At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations and planning for a fast-growing premium alcohol-free wine brand.
- Company: Join Wild Idol, a trailblazer in the luxury alcohol-free drinks market.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership role, and opportunity to shape a global brand.
- Other info: Office based in Mayfair, London with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while driving operational excellence.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in supply chain and operations, ideally in the drinks industry.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: Mayfair, London (Office Based)
Reporting to: CEO
Leadership Team: Senior Leadership Team (SLT)
Join Wild Idol
Wild Idol is redefining celebration with a new generation of premium alcohol-free sparkling wines. As one of the fastest-growing brands in the category, we're building a globally recognised luxury brand that's changing the way people celebrate.
We're looking for an experienced Head of Operations & Planning to join our Senior Leadership Team and lead the operational engine behind our ambitious growth across the UK and international markets. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who thrives in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment and enjoys building scalable operations while working closely with sales, marketing and finance.
The Role
Reporting directly to the CEO, you will own the operational strategy and day-to-day execution across supply chain, production, planning and logistics, ensuring the business delivers exceptional service whilst maintaining operational efficiency and financial discipline. You will play a critical role in supporting Wild Idol's continued expansion and ensuring consistent product availability across all markets.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead all operational planning across the UK and international markets.
- Own inventory management, providing weekly stock reporting across depots and export markets.
- Manage relationships with dry goods suppliers, ensuring continuity of supply and delivering cost efficiencies.
- Own the Cost of Goods (COGS) budget and report performance against the annual financial plan.
- Ensure compliance with all alcohol-free category regulations, certifications, labelling and product requirements.
- Oversee global stock movements and work closely with logistics partner Distilled Drinks on warehousing, transport and supply chain operations.
- Partner with production facilities in the UK and Germany to maximise efficiencies and improve operational performance.
- Support new product development and identify opportunities to expand the Wild Idol portfolio.
- Contribute to annual business and brand planning across domestic and export markets.
- Build strong relationships with retail partners on forecasting, supply and merchandising.
- Act as the operational link between sales teams, export distributors and production partners.
- Support the delivery of commercial activations across retail, digital and trade channels.
- Ensure cross-functional execution of trade plans across supply chain, retail, buying and commercial teams.
- Monitor cash flow and work closely with finance and logistics partners to ensure debtor management aligns with company policy.
About You
You'll be a commercially minded operations leader who enjoys solving complex challenges and building processes that enable growth. You'll ideally have:
- 5+ years' experience in Supply Chain and Operations within the drinks industry.
- Strong experience across operational planning, production, international distribution and supply chain management.
- Experience managing international cross-border logistics.
- Knowledge of wine production and route-to-market channels.
- Strong commercial awareness and an understanding of how operations supports brand growth.
- Knowledge of key regulations affecting the drinks industry and the ability to navigate them effectively (e.g. EPR, DRS, etc.).
- Experience working closely with marketing and sales teams.
- Confidence working with digital business systems and operational reporting.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Outstanding organisational and project management skills.
- A proactive, entrepreneurial mindset with a willingness to roll up your sleeves.
- Working knowledge of Zoho would be useful but not essential.
- French and/or German language skills would be advantageous but are not essential.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree or equivalent industry experience.
What We Offer
Competitive salary (dependent on experience). Opportunity to join the Senior Leadership Team of one of the UK's most exciting premium drinks brands. A genuine opportunity to shape the future of a fast-growing international business. Office based in the heart of Mayfair, London.
If you're excited by building a category-leading premium brand and want to make a real impact, we'd love to hear from you. Send resume and cover letter to: careers@wildidol.com
To learn more about Wild Idol, visit or follow @wildidol.official on Instagram.
Head of Operations & Planning in London employer: Wild Idol
Wild Idol is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and entrepreneurial work environment in the heart of Mayfair, London. As part of our Senior Leadership Team, you'll have the opportunity to shape the future of a rapidly growing premium drinks brand while enjoying competitive salaries and a culture that values innovation and collaboration. We are committed to employee growth, providing meaningful opportunities to lead operations and make a significant impact on our international expansion.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations & Planning in London
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Logistics and supply chain are all about networking, so hit up those trade shows and local meetups. Places like the UK's Logistics and Supply Chain conference can be goldmines for connecting with potential employers like Wild Idol and learning about the latest trends in the industry.
✨Leverage Online Communities
Join forums and LinkedIn groups specifically for logistics professionals. Share your insights and ask questions to get noticed. Being active in these spaces can help you establish credibility and might just lead to an opportunity at Wild Idol!
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Portfolio
Even if it’s a full-time gig, having a portfolio can really set you apart. Include case studies or projects that demonstrate your understanding of supply chain management, logistics software, or solving operational challenges. You’d be surprised at how much this can impress hiring managers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don't forget the power of applying directly through our website! A lot of companies like Wild Idol keep job postings exclusive to their sites. This way, you can easily keep track of your applications and ensure your profile is in front of the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations & Planning in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:In your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight your understanding of logistics and supply chain management principles. Mention any relevant courses you've taken or tools you've used, like inventory management software or data analysis platforms, to showcase your skills and keep up with best practices in the industry.
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your previous work experience, remember to use numbers wherever possible. Did you improve delivery times by a specific percentage? Did you help reduce costs? These kinds of quantified achievements not only catch the eye but also demonstrate your capability in the logistics sector.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Wild Idol:This is your chance to really connect with the team at Wild Idol. In your cover letter, express why you're passionate about supply chain logistics and how your goals align with the company’s mission. A little personalisation goes a long way!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications related to logistics or supply chain management—like APICS or Six Sigma—make sure you flaunt them! These show that you're committed to your professional development and can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wild Idol
✨Know Your Logistics Tools
Make sure you're familiar with key logistics software and tools like SAP or Oracle ERP. These are often used in the industry, and being able to demonstrate your knowledge or experience with them can really set you apart during your interview with Wild Idol.
✨Perfect Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect to tackle scenarios that showcase your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you've had to optimise supply chains or handle logistics challenges. Have a few examples ready to discuss how you made decisions that led to improvements.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Supply chain roles heavily rely on teamwork and communication. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Maybe share a time when you coordinated with a team to resolve a logistical hiccup. This can show Wild Idol that you're a team player!
✨Understand the Big Picture
Be ready to talk about the broader logistics and supply chain trends. Having insights into current challenges in the industry, like sustainability or lead times, can impress the interviewers at Wild Idol. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
