Planning Manager

Planning Manager

Location:         Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey
Job Type:         Permanent

Salary:               £70 - 75k

A leading manufacturing business is seeking an experienced Planning Manager to join its Operations Leadership Team. This is a key role with direct responsibility for the Planning team and indirect responsibility for supply chain demand and material control. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in manufacturing, extensive knowledge of planning processes, and expertise in MRP systems and demand/inventory management.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the open order book sales plan, ensuring alignment with short-, medium-, and long-term goals.
• Oversee the Master Production Schedule, considering lead times and capacity constraints.
• Improve forecast accuracy for sales order execution (target +/- 5%).
• Ensure daily planning activities meet business service levels, with KPI-driven performance metrics.
• Act as an MRP “Super User” within the planning department, driving efficiency and accuracy.
• Focus on production order OTIF, working closely with Operations to enhance customer satisfaction.
• Develop, mentor, and coach the Planning team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Support new product introductions (NPI) and drive improvements in business processes and procedures.
• Contribute to S&OP requirements, supporting key business sales targets while managing lead-time limitations.
• Ensure MRP parameters align with business policies and drive ERP project improvements.

Required Skills & Experience:

• Proven experience as a Planning Manager within a regulated or manufacturing environment.
• Strong expertise in SIOP execution and MRP system functionality.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to forecast and anticipate production needs.
• High competency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
• Experience in works order control and traceability.
• Strong leadership and problem-solving skills in a dynamic, fast-paced setting.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to drive performance improvements and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Career development opportunities in a growing business.
• A key leadership role with the ability to make a significant impact.

This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled Planning Manager to lead and optimize planning processes in a dynamic manufacturing environment. If you are an experienced Planning Manager looking for your next challenge, apply today!