Head of Planning EMEA

Belkin; Kings Langley; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology company in Kings Langley is seeking a Head of Planning to manage Demand and Supply Planning functions. You will develop forecasts, lead a team, ensure alignment with sales and production, and optimize inventory levels. The ideal candidate has significant experience in international settings, strong analytical skills, and proficiency in Oracle Cloud Planning. This role emphasizes collaboration and innovation in a dynamic work environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in Demand and Supply Planning within an international context.
• Experience managing a small team to meet KPIs and improve performance.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Planning Team to achieve operational excellence and meet regional and global KPIs.
• Manage demand and supply planning functions and oversee your Product Groups.
• Analyze demand signals through analytics and collaborative reviews to ensure forecast accuracy.

Skills

Demand and Supply Planning experience

Team management

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Stakeholder management

Oracle Cloud Planning proficiency

Business-level English

Education

Minimum five years of experience in a similar role

Tools

Oracle Cloud Planning

ERP systems (Oracle)

Job description

Job Description:

What you’ll do

The Head of Planning is responsible for managing the Demand and Supply Planning core functions and delivering the EMEA Sales & Operating Planning process. The role involves accurately forecasting demand to optimize inventory, maximize sales, and improve customer fill rates while minimizing days of supply. Developing forecasts using planning tools and collaborating with cross-functional partners to increase forecast accuracy is essential. The Head of Planning also facilitates a smooth S&OP process, aligning forecasts and inventory management with sales, product management, supply planning, and finance.

How you’ll do it

• Lead the Planning Team to achieve operational excellence and meet regional and global KPIs.
• Manage demand and supply planning functions and oversee your Product Groups.
• Analyze demand signals through analytics and collaborative reviews to ensure forecast accuracy.
• Work with stakeholders on NPI launches, transition plans, and forecast adjustments.
• Analyze market trends to recommend demand plans.
• Participate in the EMEA S&OP process, owning demand forecasts and identifying KPI improvement opportunities.
• Manage demand signals for NPI launches and transitions to mitigate risks.
• Ensure EOL plans are forecasted accurately and remaining inventory is managed effectively.
• Mentor and train planners to develop their skills and independence.
• Use signed-off demand forecasts to maintain inventory levels aligned with KPIs and cost targets.
• Execute purchase orders based on demand forecasts.
• Monitor supply constraints and adjust demand plans accordingly.
• Review and implement E&O reduction strategies.
• Collaborate with Global Planning on raw material inventory and obsolescence.
• Perform root-cause analysis for stock issues and communicate impacts.
• Maintain data integrity and resolve misinformation.
• Identify and implement improvements in service and inventory KPIs.
• Review financials and freight costs for cost-effectiveness.
• Create reports and analytics to monitor KPIs.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders and customers.
• Support ISO 9001 responsibilities and maintain a safe work environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned and demonstrate flexibility and prioritization skills.

What you’ll need & What you’ve done

• Experience in Demand and Supply Planning within an international context.
• Experience managing a small team to meet KPIs and improve performance.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
• Proficiency with planning tools like Oracle Cloud Planning and ERP systems such as Oracle.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and stakeholder management.
• Business-level English proficiency; additional languages are a plus.
• Minimum five years’ experience in a similar role.
• Strong ethics, judgment, and ability to meet deadlines.

What you’re getting into

We offer collaborative spaces for your ideas, a focus on creating rewarding consumer experiences, and a culture of success and innovation. You will learn daily, surrounded by smart, creative colleagues. Belkin values open communication, innovation, and challenging conventional wisdom. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and a drug-free workplace. Applicants in the EMEA region should review the privacy notice HERE.

Location: Kings Langley