Head of Trade Planning

About the Company

Our client is a prominent international retailer with a well-established global presence and ambitious plans for further expansion.

Role Overview

This newly established leadership position is central to the global marketing team. The role involves designing and implementing an operational framework that integrates commercial priorities with customer strategies and marketing execution across diverse markets.

The position requires close collaboration with departments such as Marketing, Commercial, Retail, Ecommerce, Finance, and Technology to align teams, optimize investment, and ensure marketing efforts achieve significant commercial results.

Oversight will include Trade Planning, Marketing Operations, and Transformation teams. The successful candidate will promote industry best practices, reduce operational complexity, and develop effective processes and governance that support scalable business growth.

This is an outstanding role for someone who thrives in dynamic settings, enjoys influencing senior leaders, and leading impactful organizational change.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the marketing planning strategy to ensure alignment with commercial goals and trading priorities.
• Manage an integrated marketing calendar providing transparency and coordination of campaigns, launches, and crucial trading periods.
• Implement top-tier marketing operations, governance, and working methods within a global and complex structure.
• Facilitate strong collaboration among cross-functional teams for smooth planning and execution.
• Supervise marketing investment planning, budgeting, and performance metrics to maximize ROI.
• Develop and maintain scalable processes and operating models enhancing efficiency, accountability, and delivery capabilities.
• Leverage insights, data, and performance analytics to foster continuous enhancement and informed decision-making.
• Lead, mentor, and grow a high-performing team, cultivating a culture centered on teamwork and operational excellence.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will be an experienced leader passionate about operational excellence, adept at integrating people, processes, and strategic initiatives.

Experience is expected in large retail, consumer goods, FMCG, or omnichannel environments, particularly in leadership positions within Marketing Operations, Commercial Planning, Trade Planning, or Business Transformation.

• Demonstrated strong commercial awareness linking marketing activities to business success.
• Proven background in developing operating models, governance structures, and planning processes in intricate matrix organizations.
• Successful experience leading cross-departmental teams and influencing senior-level stakeholders.
• Solid financial skills, including budget management, forecasting, and strategic investment planning.
• Experience in driving organizational transformation, continuous improvement, and change initiatives.
• A collaborative and pragmatic leadership approach capable of inspiring teams to achieve results.

Diversity & Inclusion

The employer is dedicated to fostering diverse and inclusive workplaces and welcomes applications from candidates regardless of race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or age. All qualified candidates will be fairly considered.