S&OP

Job Description: The UKI S&OP+ Director plays a pivotal role in translating the Region’s strategy into actionable mid-term objectives and priority initiatives, often referred to as “big bets.” This role executes the Regional portfolio of transformation initiatives, ensuring alignment between long-term priorities and operational delivery, with accountability for driving the S&OP+ 5 step process.

The leader acts as a critical bridge between Regional strategy formulation and Local UKI execution, enabling the organization to realize its vision through disciplined governance, cross-functional collaboration, and data-driven decision-making. This role is also required to provide perspective on the Regional medium-term strategy, as part of IVCP/AEP.

The S&OP+ Director is responsible for managing the local UKI Activity Management team who drives execution delivery of portfolio initiatives from ER Gate through to in-store.

Key Responsibilities

Translate Regional strategy into clear execution objectives and priority “big bets,” setting the mid-term direction and ensuring alignment between long-term priorities and operational delivery. Execute the priority transformation initiatives. Share thought leadership on emerging opportunities, risks, and capability needs to inform Regional prioritization and shape where the organization should focus investment and transformation efforts.

Facilitate cross-functional prioritization and resource trade-offs across initiatives to optimize UKI value and strategic impact. Act as an escalation point to resolve tensions and maintain alignment with Regional priorities. Enable leadership team to make informed, data-driven decisions that balance long term ambition with operational realities.

Establish governance guardrails for the UKI S&OP+ process to ensure strong linkage between Regional strategy, operational planning, and performance management. Drive the continuous improvement of all 5 S&OP+ steps. Ensure S&OP+ forums focus on top priorities, driving the right conversations to align planning, decision making, and operational delivery.

Facilitate and own the agendas for the IR & MBR steps. Provide leadership and direction to the local UKI activity management team driving consistent execution standards and delivery excellence. Partner with Regional Activity Management team as needed. Build and sustain a high-performing team and culture focused on strategic execution, cross-functional collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Context and Scope Internal Collaboration: This role works closely with cross-functional leaders, S&OP+ step owners, activity managers, and operational teams. It fosters a collaborative environment where top priorities are clearly communicated and operationalized across functions. This role maintains a strong connection to the Regional S&OP+ Director and peer community.

Leadership Engagement: Acts as a trusted advisor and escalation point for senior leadership, facilitating alignment and decision-making at the local leadership level. The role ensures that leadership forums are focused, productive, and aligned with Regional strategic objectives. Stakeholder Management: Maintains strong relationships with key stakeholders across the organization to balance diverse perspectives, manage trade-offs, and drive consensus on top priorities and resource allocation.

Knowledge / Experience 7+ years of experience in strategic planning, S&OP+, transformation, or portfolio management roles, preferably within a complex, matrixed organization. Proven track record of managing enterprise-level strategic initiatives and cross-functional teams. Experience with S&OP+ or similar enterprise planning frameworks is highly desirable.

Strong analytical skills with experience in data-driven decision support. Demonstrated leadership capabilities with experience building and developing high-performing teams.