Head of Supply Chain Planning

Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS); Uxbridge; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food company is seeking an experienced Head of Supply Chain Planning to lead the end-to-end planning process. This role is critical for demand forecasting, resource planning, and aligning production with strategic goals. Candidates should have over 10 years of experience in supply chain processes, particularly in the food industry. The position offers a competitive salary, growth opportunities, and a chance to influence key supply chain strategies.

Benefits

Competitive Salary

Competitive Holiday Entitlement

Pension Contribution

Family Friendly Policies

Learning and Development Opportunities

Life Assurance

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years' experience with S&OP, IBP, MRP, and related planning processes.
• 3-5 years' experience designing, improving, and implementing planning processes.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in the food industry, preferably in Animal Protein.

Responsibilities

• Lead IBP, S&OP, and S&OE processes for the assigned Category or BU.
• Develop and present strategic, budget, and operational planning scenarios.
• Collaborate with Finance and Commercial teams for accurate forecasting.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Communication

Problem-solving

Supply chain optimization tools

Inventory management

Education

Degree in Business Management, Supply Chain, or equivalent

Job description

My job

Head of Supply Chain Planning

About the Role

Pilgrim's Europe is looking for a highly experienced and strategic Head of Supply Chain Planning to lead the end‑to‑end planning process for our Category or Business Unit (BU). This role is critical in ensuring accurate demand forecasting, resource planning, and the development of production and sales plans (S&OP) that align with business objectives and strategic goals. You will oversee Integrated Business Planning (IBP), Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP), and Sales & Operations Execution (S&OE) processes, working closely with key stakeholders across sites, commercial teams, agriculture, procurement, logistics, and finance. Your leadership will drive optimized planning scenarios, inventory policies, and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance profitability and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead IBP, S&OP, and S&OE processes for the assigned Category or BU.
• Develop and present strategic, budget, and operational planning scenarios to BU leaders and the Board.
• Define and implement inventory policies for finished goods and materials to meet working capital and service level targets.
• Collaborate with Finance and Commercial teams to ensure accurate forecasting and alignment with strategic goals.
• Monitor KPIs, create reporting systems, and drive proactive action plans for deviations.
• Identify opportunities and lead projects to improve overall business profitability.
• Oversee planning systems and tools to support efficient operations.

Measures of Success

• Delivery of Integrated Business Plan and Sales & Operations Plans.
• Optimized planning scenarios aligned with budget and strategic goals.
• Accurate production, sales, and resource plans.
• Effective inventory policies and management.
• Service level improvements and robust reporting dashboards.

Key Deliverables

• Supply Chain GAP delivery.
• Strategic and operational scenarios aligned with business objectives.
• Agriculture and kill plans for relevant BUs.
• Implementation of planning processes, policies, and tools.

Skills & Experience

Essential:

• Minimum 10 years' experience with S&OP, IBP, MRP, and related planning processes.
• 3‑5 years' experience designing, improving, and implementing planning processes.
• Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams.
• Proven analytical and problem‑solving abilities with exceptional attention to detail.
• Experience with supply chain optimization tools and systems.
• Ability to calculate and manage inventory policies.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in the food industry, preferably in Animal Protein.
• Degree in Business Management, Supply Chain, or equivalent.

Why Join Us?

At Pilgrim's Europe, you'll play a key role in shaping our supply chain strategy and driving operational excellence. We offer a collaborative environment, opportunities for career growth, and the chance to make a real impact in a leading food business.

The company

Pilgrim's Europe produces some of the best‑known and most iconic brands in the UK and Ireland, including Fridge Raiders, Rollover, Denny, Richmond, Oakhouse and Moy Park, alongside a diverse range of industry leading own‑label products in categories including fresh pork, lamb and chicken, working with all the major retailers and food service outlets. Our portfolio extends to authentic chilled and frozen ready meals, snacking ranges, added value and food service products. Across Pilgrim's Europe we combine 20,000 of the best people in the industry, united by a shared set of core values and a passion for producing the highest quality, most delicious and innovative food, which is enjoyed by millions of people in the UK, Ireland and Europe every day. Our Pilgrim's Europe team are based in our Pilgrim's UK, Moy Park, Pilgrim's Food Masters and Pilgrim's Shared Services businesses.

What we’ll bring to the table

• Competitive Salary
• Competitive Holiday Entitlement
• Pension Contribution
• Family Friendly Policies
• Learning and Development Opportunities
• Life Assurance

Our values

• Determination
• Simplicity
• Availability
• Humility
• Discipline
• Sincerity
• Ownership