Head of Supply Chain Planning

A little bit about Lindt

We are a premium chocolate manufacturer established in 1845 operating in over 86 countries around the World. Guided by our Global purpose to Enchant the World with Chocolate and UK vision of Creating Moments to Make Everyone Feel Special, we have around 400 team members in the UK across our Head Office, Retail, and Field Sales divisions. We are a Top 20 Great Place to Work and are proud of our incredible people, our unique values-led culture and our iconic market leading brands such as LINDOR & GOLD BUNNY.

We’re also proud of being one of the few 'bean-to-bar' chocolate makers in the world, where we control every step of our chocolate production.

Where you will be based
This role will be based in Feltham, London, then be based in Richmond-upon-Thames from early 2026. (Hybrid Working: in the office 60% and WFH 40%)

How you could help us to Enchant the World with Chocolate

In this role you will interact with multiple stakeholders ranging from Customers and the Commercial function through to Logistics and our producing companies to support Lindt’s business success through commercial and operational excellence.

• Lead & develop the Supply Chain Planning department for short and long-term success.
• Coordinate and develop Lindt UK & I’s planning capabilities and methodologies.
• Coordinate the Supply Chain aspects of the Lindt Business Planning process.

Key Responsibilities

Departmental leadership

• The Demand Planning, Demand Control, Supply & Production Planning teams report to the Head of Supply Chain Planning
• Coach and directly manage the Demand Control, Demand Planning and Supply & Production Planning leaders, while also providing strategic oversight and mentorship to an extended team of indirect reports. Focus on fostering professional development and enhancing leadership capabilities across the entire team to build a high-performing, future-ready organisation
• Ensure the team develop highly effective relationships with all stakeholders
• Long Term Planning Team Development – Creates a growth environment in the team where everyone can be at their best.  Specifically, the creation of a development program focussed on skills, technique and professional development.
• Development and continuous improvement of Best-in-Class Planning process, Methodology and Systems utilised by the planning function
• Definition and evolution of role content and interdependencies in and between Planning teams according to strategic requirement

Strategic Planning

• Define and execute forward-looking planning strategies that align with and support the company’s Operations Strategy and Commercial growth plan, providing expert guidance and counsel to the leadership team on strategic planning
• Collaborate with and support Supply Chain leadership in identifying and developing the necessary capabilities and capacity to meet Lindt’s future goals, ensuring the organisation is well-positioned to achieve long-term success
• Preparation and continuous improvement of the Strategic Planning Review with SC Director

Business Planning

• Develops a highly successful best-in-class planning process and robust plan on multiple horizons
• Coordinates the end-to-end flow of Supply Chain’s Planning process including:  Annual planning timetable, Budget, intermediate estimates, monthly reporting and the Operations 5 yr plan
• Command and guide the comprehensive planning process, encompassing All-Year-Round (AYR), seasonal planning, Retail planning, Ecommerce, and production. Exercise authoritative control over these critical areas, ensuring seamless integration and execution. Lead and coordinate the virtual seasonal planning team, orchestrating collaboration across multiple functions to drive synchronised and strategic planning efforts
• Coordinate interactions and partnership agenda with stakeholders
• Develop best in class performance measurement, commentary and reporting
• Owns Planning KPI Suite:   Forecast Accuracy, Availability, Timeliness & Waste - Drives continuous improvement program
• In collaboration with the LBP Controller, strategically direct the Integrated Business Planning (IBP) process, and actively participate in Demand Review, Supply Review, and Integrated Reconciliation meetings to ensure cohesive and informed decision-making across the supply chain and business

Business Interactions

• Represent the Supply Chain in key business cycle forums
• First Escalation for business challenges and key planning/supply topics
• Decision support the UK Leadership team and Supply Chain Leaders
• Coordinate roadmap agenda with stakeholder partners

What experience you’ll bring

• Significant FMCG experience in Supply Chain Planning functions
• Ideally have an undergraduate degree or equivalent
• The candidate should have a proven track record of leading S&OP processes and experience of high quality Demand Planning and Supply Planning methodologies.  
• Departmental management - Experience of managing a Planning team or equivalent.   Previous experience of managing line managers would be an advantage.
• Strong coach with experience in the definition of development plans for individuals and teams.  
• Strategic Supply Chain Planning experience on multiple horizons including long term planning,  budget development, monthly business cycles and financial forecasting.
• Exceptional analytical skills – This role manages complex topics and an aptitude for analysis and solution generation is essential.
• Experience of the UK & Ireland FMCG market is an advantage.  The candidate should have a strong working knowledge of the UK&I routes to market, customer base and industrial trends
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills – able to influence at all levels
• High resilience and tenacity
• Strong change management skills and highly adaptable in the face of business opportunities and challenges
• Strong appetite for continuous improvement and a desire to achieve best practice through networking, research and development of the operation.  Open to new ways of doing things and challenging the norm
• IT Skills – Fluent in the use of all core Microsoft Office applications, experience of planning applications (SAP/APO/Manugistics or equivalent).   Experience in use of reporting systems e.g. Cognos, Business Warehouse

How you will be rewarded financially

(Internal Level 3)

For the position of Head of Supply Chain Planning, the salary range is £90,000 - £100,000 p/a. In addition to salary, you will receive a benefits package including; bonus, pension, life cover, chocolate allowance; chocolate give-aways, chocolate discount, £100 personal incentive, birthday day off and so much more!

Being yourself every day

We want everyone at Lindt feel safe to be themselves, ensuring they are empowered, represented, celebrated and included in our workplace. You’ll notice this throughout the recruitment process; in our ‘dress for your day’ policy and through our proactive DE&I strategy.

Living our values everyday

At Lindt UK, our values guide us in everything we do. Being Passionately Lindt, Always Evolving, Building Real Relationships, Acting Responsibly and Making An Impact are an integral part of life here at Lindt.

What you can expect from us

In return for everything that you’ll bring, we can offer you an exciting role in a fast-growing organisation, where we’ll provide an environment where you will thrive, feel supported and fulfil your career aspirations, all while supporting your physical and mental wellbeing.

Requirements