Sales Operations Planning Manager

Venture Recruitment Partners; Andover; Hybrid; GBP 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking a strategic SF&OP Manager located in Andover, offering a hybrid work model and a salary of £70k plus package. The role involves managing the sales forecasting and operations planning process, ensuring accurate forecasts and promoting cross-functional collaboration. Candidates should have over 4 years of experience in Demand Planning or Supply Chain Planning, along with a bachelor’s degree in a related field. This position provides visibility to senior leadership and offers a supportive working environment.

Benefits

Flexible hybrid working model

Professional development opportunities

Collaborative working environment

Qualifications

• 4+ years’ experience in Demand Planning, Supply Chain Planning, or SF&OP roles.
• Experience managing cross-functional planning processes in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication skills with confidence engaging senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Own and drive the sales forecasting and operations planning process.
• Manage and optimize the monthly SF&OP cycle.
• Develop strong relationships internally with cross-functional teams.

Skills

Analytical skills

Commercial skills

Advanced Excel skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Business, Economics or related field

Tools

Forecasting software

ERP systems (e.g., AX, D365)

Job description

Sales Forecast & Operations Planning (SF&OP) Manager

Location: Andover, Hybrid / Office / Remote

Salary: £70k plus package

About the Role

We are looking for a strategic and analytical SF&OP Manager to own and drive the sales forecasting and operations planning process. You will be the key link between Sales, Marketing, Product, Supply Chain / Operations, and Finance, ensuring forecasts are accurate, aligned, and actionable to optimise inventory, cash flow, and operational efficiency.

Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities

SF&OP process management

• Management and optimization of the monthly SF&OP cycle, to include demand review, supply review, etc.
• Establishment of a structured reporting system (KPIs, dashboards) for decision support.
• Support gathering, analysis and reporting of business, customer and market intelligence.

Demand Planning & Forecasting

• Review historical sales trends, research demand drivers, customer inputs, develop statistical forecast, and evaluate forecast results using forecasting software.
• Retrieve, validate and review customer Point of Sales (POS) data for forecasting and business intelligence purposes.
• Coordinate cross-functional review of forecasts to reconcile variances, anomalies and uncertainties to develop a consensus forecast.
• Maintain the forecasting software as the primary tool for forecasting. Create reports in the forecasting tool or via the business intelligence tool.
• Proactively provide input to the supply chain, sales, finance and other teams to optimise operations, inventory management and reporting. Provide ad hoc information or reports to various teams.
• Continually monitor and review forecasting performance metrics to improve forecasting models and / or processes.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships internally with relevant cross-functional teams whilst maintaining rigour and integrity of established processes.
• Lead the cross-functional SF&OP process to identify pain points, risks and opportunities.

Stakeholder management & communication

• Building strong, trusting relationships and acting as the key link between sales, marketing, supply chain / operations, and finance.
• Promoting cooperation and mutual understanding between operational and commercial functions.
• Proactively provide input to the business to optimize operations, inventory management and reporting. Provide ad hoc information and data modelling as required.

Experience & Qualifications

Essential

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Business, Economics, or related field.
• 4+ years’ experience in Demand Planning, Supply Chain Planning, or SF&OP roles.
• Strong commercial and analytical skills, with the ability to translate data into actionable insights.
• Experience managing cross-functional planning processes in a fast-paced environment.
• Advanced Excel skills and familiarity with forecasting software and ERP systems (e.g., AX, D365).
• Excellent communication skills with confidence engaging senior stakeholders.

Desirable

• Experience in multi-product or multi-market environments.
• Exposure to inventory optimisation, cash flow planning, or SF&OP best practices.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and flexible hybrid working model.
• Opportunity to lead a critical planning function with visibility to senior leadership.
• Exposure to cross-functional teams and strategic business decision-making.
• Supportive, collaborative working environment with professional development opportunities.

All applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

We will consider all qualified applications for this position. Venture Recruitment Partners does not discriminate against disability, sex, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, veteran status, or any other status protected under the Equality Act 2010.

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