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- Tasks: Lead the S&OP cycle, improve forecast accuracy, and optimise inventory for growth.
- Company: Fast-growing FMCG leader in food and beverage sector.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, discretionary bonus, staff discounts, and 25 days holiday.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on planning processes and drive organisational success.
- Qualifications: Proven S&OP leadership experience and strong analytical skills.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on team development and continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Our client, a leading and fast-growing organisation within the FMCG food and beverage sector, is seeking an experienced and influential Head of Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) to lead and embed a robust, best-in-class planning process across the business. This is a highly visible, strategic role, critical to improving forecast accuracy, optimising inventory, releasing working capital, and enabling scalable, profitable growth.
Responsibilities
- 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 toward 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.
Personal Profile
- 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
- Hours per week
- Early finish on Fridays
- Hybrid working with up to 2 days per week working from home
Package
- Discretionary Bonus
- Staff Discount
- Car Lease Scheme
- Group Income Protection
- Life Assurance
- 25 days holiday
Head of S&OP in London employer: The People Co.
Contact Detail:
The People Co. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of S&OP in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the FMCG sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Head of S&OP role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of forecasting and planning systems like Slimstock or SAP APO. Be ready to discuss how you've improved forecast accuracy and reduced inventory in your previous roles – real-life examples will make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! When chatting with potential employers, highlight your experience in leading cross-functional teams and driving change. They want to see that you can not only lead but also inspire and develop your team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you nail that application process and land the job you want. Plus, it’s a great way to stay updated on new opportunities tailored just for you.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of S&OP in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Head of S&OP role. Highlight your experience in S&OP leadership and any specific achievements in improving forecast accuracy or reducing inventory. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about the FMCG sector and how your skills align with our needs. Be sure to mention your experience with tools like Slimstock or SAP APO, as they’re key for this role.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: We’re looking for someone who can lead and develop teams. In your application, share examples of how you've coached others and driven change in previous roles. This will help us understand your collaborative and proactive approach.
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 the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at The People Co.
✨Know Your S&OP Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the end-to-end S&OP cycle. Brush up on demand and supply planning, reconciliation, and how to lead executive reviews. Being able to discuss your experience with these processes will show that you’re ready to take charge.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your strong analytical and numerical skills. Bring examples of how you've improved forecast accuracy or reduced inventory in previous roles. This will highlight your ability to make data-driven decisions, which is crucial for this position.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you’ve collaborated with different teams in the past. Be ready to share specific instances where you’ve influenced senior leadership or aligned cross-functional teams. This will showcase your communication skills and your ability to drive change.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Discuss your approach to fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Share examples of how you’ve embedded new processes or tools in your previous roles, especially if they relate to BI tools like Power BI or Tableau. This will demonstrate your proactive leadership style.
