Recruitment of Sourcing Manager in Stockholm (Medical Devices & Technology Company)
2022-04-14
Recruitment of Procurement Development Manager in Stockholm (Construction Industry)
2025-07-15
Introduction & Context
A leading FMCG company was seeking to hire a Senior Demand & Supply Planner for their Nordics office. This was a critical role within the organization, given the complexities of short shelf-life products, extended supply chains, and high customer demands. The company needed a high-potential hire with strong expertise in logistics management, issue resolution, and commercial team communication.
The FMCG industry presents unique supply chain challenges, including volatile demand patterns, strict inventory turnover requirements, and the necessity for agile responses. With major retail partners expecting consistent service levels, the company required a professional who could balance service-mindedness with assertiveness, ensuring smooth operations while maintaining strong and transparent relationships.
Role & Requirements
The Senior Demand & Supply Planner would be responsible for:
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Managing demand and supply planning for the company’s Nordic operations, ensuring product availability while minimizing waste.
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Coordinating cross-functional communication between logistics, procurement, and commercial teams.
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Handling short shelf-life constraints and optimizing supply chain efficiency.
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Developing issue resolution strategies to proactively tackle supply chain disruptions.
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Building strong retailer relationships, ensuring transparency while maintaining control over operational processes.
The ideal candidate needed:
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Solid FMCG experience, with a deep understanding of demand planning and logistics.
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Proven ability to navigate complex supply chains, including forecasting and inventory management.
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Excellent problem-solving skills, particularly in high-pressure environments.
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Strong communication skills, capable of influencing internal stakeholders without being a push-over.
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A service-oriented mindset, while maintaining strategic control over planning processes.
Search Methodology
A tailored search approach was deployed to identify candidates who met the broad skill set requirements and industry experience. The search strategy included:
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Targeted Headhunting – Identifying professionals with experience in high-paced FMCG environments.
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Network Activation – Leveraging connections in supply chain and logistics leadership roles.
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Strategic Advertising – Engaging passive candidates with a compelling value proposition focused on career growth and autonomy.
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Competency-Based Screening – Assessing candidates’ technical expertise, leadership skills, and adaptability to dynamic supply chain challenges.
Outcome & Impact
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Successful Placement: A top-tier candidate was secured within the expected timeline.
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Ideal Match: The selected professional had extensive FMCG experience in a dynamic global company, which provided a strong foundation but was previously too rigid. This new role offered the perfect balance between structure and flexibility, allowing them to step up and fully utilize their expertise.
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Positive Business Impact: Since joining, the new Demand & Supply Planner has contributed significantly to optimizing supply chain performance, improving forecasting accuracy, and strengthening relationships with commercial teams.
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Long-Term Fit: The company gained a high-potential hire who brought both technical excellence and the ability to drive strategic improvements, reinforcing their commitment to supply chain excellence in the Nordic market.
Conclusion
This case demonstrates how a well-structured recruitment strategy can secure a top talent fit for a demanding FMCG environment. By identifying a candidate with strong industry expertise and leadership skills, the company successfully enhanced its demand and supply planning capabilities, ensuring long-term operational success.
