As the Planning and Supply Chain Manager in the United Kingdom you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the efficient and seamless flow of fresh produce across the supply chain. This management position will lead a team of professionals responsible for sales and operations planning (S&OP), production scheduling, capacity and labour planning, transportation, storage, material requirements planning (MRP), and cross-border documentation. You will drive operational excellence, cost efficiency, and customer satisfaction while ensuring compliance with international trade regulations and sustainability initiatives. Reporting into Head of Operations for the UK.
Responsibilities:
* Lead the UK Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process, aligning supply, production, and demand forecasts.
* Oversee daily, weekly, and monthly production schedules, ensuring efficiency and quality compliance.
* Manage labour allocation and capacity planning, optimising workforce strategies to meet demand fluctuations.
* Supervise transportation and logistics operations, ensuring cost efficiency and timely deliveries while maintaining product quality.
* Monitor and manage cold storage facilities to ensure inventory accuracy, stock rotation, and minimal waste.
* Develop and oversee Material Requirements Planning (MRP), ensuring timely procurement of packaging and supplies.
* Ensure compliance with international trade regulations and maintain strong relationships with regulatory bodies.
* Lead and develop a high-performing supply chain team, providing training, setting clear expectations, and driving performance.
* Identify and implement process improvements to enhance supply chain efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
* Develop and present key performance indicators (KPIs) and risk management strategies to senior leadership.
Requirements
* Proven experience in supply chain management, preferably in the fresh produce or perishable goods industry.
* Strong leadership skills with a track record of managing and developing diverse teams.
* Expertise in S&OP, production scheduling, and capacity planning.
* Knowledge of international trade regulations, cross-border documentation, and customs processes.
* Advanced proficiency in supply chain management tools (e.g., ERP, MRP, and TMS systems).
* Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach to decision-making.
* Strong communication and stakeholder management skills to work across functions and with external partners.
* Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage competing priorities.
* Bachelors degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations, or a related field; a Masters degree or professional certification (e.g., APICS, CSCP) is preferred.
Benefits
* 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays.
* Free on-site parking.
* Company pension scheme with life insurance cover.
* Employee Assistance Plan with Medicash.
* Christmas hampers & a Christmas party.
We’re an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, family or parental status, national origin, or veteran, neurodiversity or disability status.