Head of SOP

The People Co. / Supply Jobs; England; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK recruitment firm is seeking a Head of S&OP to own the end-to-end Sales & Operations Planning cycle. The ideal candidate will drive service excellence and efficiency across cross-functional teams, significantly improving forecast accuracy and inventory management. This role offers a competitive package including private healthcare, a pension scheme, and hybrid working flexibility. Strong experience in S&OP leadership, planning systems, and team development is essential.

Benefits

Private Healthcare

Competitive Pension

Discretionary Bonus

Staff Discount

Car Lease Scheme

Group Income Protection

Life Assurance

25 days holiday (plus bank holidays and birthday)

Qualifications

• Proven experience in S&OP leadership or senior demand planning roles.
• Strong track record of improving forecast accuracy and reducing inventory.
• Deep knowledge of forecasting and planning systems.

Responsibilities

• Own and lead the end-to-end S&OP cycle including demand planning.
• Drive the evolution of the S&OP process towards Integrated Business Planning.
• Lead, develop, and coach Planning and Analyst teams.

Skills

S&OP leadership

Forecast accuracy improvement

Strong analytical skills

Leadership and team development

Commercial and financial acumen

Cross-functional planning

Communication skills

Tools

Slimstock

SAP APO

Anaplan

Power BI

Tableau

Job description

Job Role

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.

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 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.

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

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 (plus bank holidays and birthday)

Ref Code: FMW013229

To apply, please send your comprehensive CV in strict confidence, quoting the reference above and for the attention of Jon Hemming‑Nash. Please include current salary details within your application.

Due to high response levels, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you have not received a response within one week, regrettably your application has not been successful on this occasion.