Head of Category Planning (Supply Chain)

TL;DR

Head of Category Planning (Supply Chain): Leading end-to-end planning performance across North Europe categories with an accent on demand planning, supply coordination, service, inventory and cost optimisation. Focus on integrated business planning, scenario-based decision-making, supply disruption recovery and developing high-performing planning teams.

Location: Hybrid working in the UK and Ireland, with time split between home and the nearest office hub according to role and business needs.

Salary: £90,000–£105,000 per year

Company

Global food and beverage organisation focused on health through nutrition across dairy and plant-based products, waters, early life nutrition and medical nutrition.

What you will do

• Own end-to-end planning performance across multiple categories in a complex, multi-country organisation.
• Lead demand planning and coordinate supply, logistics and category planning execution.
• Connect IBP and S&OE rhythms with category priorities, supply constraints and business trade-offs.
• Provide data-driven scenarios and recommendations for commercial, financial, manufacturing, procurement and operations decisions.
• Balance customer service, inventory, cost and waste targets while leading recovery plans during shortages and disruptions.
• Coach and develop the Category Planning team while strengthening planning standards, digital capabilities and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Significant leadership experience in supply chain, planning or operations.
• Experience leading multiple categories across a complex multi-country organisation with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of demand planning, supply planning, S&OE and IBP processes.
• Experience in complex FMCG or consumer goods environments.
• Proven ability to lead teams, develop talent and influence senior stakeholders.
• Strategic and analytical thinking, scenario-based decision-making, resilience and clarity in ambiguity.

Culture & Benefits

• Hybrid working framework combining office hub collaboration with homeworking for focus, learning and wellbeing.
• Flexible benefits and rewards package.
• Inclusive workplace with a strong focus on diversity and positive change.
• Role contributes to improving health through better nutrition for consumers and patients.

Hiring process

• Applications close on 16 August; application updates will follow after the closing date.