Head of S&OP in London

Reporting to the Supply Chain Director, the Head of S&OP will own the end‑to‑end Sales & Operations Planning cycle, ensuring alignment across demand, supply, and financial plans. Acting as a key cross‑functional leader, you will work closely with Sales, Marketing, Finance, Supply Chain, suppliers, and customers to establish a single, aligned plan that drives service excellence, efficiency, and long‑term growth.

You will lead a team with 3 direct reports and responsibility for a wider planning and analyst community, embedding strong governance, accountability, and continuous improvement across the planning function.

• Own and lead the end‑to‑end S&OP cycle, including demand planning, supply planning, reconciliation, and executive review.
• Establish and maintain a “one number” consensus plan across all functions.
• Ensure promotional planning, supplier lead times, and capacity constraints are fully embedded into demand and supply plans.
• Drive the evolution of the S&OP process towards Integrated Business Planning (IBP).
• Significantly improve forecast accuracy and reduce forecast bias through enhanced processes, tools, and analytics.
• Embed demand signals, promotional analysis, and scenario planning to manage demand volatility and supply risks.
• Plan inventory to true customer demand, reducing reliance on supplier‑driven commitments.
• Reduce stockholding days and improve inventory efficiency, supporting substantial working capital release.
• Lead, develop, and coach Planning and Analyst teams, building capability, accountability, and succession readiness.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement and data‑driven decision‑making.
• Embed BI, Slimstock, and reporting tools into daily operations, improving visibility and insight.
• Automate planning processes where possible, reducing manual administration and improving accuracy.
• Deliver clear, timely KPI dashboards to support senior leadership decision‑making.
• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders across Commercial, Finance, Supply Chain, Customer Services, and external partners to ensure alignment and execution.

• Proven experience in S&OP leadership or senior demand planning roles within FMCG, retail, or consumer goods.
• Strong track record of improving forecast accuracy, reducing inventory, and releasing working capital.
• Deep knowledge of forecasting and planning systems such as Slimstock, SAP APO, or Anaplan.
• Experience leading cross‑functional planning processes and influencing at senior leadership level.
• Strong analytical, numerical, and problem‑solving skills with high commercial and financial acumen.
• Confident communicator with the ability to engage, challenge, and align senior stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to lead change, embed new processes, and drive organisational maturity.
• Experience with BI tools such as Power BI or Tableau is desirable.
• Exposure to supplier negotiations, logistics, and customer service collaboration would be advantageous.
• A collaborative, accountable, and proactive leadership style with a strong focus on team development.

Hours: 37.5 hours per week Early finish on Fridays Hybrid working with up to 2 days per week working from home.

Package: Private Healthcare, Competitive Pension, Discretionary Bonus, Staff Discount, Car Lease Scheme, Group Income Protection, Life Assurance, 25 days holiday.