Alcott Global is retained by a global FMCG company to search for a Vice President of Global Planning to be based in Europe.

Role Overview

This pivotal role will lead the transformation and optimization of the company’s global supply chain planning strategy, ensuring seamless alignment between demand forecasting, supply planning, production scheduling, and distribution operations. The VP of Global Planning will play a key role in driving operational efficiency, elevating service levels, and minimizing costs while fostering collaboration across multiple business units.

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of the end-to-end planning strategy, encompassing demand forecasting, supply planning, production scheduling, and distribution.
• Lead the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process to align demand and supply plans, adjusting for product launches, promotions, and market shifts.
• Develop and implement capacity planning strategies to align with sales forecasts, market growth, and product release schedules.
• Ensure close collaboration between supply chain, sales, marketing, and product teams to ensure alignment between product availability and go-to-market strategies.
• Ensure optimal inventory levels are maintained, reducing excess stock while preventing stockouts.
• Lead capacity planning efforts to align production resources with customer demand and sales forecasts.
• Standardize planning processes across the organization and drive the adoption of best practices in planning, forecasting, and inventory management.
• Lead change management initiatives and foster a culture of continuous improvement within the planning function.
• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing planning team, ensuring the development of talent and succession planning.
• Foster a collaborative and results-driven team environment focused on achieving KPIs and business goals.
• Leverage digital tools, data analytics, and automation to enhance planning accuracy and operational visibility.
• Ensure supply chain operations are equipped to support product execution and market demand, balancing production capacity with customer requirements.
• Collaborate with product development teams to ensure that manufacturing and supply chain operations are ready for new product introductions and transitions.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related field.
• 15+ years of experience in supply chain management, with a proven track record in S&OP processes, inventory management, capacity planning, and supply chain technologies.
• 2+ years of experience leading an end-to-end planning function
• Demonstrated ability to align supply chain operations with go-to-market strategies, product lifecycle management, and market entry initiatives.
• Proven success in building and leading high-performing teams across global operations, with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders across geographies and organizational levels.
• Capable of thriving in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment with a demonstrated ability to set direction, lead change, and drive operational success.
• Strong understanding of supply chain technologies, data analytics, and digital transformation tools