Pod Talent
Head of S&OP / Head of Planning (Supply Chain)
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Head of S&OP / Head of Planning (Supply Chain)
Role: Head of S&OP / Head of Planning (Supply Chain)
Salary: £74,000 + Car Allowance (£6,275 minimum) + 5% Bonus
Location: Peterborough (site-based initially, moving to hybrid working after 6 months)
Pod Talent are currently working with a well-known and highly successful UK business on an exciting opportunity for a Head of S&OP to join during a key period of transformation.
This is a high-impact leadership role where you will be responsible for modernising and elevating the planning function, improving visibility across demand and supply, and creating a more forward-looking, data-led S&OP process. The business has strong foundations in place, but now requires an experienced leader to bring structure, challenge existing ways of working, and build a best-in-class planning capability.
You will lead established demand and supply planning teams (8 direct reports in total) and play a critical role in improving forecasting accuracy, stock strategy, systems utilisation, and cross-functional alignment.
Key Responsibilities for the role of Head of S&OP / Head of Planning - Lead and develop the end-to-end S&OP process, driving improved planning maturity across the business Manage teams across Demand Planning and Supply Planning, building capability, accountability, and performance Improve forecast visibility beyond the current short-term planning horizon to enable better supply and resource planning Implement robust short-term planning processes, whilst shaping a longer-term automation roadmap Review and optimise stock holding strategy, working capital, and SKU lifecycle management Drive a more efficient JIT-led replenishment model Evaluate current ERP / MRP system capability and maximise planning functionality within existing systems Improve planning data, reporting, KPIs, and decision-making processes Work closely with Procurement, Operations, and wider business stakeholders to align supply with demand Lead change management across long-standing teams, embedding stronger behaviours and performance standards
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Key Experience Required for the Position of Head of S&OP / Head of Planning - Proven leadership experience within S&OP, Demand Planning, Supply Planning, or Integrated Business Planning Strong understanding of forecasting, inventory strategy, replenishment, and supply planning principles Experience transforming or improving planning functions within complex operational environments Strong systems capability - ERP / MRP knowledge essential (SAGE exposure beneficial but not required) Commercially minded with the ability to reduce cost, optimise stock, and improve service simultaneously Experience leading established teams through change and performance improvement Confident stakeholder manager able to influence cross-functionally and challenge constructively Open on industry background - product-based, manufacturing, distribution, retail, wholesale or similar environments all of interest
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This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to step into a visible leadership role with genuine scope to shape a function and make lasting impact.
If interested, please apply here or email holly@pod-talent.com
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