Sales and Operations Planning Manager

Location: Suffolk Sector: Complex Food Manufacturing Salary: £60k benefits The Opportunity An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) Manager to join a growing and fast-paced food manufacturing business.

Please read the following job description thoroughly to ensure you are the right fit for this role before applying.

Reporting directly to the Managing Director and forming part of the Senior Leadership Team, this role will lead and transform end-to-end supply chain operations to deliver exceptional customer service, operational efficiency, compliance and continuous improvement across the business.

This is a strategic and hands-on leadership role responsible for aligning demand, supply, production, warehousing and logistics functions to support the companys long-term growth objectives.

Key Responsibilities Sales & Operations Planning Lead and manage the S&OP process to ensure alignment between sales forecasts, operational capacity and business objectives.

Develop accurate supply and demand forecasts to optimise service levels and minimise waste.

Drive cross-functional collaboration between commercial, operations, procurement and logistics teams.

Supply Chain & Logistics Oversee end-to-end supply chain operations including inventory management, warehousing, transport and logistics.

Manage relationships with third-party logistics (3PL) providers and external warehouse partners.

Ensure efficient stock management, resource planning and production scheduling across the business.

Data, Systems & Performance Utilise ERP systems and data analytics to monitor supply chain performance and identify improvement opportunities.

Analyse trends, KPIs and operational data to support decision-making and continuous improvement initiatives.

Lead cost reduction and service improvement projects while maintaining operational excellence.

Leadership & Continuous Improvement Lead, develop and support high-performing teams across the supply chain function.

Champion a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.

Support business transformation initiatives and drive operational efficiencies through lean and digital improvements.

Work closely with senior stakeholders to support strategic planning and business growth.

Skills & Experience Required Previous senior leadership experience within complex food manufacturing or FMCG environments.

Strong understanding of end-to-end supply chain operations including planning, inventory, logistics and warehousing.

Proven experience leading S&OP and demand planning processes.

Strong commercial awareness with experience managing budgets and delivering cost efficiencies.

Excellent analytical, forecasting and problem-solving skills.

Experience using ERP systems alongside strong Excel and Microsoft Office skills.

Strong communication and stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence at all levels.

Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced and evolving manufacturing environment.

Personal Attributes Strategic thinker with strong operational execution skills.

Calm and solutions-focused under pressure.

Highly organised with excellent planning and prioritisation skills.

Passionate about leadership, team development and continuous improvement.

Resilient, adaptable and commercially driven.

Whats on Offer Opportunity to join a growing and ambitious food manufacturing business.

Senior leadership position with genuine influence across the organisation.

Competitive salary and benefits package. xwzovoh

Long-term career development opportunities within a dynamic environment.