Head of Supply Chain & Planning, Western Europe

About The Nutriment Company

The Nutriment Company is a leading European entity specializing in natural, raw/frozen premium pet food within the rapidly expanding FMCG sector. Headquartered in Stockholm and Düsseldorf, the company employs over 850 people across Europe and generates revenues exceeding 250 million EUR with strong profitability. It is owned by Nordic private equity firm Axcel and is experiencing fast-paced growth via both organic expansion and acquisitions.

Role Overview

We are seeking a seasoned Head of Supply Chain & Planning for our Western Europe operations, primarily focused on DACH and BENELUX regions. This newly created leadership position offers a unique opportunity to design and lead comprehensive demand and supply planning processes, enhance inventory and out-of-stock management from inception, while maintaining close interaction with everyday operations. This role is equally divided between strategic planning and hands-on execution and reports directly to the COO.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a robust Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) system with rolling demand and supply plans to replace reactive short-term methods.
• Take full ownership of inventory and out-of-stock management, establishing clear protocols for raw material shortages and reconciling physical versus system stock discrepancies.
• Generate accurate demand forecasts by analyzing sales data, seasonality, and market trends across multiple brands.
• Plan and prepare warehouse and frozen storage capacities in anticipation of seasonal surges and future expansion.
• Create scalable integration procedures for newly acquired brands into the supply chain planning system.
• Monitor supply chain KPIs such as service levels, stock coverage, and out-of-stock rates; report findings and corrective actions to senior leadership.
• Manage daily ordering and stock disposition for materials stored in Crailsheim, collaborating closely with the Supply Chain Controller.
• Continuously oversee inventory levels and act as an escalation point for operational challenges.
• Maintain proactive communication with suppliers and internal warehouse contacts to track deliveries and manage shortfalls effectively.
• Ensure timely and accurate recording of goods receipt and issue in relevant systems.
• Address supplier-related issues involving quality, quantity, and timing; customer complaints are out of scope.
• Coordinate execution of assortment changes as directed by Sales/Category Management.
• Maintain transparency of supply-side costs and cost models; highlight margin risks and opportunities in cooperation with Finance and Category Management.
• Work with Finance to secure precise cost-of-goods data for budgeting, forecasting, and pricing.
• Lead and grow the Supply Chain Controller role and expand the team as needed.
• Serve as the principal contact for supply chain planning and product availability within Western Europe, collaborating cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Warehouse teams.
• Present supply chain status and risks to senior executives regularly.

Role Exclusions

• Price negotiations and supplier terms remain the responsibility of Category Management/Procurement.
• Assortment decisions such as new product listings or removals are handled by Sales/Category Management; this role implements resultant order changes.
• Handling of end-customer complaints does not fall within this role.

Candidate Profile

Essential Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience in supply chain planning or operations management, preferably within food, frozen/cold-chain, or FMCG distribution sectors.
• Proven track record in demand forecasting and establishing S&OP processes from the ground up.
• Ability to operate effectively at strategic and operational levels.
• Strong analytical aptitude with advanced Excel skills.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement capabilities and comfort operating in ambiguous, cross-functional settings.
• Experience leading and developing teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Background in raw/frozen pet food, meat, or other cold-chain perishable goods.
• Experience integrating acquired brands into existing supply chain frameworks, aligning with our M&A growth strategy.
• CIPS qualification or progress toward certification.

Benefits and Additional Information

• Opportunity to establish and shape a supply chain function within a high-growth, private equity-backed organization.
• Competitive salary package.
• 30 days paid vacation plus public holidays.

Location and Language Requirements

The position is on-site at our Düsseldorf office with frequent travel to the Crailsheim distribution center. Fluency in both German and English is mandatory.

Application Instructions

Interested candidates should submit their resume promptly as recruitment will proceed on a rolling basis and may conclude prior to the closing date of August 14th.