Head of Supply Chain
Head of Supply & Demand Planning
Location: Venlo, Netherlands (Onsite)
The Role
A fast‑growing retail consumer goods business is seeking a Head of Supply & Demand Planning to lead and elevate its end‑to‑end planning capability. This role sits at the heart of the business, owning demand forecasting, supply planning, inventory strategy and the S&OP process, while leveraging advanced analytics and AI‑enabled planning capabilities to improve decision‑making and scalability.
The successful candidate will bring structure, transparency and pace to planning, enabling high service levels, optimal inventory and sustainable growth across channels.
Key Responsibilities
- Own the end‑to‑end supply and demand planning strategy, ensuring alignment between commercial demand, supply capability and financial targets.
- Lead and continuously improve the S&OP / IBP process, incorporating scenario modelling and data‑driven decision support.
- Develop robust forecasting models, leveraging statistical methods, automation and AI‑driven insights where appropriate to improve accuracy and responsiveness.
- Translate demand signals into feasible supply and inventory plans, balancing service, cost and working capital.
- Drive the use of advanced planning tools, predictive analytics and AI capabilities to enhance forecasting, inventory optimisation and risk management.
- Partner closely with Sales, Marketing and Finance to align plans with promotions, launches, budgets and growth initiatives.
- Define and monitor planning KPIs including forecast accuracy, availability, inventory turns, obsolescence and service levels.
- Lead, coach and develop the Supply & Demand Planning team, building capability in data literacy and modern planning techniques.
- Act as a key contributor to leadership discussions, providing clear scenarios and recommendations in periods of volatility or growth.
Experience & Profile
- Proven experience in a senior supply and demand planning leadership role within retail, FMCG or consumer goods.
- Strong expertise across Demand Planning, Supply Planning, Inventory Management and S&OP / IBP.
- Demonstrated experience implementing or working with AI‑enabled, advanced analytics or predictive planning solutions (e.g. machine‑learning forecasting, scenario modelling, automation).
- Comfortable translating complex data and AI outputs into clear commercial decisions.
- Track record of leading and developing planning teams in SKU‑rich, fast‑moving environments.
- Experience with modern planning and ERP tools (e.g. SAP, IBP, Kinaxis, Anaplan or similar).
- Strong stakeholder management skills across Sales, Marketing, Finance and Operations.
- Fluent English required; Dutch is an advantage.
Why Join
- High‑impact leadership role with visibility to senior management.
- Opportunity to shape a future‑ready, AI‑enabled planning function.
- Central role in driving service excellence, inventory optimisation and scalable growth.
- Onsite role in Venlo, closely connected to operations and decision‑making.
FAQs
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