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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic planning and optimise processes for national operations.
- Company: Allied Bakeries is part of Associated British Foods, a global food and retail group.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, career development, and generous annual leave.
- Why this job: Shape national strategy while driving innovation in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in FMCG planning and strong analytical skills required.
- Other info: Home-based role with occasional weekend work and a supportive team culture.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 84000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Business Planning Manager role at Allied Bakeries, part of Associated British Foods plc. Allied Bakeries are owned by Associated British Foods, a diversified international food, ingredients and retail group with sales of £20.1bn and 138,000 employees in 56 countries.
Our Grocery Service Centre, based near Liverpool, is a hub for transactional activity across multiple ABF companies within the ABF Grocery division. We deliver Shared Service activities across a wide range of disciplines including Customer Services, Consumer Care, Finance, Payroll, HR and IS.
If you’re looking to join a business that is passionate, encourages you to be the best you can be, and values its people, we’d love to hear from you.
Overview Of Role
- Location: Maidenhead
- Place of Work: Flexible as home-based
- Salary: Circa £70,000 per year, with flexibility for the right candidate
- Hours: 5 days per week, including 1 weekend in 6 (with time in lieu).
Are you ready to step into a senior leadership role where your strategic thinking and planning capabilities will directly shape operations on a national scale? At Allied Bakeries, we’re looking for a forward-thinking, collaborative Business Planning Manager to join our central operations team. Acting as Deputy to the Head of Planning and an important member of the Operations Leadership Team, this role gives you high-level exposure and the opportunity to influence real change across the business.
Your Role
- Lead & Influence: Support national strategy execution across customer demand, production scheduling, IBT, and equipment management.
- Plan & Optimise: Oversee production planning to enhance efficiency and minimise end-to-end costs.
- Strategic Collaboration: Work closely with senior stakeholders across Commercial, Finance, Operations, and Site Planning.
- Rapid Response: Adapt quickly to operational disruptions, managing overhauls and equipment planning effectively.
- Drive Innovation: Play a key role in implementing a new planning system to support future growth.
- Own the Numbers: Maintain accuracy in forecasting, cost management, and budget alignment.
What You Bring
- Extensive Planning Expertise: Proven experience in a fast-paced FMCG environment — ideally in fresh supply chains.
- Systems Savvy: Knowledge of the latest planning platforms, with experience in implementation.
- Analytical Mindset: Strong with data and confident using insights to drive decisions.
- Leadership Confidence: Ability to guide teams and influence across the business.
- Operational Flexibility: Able to work 1 weekend in 6 (with lieu time).
Why Join Us?
- Senior Role & Clear Progression: Shape national strategy today — and be developed for tomorrow.
- Career Development: Ongoing leadership training, mentoring and cross-functional exposure.
- Car Allowance: Supporting your mobility and flexibility.
- Annual Bonus Scheme: Rewarding your contribution and results.
- 33 Days Annual Leave: To recharge and unwind.
- Family-Friendly & Flexible Working: We support work-life balance.
- Retail Discounts: Save at Tesco, M&S, Currys and more.
- Cycle to Work & Electric Car Scheme: Sustainable travel options.
- Private Health Care + Employee Assistance Programme
- Up to 10% Employer Pension Contribution
- Charitable Giving: Payroll donations to Save the Children
- Holiday Purchase Scheme: Buy extra leave when needed.
Business Planning Manager employer: Allied Bakeries | part of Associated British Foods plc
Contact Detail:
Allied Bakeries | part of Associated British Foods plc Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Planning Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the FMCG sector, especially in fresh supply chains. Understanding the nuances of this industry will help you speak confidently about your experience and how it aligns with the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Allied Bakeries or similar companies. Engaging in conversations can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which you can leverage during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've optimised processes in previous roles. Highlighting your analytical mindset and leadership skills will demonstrate your capability to drive innovation and influence change.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest planning systems and technologies relevant to the FMCG industry. Being knowledgeable about these tools will show your commitment to continuous improvement and readiness to implement new solutions.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Planning Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in business planning and FMCG environments. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you meet the specific requirements of the Business Planning Manager role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your strategic thinking and leadership skills. Mention how your previous experiences align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, particularly in optimising processes and collaborating with senior stakeholders.
Showcase Analytical Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you've used data to drive decisions in past roles. Highlight any experience with planning systems and your ability to maintain accuracy in forecasting and cost management.
Express Enthusiasm for the Company: Demonstrate your passion for Allied Bakeries and their brands in your application. Mention why you want to work for them specifically and how you can contribute to their mission of delivering quality products while optimising operations.
How to prepare for a job interview at Allied Bakeries | part of Associated British Foods plc
✨Understand the Company Culture
Allied Bakeries values a positive attitude and inclusivity. Research their company culture and be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs. Show that you can thrive in a fast-paced environment.
✨Demonstrate Your Planning Expertise
As a Business Planning Manager, you'll need extensive planning experience. Be ready to share specific examples from your past roles where you've optimised processes or improved efficiency, particularly in FMCG settings.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
The role requires a strong analytical mindset. Prepare to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in previous positions. Bring examples of forecasting accuracy and cost management to highlight your capabilities.
✨Prepare for Strategic Collaboration Questions
You'll be working closely with senior stakeholders across various departments. Think of instances where you've successfully collaborated with others to achieve a common goal, and be ready to discuss your approach to teamwork and influence.
