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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic planning team in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join an innovative manufacturing business known for quality and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £55,000 and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of planning while driving efficiency and collaboration.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing planning teams and knowledge of ERP systems required.
- Other info: Ideal for adaptable leaders passionate about continuous improvement.
Gloucester Up to 55,000 (DOE)
Our client is seeking a hands-on and driven Planning Manager to lead an established planning team within a complex, fast-paced manufacturing environment. This role demands a confident leader who can quickly integrate, build trust and steer the team towards even greater efficiency and collaboration.
As the Planning Manager, you'll take full responsibility for leading and developing the planning function, ensuring seamless coordination between production, materials and capacity to meet business goals. You'll play a pivotal role in aligning resources, improving systems and mentoring a capable team to meet high standards of performance.
Key responsibilities:
- Lead and motivate the Planning team, ensuring clarity, accountability and continuous development.
- Take ownership of production planning, materials scheduling, capacity planning and forecasting.
- Ensure planning systems and controls are consistently improved to meet evolving business needs.
- Maintain optimal inventory levels for raw materials, WIP and finished goods.
- Drive performance against OTIF targets, using root cause analysis tools (e.g. 8D, PPS) to tackle issues.
- Support cross-functional efforts during NPI (New Product Introduction) and process changes.
- Generate, track and report on relevant KPIs, driving visibility and accountability across the function.
- Contribute to audit readiness and supplier reviews with robust planning inputs.
About you:
- A proven people leader with experience managing and developing planning teams in a manufacturing setting.
- Excellent working knowledge of ERP systems (ideally IFS, SAP or equivalent) and planning tools such as S&OP, capacity modelling and finite scheduling.
- Effective communicator with a proactive, team-oriented approach.
- Comfortable working with engineering and production teams, including interpreting technical drawings (GD&T).
- Adaptable and solutions-focused, ideally with experience of lean or continuous improvement initiatives.
The company:
This is an opportunity to join a well-established and innovative manufacturing business with a strong reputation for quality and customer commitment. Operating in a highly regulated, complex sector, the company combines engineering excellence with a long-term vision for sustainable growth.
How to apply:
If you're ready to lead from the front and shape the future of a capable and committed planning team, we'd love to hear from you. Please submit your CV along with current remuneration details, quoting reference 9993.
Planning Manager - Manufacturing Operations employer: Lord Search & Selection
Contact Detail:
Lord Search & Selection Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Manager - Manufacturing Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific ERP systems mentioned in the job description, such as IFS or SAP. Having a solid understanding of these tools will not only boost your confidence during interviews but also demonstrate your readiness to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led and developed planning teams in the past. Highlighting your leadership style and the outcomes of your initiatives can help you stand out as a candidate who can drive performance and foster collaboration.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement initiatives. Being able to discuss how you've implemented these strategies in previous roles will show that you're adaptable and solutions-focused, which is crucial for this position.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with professionals in the manufacturing sector, especially those who have experience in planning roles. Engaging in conversations about industry trends and challenges can provide valuable insights and may even lead to referrals or recommendations.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Manager - Manufacturing Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in planning and manufacturing operations. Emphasise your leadership skills and any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to improve efficiency and collaboration within a team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the role and the company. Mention your experience with ERP systems and planning tools, and how you can contribute to the company's goals. Be sure to express your enthusiasm for leading a planning team.
Highlight Key Skills: In your application, clearly outline your key skills such as capacity planning, materials scheduling, and performance management. Use specific examples to illustrate how you've successfully applied these skills in previous roles.
Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you include all requested information in your application, such as current remuneration details and the reference number 9993. Double-check your documents for accuracy and completeness before submitting them through our website.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lord Search & Selection
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Planning Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and motivate a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on how you built trust and improved collaboration.
✨Understand the Technical Aspects
Familiarise yourself with ERP systems and planning tools mentioned in the job description, such as S&OP and capacity modelling. Be ready to discuss your experience with these systems and how they can enhance efficiency in a manufacturing environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially regarding production planning and inventory management. Think of specific scenarios where you've used root cause analysis tools to tackle issues and improve performance.
✨Demonstrate Adaptability and Continuous Improvement Mindset
The role requires someone who is adaptable and solutions-focused. Be prepared to discuss your experience with lean initiatives or continuous improvement projects, highlighting how you've implemented changes that led to better outcomes.
