Sales & Operations Planning Manager

Career Area:

Supply Chain and Logistics

Job Description:

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.

Job Title: Sales & Operations Planning Manager

Contract: Permanent

Salary: Up to £90,000

Location: Peterlee, County Durham

Hours: Full-Time – 36.50

Travel: Up to 10%

Hiring Manager: Brad Short

About Caterpillar Peterlee

Caterpillar Peterlee is the worldwide source of Cat Articulated Trucks, currently producing an 8-model range used in many industries including mining, construction and aggregates. The facility's manufacturing activities use the latest computer analysis techniques, robotic technology and automated dump body paint plant. Machines from the site are shipped to customers around the world.

Benefits:

• 25 days annual leave
• Up to 31% annual bonus
• Contributory pension scheme - Caterpillar will double the employee's contribution Up to 10%
• Monthly Car Cash Allowance
• Contributory share scheme - Caterpillar will match 50% of the employee's contribution.
• Optional flexible benefits including access to family health and dental care plans, EV car lease, holiday purchase.

The Opportunity

Manages a team that oversees the Sales & Operations Planning process to meet Customer expectations for Articulated Truck availability. Plays a critical role in ensuring that the organisation can effectively respond to market changes and customer demands. By fostering collaboration among departments and leveraging data-driven insights, the S&OP Manager enhances operational efficiency and contributes to overall business success.

Key responsibilities:

• Span of control includes Sales & Operations Planning and facility scheduling functions.
• As a member of the Sales & Operations Planning Team, you will provide input to business unit goals and strategy development.
• Accountable for key business division inventory metrics, heavy equipment product availability and reduction of cash-to-cash cycle time.
• Ensures facility production schedules provide proper heavy equipment product availability to dealers/customers while balancing manufacturing needs.
• Drive departmental success by strategically managing the team including all personnel activities, inspiring and motivating and providing hands-on coaching to develop high-performing talent.
• Leads in alignment of logistics and manufacturing activities.

Primary Roles/Responsibilities include but not limited to:

• Sales and Operations Planning: Develop and implement S&OP strategies to align demand, supply, and financial plans across the organisation.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Lead cross-functional teams, including sales, marketing, finance, and operations, to create integrated business plans that meet customer demand.
• Forecasting and Analysis: Monitor and analyse market trends and customer demand patterns to refine sales forecasts and optimize inventory levels.
• Performance Monitoring: Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess the effectiveness of S&OP processes and make data-driven decisions.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify areas for process improvement and implement solutions to enhance the S&OP process, including the use of advanced analytics and planning software.
• Facilitation of S&OP Meetings: Coordinate and facilitate monthly S&OP meetings to ensure alignment and focus on achieving organizational goals.
• Order Management: Supervise and provide direction to Order Management coordinators.

Degree Requirement

Degree desirable

Skills, experience & qualifications you will have:

Effectiveness Measurement: Level Extensive Knowledge: Knowledge of effective measurement techniques and ability to measure the quality and quantity of work effort for the purpose of improvement.

Cross-Team Integration Level Extensive Knowledge:

Understanding of the importance of inter-team collaboration in breaking down silos and achieving business results; ability to lead employees from various functions to communicate, coordinate work across divisions, and collaborate in solving problems as one team.

Forecasting: Level Extensive Experience:

Forecasting: Knowledge of forecasting tools, approaches and practices; ability to determine product demand and estimate production requirements and loads.

Analytical Thinking: Level Working Knowledge:

Knowledge of techniques and tools that promote effective analysis; ability to determine the root cause of organizational problems and create alternative solutions that resolve these problems.

Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Extensive Knowledge:

Knowledge of the decision-making process and associated tools and techniques; ability to accurately analyze situations and reach productive decisions based on informed judgment.

Manufacturing Requirements Planning (MRP): Level Extensive Experience:

Knowledge of the processes, practices and systems used in manufacturing requirements planning (MRP); ability to optimize planning for manufacturing cycles and ensure capacity and materials availability.

Supplier Management - MFG: Level Extensive Knowledge:

Knowledge of processes and methods to effectively manage business relationships and transactions with suppliers of raw materials or product components; ability to apply related knowledge, experience and skills into real practice.

Strategic Thinking: Level Working Knowledge

Knowledge of the importance of "big picture" thinking and planning; ability to apply organizational acumen and competitiveness to identify and maintain focus on key success factors for the organization.

Top candidates will have:

• Minimum of ten years of supply chain or related experience.
• Experience in inventory management, scheduling, parts procurement, operations, dealer interactions
• Strong Business Acumen and experience within financial and business planning
• Strong End to End Manufacturing process experience
• Well-versed in supply chain planning processes and technologies.

• Strong collaboration skills across multiple teams, roles, and cultures in a matrix organization, extensive experience working with global teams.

• Ability to work effectively across hierarchical levels and geographies.

• A proven deep understanding of supply chain, procurement, and manufacturing processes.
• Proven track record in leading and developing high-performing teams, with a demonstrated ability to manage and grow talent effectively

Please note: Due to the Christmas Break your application may not be reviewed until the new year, with interviews to be held starting from January 2026

What You Will Get

We look forward to welcoming the successful candidate to our dynamic, diverse, and friendly team. We have a culture of openness, autonomy, support, and personal development as well as a continuous drive for improvement.

About Caterpillar

Caterpillar Inc. is the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. For 100 years, we've been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed and contributing to a reduced-carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed. #LI

Pending the number of applications, the criteria for the position may be enhanced to facilitate shortlisting.

NB. The panel cannot make assumptions when shortlisting therefore please demonstrate your

qualifications and experience on your CV relevant to the criteria outlined.

Posting Dates:

December 15, December 30, 2025

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply

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