
- Data-driven with strong analytics capability; experience managing complex planning environments.
Head of Operations - Planning in Fareham employer: Specsavers
Contact Detail:
Specsavers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations - Planning in Fareham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry on LinkedIn or at events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their values and goals, especially around planning and operations.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or use online platforms. The more comfortable you are speaking about your skills and experiences, the better you'll perform.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of roles that might be perfect for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over others.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations - Planning in Fareham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Head of Operations - Planning role. Highlight your experience with S&OP functions and any relevant data-driven projects you've led. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how you can bring clarity and insight to our planning processes. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role is all about data, make sure to highlight your analytical capabilities. Share examples of how you've used analytics to drive decision-making or improve operational efficiency in past roles. We love numbers!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Specsavers
✨Know Your S&OP Inside Out
Make sure you understand the ins and outs of Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP). Be ready to discuss your experience in establishing or running an S&OP function, and how you've influenced cross-functional teams. Prepare examples that showcase your ability to align operational plans with business goals.
✨Showcase Your Data Skills
Since this role is heavily data-driven, come prepared to talk about your analytics capabilities. Bring specific examples of how you've used data to drive decision-making and improve forecasting accuracy. If you have experience with advanced planning tools or dashboards, be sure to highlight that too!
✨Build Relationships on the Spot
This position requires strong stakeholder management skills. During the interview, demonstrate your ability to build relationships quickly. Think of ways to engage with the interviewers, perhaps by asking insightful questions about their current planning processes or challenges they face.
✨Prepare for Scenario Planning Questions
Expect questions around scenario planning and risk management. Be ready to discuss how you've handled complex planning environments in the past. Use real-life examples to illustrate your thought process and how you’ve optimised inventory strategies or managed capacity effectively.
