Sales & Operations Planning Manager

Sales & Operations Planning Manager | Supply Chain | Hybrid Working | Hatfield

Please note that this is a 12 month fixed term contract

Introduction: Ocado Technology is changing the way the world shops using advanced Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Robotics, Big Data, Cloud and IoT. We develop the innovative software and hardware systems that power Ocado.com, as well as the unique ‘Ocado Smart Platform’ which is being implemented by ambitious retailers across the world from Europe to America, Asia and beyond.

Ocado Technology - UK:https://www.ocadogroup.com/

About the Role

As S&OP Manager, you will lead the alignment of sales, supply, and financial planning to deliver profitable business plans and support executive-level decision-making. You will bridge the gap between Operations, Development, Sales, and Finance, ensuring the successful delivery of Material Handling Equipment (MHE) to our international customers.

This collaborative role requires a proactive partner who can navigate complex technical and commercial scenarios to evaluate trade-offs and risks. You will move beyond surface-level data to provide the deep insights and scenarios necessary to drive business performance and maintain high-quality stakeholder buy-in

Key Responsibilities

• Execute the end-to-end S&OP process, capturing sales forecasts and optimizing long-term MHE supply.
• Review and challenge key inputs, including the sales pipeline for new projects, products, and supply capabilities.
• Summarise complex data on inventory, supply, and finance to ensure accurate reporting and visibility.
• Identify and communicate changes between planning cycles and their impact on the business.
• Lead major cross-functional initiatives to develop scenarios and manage business risks.
• Create and present tailored S&OP slide decks to stakeholders up to executive level.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Finance to reconcile operational and financial plans.
• Develop and maintain best practices for S&OP, ensuring continuous process improvement.
• Proactively collaborate with senior colleagues to resolve issues and identify new opportunities.
• Provide coaching and mentoring to individuals within the Supply Chain team and supporting functions.

What We’re Looking For

• 5+ years of experience in operational delivery, planning, or strategy roles.
• Proven ability to lead and influence senior stakeholders to drive cross-functional alignment.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify business-critical trends from complex data sets.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) with the ability to present to executive audiences.
• Commercial acumen, including an understanding of revenue, cash flow, Capex, and Opex.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to balance technical and commercial considerations.
• Highly organised and able to meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient in IT, specifically the Google software suite and PPM software.
• A self-starting, energetic approach with a passion for making things happen.

Benefits Our employee benefits are designed for you, we care about people and we’ve ensured we have a wealth of benefits that focus on your well-being. We regularly review our benefits to ensure we are supporting our employees appropriately. Currently, we offer technically stretching work, a competitive salary and; (add the following benefits in a bullet point format)

• Hybrid working patterns meaning part of the working week can be spent working remotely (typically 3 days per week). However, your working pattern will depend upon your role/team.
• 30 days working from anywhere policy
• Wellbeing support through Apps such as Unmind and an Employee Assistance Programme
• 25 days annual leave, rising to 27 days after 5 years service (plus optional holiday purchase)
• Pension scheme (various options available including employer contribution matching up to 7%)
• Private Medical Insurance
• 22 weeks paid maternity leave and 6 weeks paid paternity leave (once relevant service requirements complete)
• Train Ticket loan (interest-free)
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Share Options (5-10%)
• Opportunity to participate in Sharesave and Buy as You Earn share schemes
• 15% discount on Ocado.com and free delivery for all employees
• Income Protection (can be up to 50% of salary for 3 years)
• Life Assurance (3 x annual salary)

Be bold, be unique, be brilliant, be you. We are looking for individuality and we value diversity. We are an equal opportunities employer and we are committed to treating all applicants and employees fairly and equally. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to provide a positive, barrier-free recruitment process and supportive work environment. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application.

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