At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead planning and stock control for a busy manufacturing site in Runcorn.
- Company: Join Howdens, a growing and innovative leader in the kitchen industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, car allowance, and generous holiday package.
- Other info: Supportive environment with ongoing training and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on production and customer delivery every day.
- Qualifications: Experience in planning and stock control within high-volume manufacturing.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
We’re recruiting for a Manufacturing Planning Manager to support our Runcorn manufacturing site. This is a key leadership role where you’ll take full ownership of planning, reporting, raw material scheduling, and stock control activities across the site. You’ll develop both short and longer-term production plans, ensuring customer demand is met while balancing capacity, space, and cost. You’ll also provide clear, data‑led insight to support decision‑making and continuous improvement.
Why join Howdens as a Manufacturing Planning Manager:
- Take ownership of a complex and varied portfolio, including 120+ finished goods, 420+ WIP SKUs and 160+ raw materials.
- Support the supply of rigid kitchens to over 1,000 depots across the UK and Europe, directly impacting customer delivery every day.
- Work in a highly responsive environment with short lead times and limited demand visibility, giving you genuine pace and challenge.
- Operate within tight space constraints and lean stock levels, driving efficiency and smart decision‑making across the site.
- Influence production across multiple assets, including 10 assembly lines and 8 machining processes, with further investment underway.
- Manage planning at real scale, supporting millions of units annually and significant production value.
- Lead and develop a small team, driving performance and building capability across the function.
Alongside the challenge, you’ll be part of a business that continues to invest, grow, and innovate, offering real opportunity to make an impact and develop your career.
Key responsibilities:
- Lead and coordinate the planning team, ensuring alignment across the site and a strong focus on customer service.
- Develop and deliver annual and tactical plans, balancing seasonality, capacity, space constraints, and cost targets.
- Continuously review and improve planning systems and processes to support a growing operation.
- Maintain and oversee key SAP planning data (e.g. MOQs, safety stock levels), working closely with Master Data teams.
- Ensure raw material availability to support production in a fast‑changing and high‑volume environment.
- Maintain stock accuracy through effective controls and regular stock checks, ensuring audit compliance.
- Deliver accurate and timely reporting to support both site and wider business decision‑making.
- Support the successful introduction of new products (NPI) into the business.
- Lead, coach and develop a small team, building capability and flexibility across the function.
What you’ll need to succeed:
Knowledge & Experience:
- Experience in a Planning Manager (or similar) role, with responsibility for production planning and stock control.
- Proven experience within a high‑volume manufacturing or FMCG environment, delivering results through sharp demand peaks and rapid change.
- Strong people leadership skills, with the ability to lead, develop and motivate teams in a fast‑paced, high‑pressure environment.
Skills & Abilities:
- Highly analytical, with the ability to interpret data quickly and translate it into clear actions.
- Strong numerical and problem‑solving skills, with excellent attention to detail.
- Experience using SAP or similar ERP systems, alongside strong Excel capability.
- Able to adapt to changing priorities and respond effectively in a fast‑paced environment.
- Solutions‑focused and results‑driven, with the confidence to challenge and improve performance.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to build relationships across all levels of the business.
What we can offer you:
- Competitive salary + bonus + car allowance.
- Pension with up to 12% company contribution.
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays, with the option to buy more.
- Staff discount.
- Ongoing training, development, and career opportunities.
- A supportive, friendly environment with great recognition and rewards.
Manufacturing Planning Manager in Runcorn, Cheshire employer: Energy Jobline CVL
Howdens is an exceptional employer for the Manufacturing Planning Manager role in Runcorn, offering a dynamic work environment where you can take ownership of a complex portfolio and directly impact customer delivery across the UK and Europe. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive benefits including a generous pension scheme and staff discounts, and a culture that values innovation and continuous improvement, you'll find ample opportunities to grow your career while being part of a supportive and high-performing team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manufacturing Planning Manager in Runcorn, Cheshire
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Energy Jobline CVL, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Manufacturing Planning Manager in Runcorn, Cheshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Energy Jobline CVL specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Energy Jobline CVL
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Energy Jobline CVL, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Energy Jobline CVL value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
