Danone
Head of Category Planning
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
About The Job
Danoners are steering us to a more sustainable future, helping to make the world healthier. As a certified B-Corp, we have our Danone Impact Journey to 2026. This will only be possible with each and every one of our leaders. Do you want to be one of them? For more information on our Danone Impact Journey click HERE.
Role Purpose
The Head of Category Planning is accountable for end-to-end planning performance for selected North Europe categories, combining direct responsibility for Demand Planning and the coordination of Supply with broader leadership of category planning execution.
Acting as a performance, orchestration and capability leader, the role ensures robust cross-functional decision-making, alignment between commercial ambition and operational execution, and measurable impact on service, cost, inventory, waste and growth delivery.
The role operates as a key category planning leader within the North Europe Planning, connecting the IBP/S&OE rhythm with category priorities, supply constraints and business trade-offs.
Key Responsibilities
Lead Category Planning Performance
- Own end-to-end planning performance across multiple categories, ensuring excellent service, availability and business results within a multi country organisation (MCO).
- Drive planning readiness for innovation, portfolio changes and business transformation initiatives.
- Identify and manage risks, leading recovery plans when service or supply is impacted.
Drive Integrated Demand & Supply Planning
- Lead the demand planning process, ensuring robust assumptions and high-quality forecasting.
- Align demand, supply and logistics teams to deliver achievable and responsive category plans.
- Translate market insights, risks and opportunities into clear recommendations and actions.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Enable Business Decision-Making
- Act as the key planning partner across Commercial, Finance, Manufacturing, Logistics, Procurement and Operations.
- Provide data-driven scenarios that support prioritisation and executive decision-making.
- Strengthen planning governance, discipline and cross-functional collaboration.
Optimise Service, Inventory & Cost
- Balance customer service, inventory, cost and waste targets to deliver sustainable business performance.
- Lead mitigation plans during supply constraints, shortages and operational disruptions.
- Drive productivity, simplification and continuous improvement initiatives.
Lead & Develop the Team
- Coach, develop and inspire a high-performing Category Planning team.
- Establish clear standards for planning excellence and performance management.
- Champion digital capabilities, data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement.
About you
We would like you to demonstrate your following key skills
Experiences
- Significant experience in Supply Chain, Planning or Operations leadership roles.
- Experience leading multiple distinct categories across complex multi-country organisation (MCO) with diverse stakeholders.
- Strong understanding of demand planning, supply planning, S&OE and IBP processes.
- Experience in complex FMCG or consumer goods environments.
- Proven record of leading teams, developing talent and influencing senior stakeholders.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Core Skills
- Strategic and analytical thinking
- Scenario-based decision-making
- Stakeholder management and executive influence
- Coaching, capability building and change leadership
- Resilience and clarity in ambiguity
Salary Bracket £90,000 - £105,000
About Us
At Danone UK & Ireland, we are committed to delivering better health through better nutrition for millions of consumers and patients in our communities.
We believe in the benefits of working both in the office hub and at home. Time in the hub enhances community, problem solving and innovation, while home working supports focus, learning and wellness.
Our hybrid working framework is designed to help you perform your role in the most efficient way. Your manager will guide how you split your time between home and your nearest hub, based on your role and business needs.
The aim is to support you in doing your best work, while creating connection moments that matter.
We have a range of flexible benefits and excellent rewards, click here to find out more.
Inclusion and Diversity (I&D)
Inclusion and Diversity (I&D) is deeply embedded in Danone's DNA, representing our core values and beliefs. We embrace diversity as a driving force for positive change, nurturing an inclusive workplace where every individual is valued.
The closing date for applications is 16th August, you will therefore hear about your application after this date.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills
Location