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