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. 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 company’s 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.

What’s 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.
• Long-term career development opportunities within a dynamic environment.