Distribution Planner

Asahi Group

  • Woking, Surrey
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 5 hours ago
Distribution PlannerWe're looking for a detail-oriented and proactive Distribution Planner to join our Supply Chain team. In this role, you'll play a key part in making sure our products get to customers on time and in full, while keeping costs under control. You'll work closely with our 3PL (third-party logistics) partners and internal teams to ensure our distribution network runs smoothly and efficiently.This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys problem-solving, data analysis, and building strong relationships in a fast-moving environment.What you'll be doingManaging 3PL Partners
  • Act as the main day-to-day contact for our warehouse and transport providers.
  • Monitor service levels (like OTIF performance), investigate issues, and work with partners to implement permanent fixes.
  • Lead regular operational reviews with 3PLs, sharing performance dashboards and driving continuous improvement.
  • Oversee system accuracy - ensuring product data, stock, and electronic messages flow correctly between systems.
Supporting Throughput & Forecasting
  • Help build weekly warehouse activity forecasts and peak plans, ensuring our 3PLs have the capacity to meet demand.
  • Share forward order visibility and promotional plans with partners to support their resource planning.
  • Manage subcontracting and rework processes, making sure external partners deliver to forecast.
Budget & Cost Control
  • Track and analyse logistics costs, explaining variances and identifying savings.
  • Approve and validate ad-hoc or unexpected costs, ensuring financial accuracy.
  • Partner with Finance and Procurement on new rates and month-end reporting.
Reporting & Continuous Improvement
  • Own KPI reporting for service, costs, and throughput, driving improvements with data-led insights.
  • Monitor and reduce late deliveries, returns, and demurrage with proactive solutions.
  • Support wider logistics efficiency projects, including pallet and order optimisation.
General Support
  • Be a key member of the UK Distribution team - supporting colleagues, covering the shared inbox, and contributing to strategic projects.
  • Attend customer and sales meetings when needed.
  • Keep SOPs and training materials up to date.
What we're looking for
  • Experience in supply chain or logistics, ideally in FMCG or the drinks industry.
  • Strong communication skills - confident working with both suppliers and internal teams.
  • Highly organised with great attention to detail, even under pressure.
  • Good Excel skills (intermediate level) and ERP system knowledge (SAP a bonus).
  • Analytical mindset with the ability to turn data into actionable insights.
Why join us?This role gives you the chance to shape how we deliver to customers, work cross-functionally across supply chain and finance, and influence key partners. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same, you'll feel right at home here.We are committed to nurturing a workplace where we celebrate and respect difference, and support everyone to be true to who they are! At Asahi Europe and International we believe you can SHINE AS YOU ARE - no matter your age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disabilities, religion, or beliefs. We want to support you to be courageous in your individuality and to know that whoever you are and whatever your circumstances, you can belong with us without having to conform.Asahi UK (AUK), part of Asahi Europe & International Ltd, aims to enrich consumer experiences through innovation, high-quality service and an exceptional portfolio of premium beer, ale and cider brands including, Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Asahi Super Dry, Meantime, Fuller's London Pride and Cornish Orchards. Our aim is to be the leading super premium beer business in the UK, through a brand mix that creates a compelling proposition. At AUK we operate as an end to end business unit responsible for sales, marketing, customer operations, production, supply chain and wholesale operations in the UK & Ireland. For further information, visit www.asahibeer.co.ukAsahi Europe & International is a subsidiary of Asahi Group Holdings Ltd, a global beverage and food company listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, Japan. Employing
12,000 people, Asahi Europe & International is the custodian for leading super premium lager brands Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Grolsch, Asahi Super Dry, plus international Czech lager brands, Pilsner Urquell and Kozel. The business has world-class brewing and production facilities in 8 markets - UK, NL, ITL, PL, CZ, SK, HU, RO. In most of these markets, we are the leading brewer with full portfolio of famous brands. Commercial operations in other parts of Europe, USA, Canada, LatAm, Africa and Asia are served through our global distribution network. With state-of-the-art facilities, some of the best brewers in the world, quality ingredients, and a culture based on innovation and collaboration, Asahi offers the best quality of beer to beer lovers worldwide. More information can be found at www.asahiinternational.com

Asahi Group