Interim Supply Planning Manager

To support the next phase of business growth, we are seeking an experienced Interim Supply Planning Manager. Reporting to the Managing Director and overseeing a small team of 2-3 planners, the successful candidate will focus on ensuring the smooth execution of supply planning operations. You will bring a hands-on, solution-driven approach and a strong ability to implement processes and drive efficiency. This role is ideal for an analytical, detail-oriented professional with excellent communication and team leadership skills.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute supply plans to meet sales forecasts and support business growth.
• Monitor inventory levels to avoid overstocking or out-of-stock situations, ensuring optimal inventory turnover.
• Analyse the upstream supply chain for all purchased goods, identifying lead times, bottlenecks, and opportunities to improve lead time efficiency.
• Manage the day-to-day activities of the Material Planning and Supply Chain teams.
• Assess current supply planning challenges and opportunities, developing solutions to improve efficiency and reliability.
• Implement standardised processes and workflows for the Supply Planning team.
• Establish and maintain KPIs for supply performance (e.g., stock cover, on-shelf availability, out-of-stock risk mitigation, average lead time).
• Enhance team performance to meet the demands of the business as it scales.
• Foster collaboration with cross-functional teams, including Demand Planning, Procurement, Finance, and NPD (New Product Development).
• Support the development and implementation of the S&OP process alongside the Head of Demand Planning.
• Maintain and develop strong relationships with vendors, ensuring clear communication and visibility on production progress.
• Monitor and report supplier performance (e.g., OTIF – On Time in Full) and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support the implementation of inventory tracking systems and other tools to improve team productivity.
• Identify gaps in current systems and recommend enhancements to optimise supply chain operations.
• Act as a business partner for supply chain-related matters, providing clear communication and proactive solutions to stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Logistics and Warehousing to ensure efficient stock movements and cost-effective execution of demand.
  

Key Skills & Experience:

• Proven experience in supply planning or supply chain management roles.
• Strong analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and develop actionable plans.
• Track record of improving processes and implementing supply chain KPIs.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Experience managing supplier relationships and driving performance improvements.
• Familiarity with inventory management tools and systems is highly desirable.
  

This role is critical in ensuring the supply chain supports the business's growth objectives and maintains operational excellence. If you are a detail-oriented supply planning professional looking for a dynamic and impactful opportunity, we’d love to hear from you.

• Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain, engineering or other relevant fields - highly desirable.
• Experience as a Manager role in Supply Planning, Inventory, Production planning or Manufacturing Supply Chain role. 
• Experience in the Beauty industry as a must have - knowledge of the supply chain of beauty products 
• First successful experience of management 
• Prior experience of supply chain must have processes & KPI & ability to implement 
•  Experience in implementing process improvements- able to quickly identify gaps in ways of working and implement solutions 
• Good analytical skills and great attention to detail 
• Systems - experience of Netsuite 
•  advanced command of Excel - must have 
• Self starter, proactive approach to problem solving, continuous improvement mindset 
• thrives in a fast paced environment 
• Great communicator, interacts well with all levels within the organisation 
• Strong collaboration skills & able to form long term relationships with internal & external stakeholders