Head of Operations & Demand Planning

Systematic Marketer; London; On-site; GBP 200,000 +; Full time

Job description

The Head of Operations and Demand Planning plays a pivotal role in overseeing the end-to-end operational lifecycle, from strategic forecasting to order placement and fulfilment.

You will be the central liaison between commercial, supply chain, and global product teams, ensuring seamless operations by utilising systems such as Information Nexus and NuORDER, and managing order processes through the Reebok Design Group.

This is a high-impact leadership role requiring a blend of analytical acumen, operational rigour, and cross-functional collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

Demand Planning & Forecasting

• Lead the seasonal demand planning process in collaboration with sales, merchandising, and marketing teams.
• Drive accurate forecasting using historical data, market trends, and commercial inputs.
• Leverage Information Nexus to maintain real-time visibility into inventory and planning KPIs.

Order Management

• Manage the order lifecycle using NuORDER, ensuring timely placement of seasonal and at-once orders via the Reebok Design Group & Direct Purchases.
• Monitor order flow, lead times, and delivery windows to optimise stock availability and reduce risk.
• Own the Purchase Order (PO) process from initial planning through to shipment tracking.

Operations Leadership

• Oversee operational planning processes including inbound logistics, warehousing, and supply chain coordination.
• Establish and improve operational SLAs and KPIs across internal and external partners.
• Support systems integration, process automation, and digital transformation initiatives.

Stakeholder Management

• Act as the key point of contact between the Reebok Europe team, Reebok Design Group (RDG), and global operations.
• Foster strong working relationships with IT, logistics providers, and finance to ensure streamlined execution.

Experience

Skills & Experience Required

• Minimum 8-10 years experience in Operations, Demand Planning, or Supply Chain within a consumer, fashion, or sporting goods brand.
• Proven experience leading demand planning cycles, S&OP processes, and operational teams in a multi-channel environment (e.g. wholesale, DTC, e-commerce).
• Strong understanding of seasonal planning and order management across international markets.
• Familiarity working with or for global brands, with exposure to US and European operating models.
• Experience collaborating with merchandising, commercial, and finance teams to drive consensus on forecasts and supply strategies.
• Demonstrated track record of improving operational processes, systems integration, and managing change initiatives.

Skills & Systems

• Expert user of planning and operations systems Information Nexus, NuORDER, SAP, Excel (advanced), Power BI, or similar.
• Strong analytical mindset with the ability to interpret large data sets and translate into actionable insights.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail across forecasting, ordering, and shipment timelines.
• High competency in supply chain and inventory KPIs (e.g., forecast accuracy, OTB, sell-through, lead times).
• Comfortable working in fast-paced, dynamic environments with shifting priorities.

Leadership & Communication

• Exceptional stakeholder management and cross-functional leadership skills.
• Experience managing and mentoring a team, with the ability to build a high-performance culture.
• Clear and confident communicator, able to influence at senior levels and bridge between commercial, operational, and global teams.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to drive continuous improvement across complex processes.

Desirable

• Experience with GT Nexus or Infor Nexus highly advantageous.
• Familiarity with Reebok Design Group or similar brand/licensee operating models.
• Experience with direct-to-consumer (DTC) fulfilment operations.
• Knowledge of customs, compliance, or global trade regulations is a plus.

What You Get

• Salary: Excellent
• Company bonus
• Pension contribution
• Annual salary review Regular reviews to ensure market alignment
• 33 days holiday Including bank holidays
• Supportive management Friendly, collaborative leadership team
• Career progression Opportunities for long-term growth
• Stability Join a financially strong, growing business with a clear sense of purpose and values.