Finding supply chain planners in London is tough. POD Talent connects FMCG, retail, and logistics HQs with expert supply chain planning talent faster.
Key Takeaways:
- London has the UK’s highest demand for supply chain planners.
- FMCG and retail HQs face major competition for talent.
- Specialist recruiters cut hiring time by an average of 40-60%.
- POD Talent gives you access to expert, pre-vetted candidates.
Hiring in London’s supply chain planning market is competitive and fast-moving. These points show why working with the right recruitment partner can save time, reduce risk, and give your business the edge.
Supply Chain Planning Recruitment in London
Trying to hire the right supply chain planner in London can feel like an uphill battle. You’re competing with FMCG giants, retail HQs, and logistics firms all fishing in the same limited talent pool. The result is rising competition and stretched timelines.
Why London businesses struggle to hire planners
The main reason London businesses struggle to hire planners is the sheer density of demand. With so many FMCG, retail, and logistics headquarters in the city, supply simply doesn’t match demand. Research shows the average time-to-hire for senior supply chain planners in London has increased by more than 25% in the past year, creating extra strain for hiring managers.
How FMCG and retail HQs drive demand
FMCG and retail HQs drive demand because their supply chains are large and complex. They need planners who can manage demand forecasting, stock levels, and logistics coordination at scale. That creates ongoing pressure in an already tight candidate market.
Why Work With a Specialist Supply Chain Recruitment Agency
Working with a specialist recruitment agency makes hiring supply chain planners in London quicker and less stressful.
How our networks speed up hiring
Our networks speed up hiring by connecting you to planners who are already engaged and pre-vetted. We maintain a 3,000+ strong talent map focused on London’s FMCG and retail planning sector, which means your search starts with people, not postings.
Why sector expertise reduces bad hires
Sector expertise reduces bad hires because recruiters know the skills and backgrounds that actually work in FMCG, retail, and logistics. A common mistake we see is businesses hiring for general supply chain roles when what they really need is planning-specific expertise.
How to Hire Top Supply Chain Planning Talent in London
Hiring supply chain planning talent in London requires a clear process. Here’s how you can secure the best people faster:
- Define your hiring needs – Be specific about whether you need demand planning, forecasting, or logistics coordination.
- Partner with expert recruiters – Work with a supply chain planning recruitment agency that has proven London networks.
- Highlight your EVP – Communicate why planners should choose your business, from culture to career path.
- Act fast on CVs – Good candidates are in high demand. Delays cost you talent.
- Streamline interviews – Keep the process simple with clear decision-makers.
- Offer competitive packages – The real difference between securing a candidate at £60k or losing them can be speed and flexibility, not just money.
- Invest in retention – Reduce churn by offering training and career progression.
- Stay proactive – Keep a talent pipeline ready so you’re not always hiring reactively.
FAQs
Q: Why is supply chain planning recruitment so competitive in London?
A: Supply chain planning recruitment is so competitive in London because the city is home to many FMCG and retail HQs, creating more demand for planners than available talent.
Q: What makes a supply chain planning recruitment agency different?
A: What makes a supply chain planning recruitment agency different is sector knowledge and networks. Agencies with expertise in planning roles can introduce pre-vetted candidates faster.
Q: How do I hire a supply chain planner quickly in London?
A: The way to hire a supply chain planner quickly in London is to partner with a specialist recruiter who already has a pool of engaged candidates.
Q: What skills should I look for in a supply chain planner?
A: The skills you should look for in a supply chain planner include demand planning, forecasting, inventory optimisation, and stakeholder management.
Next Step
Ready to hire expert supply chain planning talent in London? Partner with POD Talent today to connect with the best planners in FMCG, retail, and logistics. Contact Us today to start your search.