Fresh People are currently recruiting for a Supply Chain & Planning Manager to join a fast-paced and growing Fresh Produce business operating within a short shelf-life supply chain environment based in West Sussex.
This is a pivotal role with responsibility for end-to-end supply chain ownership, combining planning, forecasting, and commercial stock strategy with a strong understanding of operational execution within a fresh produce environment.
You will work cross-functionally with Commercial, Finance, Production, and Logistics teams, taking ownership of the S&OP process, demand planning, supplier performance, and stock management, ensuring product availability while optimising working capital and minimising waste.
Key Responsibilities
- Own and lead the S&OP process, aligning demand, supply, and commercial plans
- Take full responsibility for forecasting and demand planning, ensuring accuracy across customers and categories
- Develop and manage commercial stock strategies, balancing availability, waste, and working capital
- Work closely with growers and suppliers, monitoring performance, supply reliability, and availability
- Manage end-to-end supply chain performance, from inbound supply through to customer delivery
- Collaborate with Commercial teams to align supply chain plans with customer demand and promotional activity
- Monitor and manage product flow through packhouse and operational environments, ensuring efficient execution
- Analyse supply chain data to identify risks, improve forecast accuracy, and optimise stock holding
- Drive continuous improvement across planning, supply chain processes, and service levels
- Ensure delivery performance against OTIF and customer service KPIs
- Lead and develop a small team within planning / supply chain (if applicable)
About You
- Experience within fresh produce (fruit & vegetables) is essential
- Strong background in supply chain planning, forecasting, and S&OP ownership
- Experience managing stock at a commercial level, including availability, waste, and working capital
- Exposure to grower or supplier management within a fresh produce supply chain
- Strong understanding of short shelf-life products, crop variability, and demand fluctuations
- Experience working closely with packhouse or operational teams
- Commercially aware, with the ability to balance service, cost, and margin
- Confident working cross-functionally with Commercial, Finance, and Operations teams
- Strong analytical and systems capability (Excel or ERP systems)
What’s on Offer
- Opportunity to join a growing, fast-paced Fresh Produce business
- A role with real ownership across planning, forecasting, and supply chain performance
- Exposure to both commercial and operational aspects of the supply chain
- Supportive environment with opportunity to develop and progress
- Competitive salary and benefits package
Apply Now
If you are looking for a role where you can take ownership of supply chain planning, forecasting, and commercial performance within a fresh produce environment, we would love to hear from you.
