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
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
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
