Supply Planning & Inventory Management Lead

Supply Planning & Inventory Management Lead
Location: Newry
Job Type: Permanent

About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Supply Planning & Inventory Management Lead to join our Supply Chain Leadership Team. This is a strategic leadership role responsible for translating customer demand into an executable, capacity-aligned supply plan while ensuring effective inventory management across raw materials, work in progress, finished goods and market stock.

You will lead the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process, driving alignment between Commercial, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality and Finance to deliver excellent customer service, optimise inventory and support business growth. Leading teams across Demand & Supply Planning, Operational Procurement, Inventory Management and Artworks, you will be responsible for creating one integrated plan across the end-to-end supply chain.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end supply planning and inventory strategy aligned with business objectives.
• Own the monthly S&OP process, ensuring robust demand, supply, capacity, inventory and financial planning.
• Partner with Commercial teams to develop accurate demand forecasts and scenario plans.
• Convert demand forecasts into feasible supply plans using Rough Cut Capacity Planning (RCCP).
• Develop and maintain manufacturing, packaging and master production schedules to ensure continuity of supply.
• Lead operational procurement activities, ensuring timely availability of raw materials, packaging and components.
• Drive inventory optimisation, balancing customer service levels, working capital and inventory risk.
• Oversee supply chain master data governance, ensuring data accuracy and planning integrity.
• Manage the Artworks team, ensuring compliant and timely execution of product and packaging changes.
• Establish effective planning governance, KPIs, analytics and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead, coach and develop a multi-functional team of approximately 23 employees.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks through proactive planning and business continuity strategies.

Essential Criteria

• Degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Science or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Proven experience in Demand & Supply Planning with strong knowledge of S&OP, IBP and Rough Cut Capacity Planning (RCCP).
• Demonstrated leadership experience in supply planning, demand planning and inventory management.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Experience translating demand forecasts into actionable supply plans.
• Commercial and financial awareness, including working capital management.
• Experience leading operational procurement and material availability activities.
• Strong commitment to quality, compliance, health & safety and customer service.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience with ERP, demand planning, supply planning, finite scheduling and inventory management systems.
• Professional qualifications such as APICS/ASCM, CIPS or equivalent.
• Experience driving Lean and Continuous Improvement initiatives.
• Strong background in root cause analysis, CAPA management and operational risk reduction.

Why Join Us?
This is an excellent opportunity to take on a senior leadership role within a complex manufacturing and supply chain environment. You will play a critical part in shaping supply chain performance, improving planning capability and delivering exceptional service to global markets while leading high-performing teams across multiple functions.

​​​​​​​Additional Information
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Candidates with time-limited permission to work must be able to maintain their right to work without employer sponsorship.