Julia Cook

Results-driven supply chain and planning leader with 10+ years in FMCG. Looking for a part time role with due to family commitments. Expertise in end-to-end planning — demand, supply, inventory, and capacity — to maximise availability, efficiency, and cost savings. Experienced in building and leading high-performing teams, implementing planning processes, thrive on problem solving and partnering with Procurement, Sales, Operations, and Logistics to drive resilience, service, and growth.

Category Buyer – Packaging & DTC Ingredients - Graze / Nature Delivered / Unilever

(2023-03 - 2025-05)

• Developed and executed category strategies ensuring continuity across multiple categories and territories.
• Built strategic supplier partnerships and delivered joint business plans.
• Negotiated supplier agreements, reducing lead times and strengthening resilience.
• Drove sustainability initiatives lower-impact packaging.
• Produced spend and supplier performance analytics for senior leadership.
• Led full tender processes (RFI, RFP, RFQ) and managed EPR submissions.
• Maintained and contributed to risk and opportunity trackers across categories.

Portfolio Projects Delivery Manager - Graze / Nature Delivered / Unilever

(2022-10 - 2023-03)

• Led cross-functional portfolio projects, ensuring timely delivery against budget and scope.
• Coordinated Operations, Finance, and Commercial teams to align outcomes with business objectives.
• Delivered accurate financial tracking and reporting for all projects.
• Established clear governance and stakeholder communication, driving accountability and removing blockers.

Planning Manager - Graze / Nature Delivered / Unilever

(2018-08 - 2022-10)

• Directed Planning Team: recruited, coached, and set objectives for supply and fulfilment planners.
• Owned DTC demand planning for subscription and online shop. Applying promotional uplifts and seasonal impacts.
• Implemented strategies for seasonal peaks, promotions, and long-term demand.
• Produced data packs for monthly S&OP and deputised for Head of Planning when required.
• Partnered with Sales, Procurement, and Logistics to optimise stock, reduce waste, and sustain OTIF.
• Introduced tools to optimise sequencing and capacity utilisation, improving efficiency and cost.
• Contributed to the implementation of new integrated supply planning system Optimity.
• Collaborated with Engineering to enhance MRP functionality and data integrity.

Production Planner - Graze / Nature Delivered / Unilever

(2015-05 - 2018-07)

• Planned production of up to 2M units per week across eight lines and two sites, balancing demand and capacity.
• Monitored inventory for 300+ SKUs across UK & US, Retail, DTC and Third party manufacturing ensuring optimal inventory, availability and reducing waste through life extensions and caps.
• Lead over 100 launches, discontinuations, and redevelopments across the supply chain.
• Liaised daily with Procurement, Technical, and Manufacturing to mitigate shortages and maintain service.
• Conducted root-cause analysis on service failures, driving corrective action and process improvements.
• Delivered efficient production schedules to minimise changeovers, clean-downs, and cost.
• Proficient in Excel, Google sheets, Microsoft

Supply Chain Leader - Fortress Interlocks

(2013-11 - 2015-04)

• Managed end-to-end supply planning, inventory, and supplier relationships across multiple regions.
• Improved forecast accuracy, reduced obsolete stock, and safeguarded product launches.
• Oversaw procurement and logistics, aligning supply with demand.

BA (Hons) - Business Management & Economics - De Montfort University A Levels - Business Studies, Psychology, Economics, Human Biology - Worcester Sixth Form College

GCSEs - Christopher Whitehead High School