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- Tasks: Manage the lifecycle of catering and refrigeration rental assets across Europe.
- Company: Join Lowe, a global leader in innovative refrigeration and catering solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse team culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Lead a dynamic team and drive continuous improvements in asset management.
- Why this job: Be part of exciting events like Glastonbury and Formula 1 while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in supply chain planning and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are Lowe, a globally recognized brand for innovation, ambition and quality. Our unique culture is built on people, from motivating and developing our highly talented team, to truly listening to and delivering against our clients’ needs. With over 40 years’ experience, today Lowe Rental is the world’s leading refrigeration and catering equipment supplier to major food exhibitions, sporting events and retailers across the globe; from the Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix to Glastonbury.
The Planning Manager is accountable for the full lifecycle management of Lowe Europe’s catering and refrigeration rental assets across Retail, Events, Exhibitions and Long-Term Rental divisions. This role ensures that assets are accurately recorded, available to meet demand, refurbished to the right standard, and efficiently utilised across all warehouses. Reporting to the Head of Supply Chain, the Planning Manager will provide key data analysis and operational direction concerning asset availability, utilisation, demand planning, procurement planning and range reviews. This role requires effective cross-functional collaboration with Sales, Transport, Warehouse, Procurement, and Projects, and line management of the Asset Management team.
Responsibilities of the role
- Asset & Procurement Management
- Manage day-to-day availability and accuracy of assets across UK and Europe.
- Balance stock holding between sites to minimise transfers while meeting customer demand.
- Lead quarterly and annual asset review processes, producing recommendations for disposal and replacement.
- Oversee refurbishment and recommissioning priorities, ensuring assets meet commercial and operational standards.
- Direct disposal of non-repairable or obsolete assets, sourcing replacements in line with capex budgets.
- Ensure asset accuracy within ERP systems, aligning physical stock with digital records.
- Performance, Reporting & Compliance
- Monitor and report on asset utilisation, identifying risks of over- or under-utilisation and implementing corrective actions.
- Oversee reporting of all missing, damaged and dirty assets, ensuring trends are analysed and improvement actions taken.
- Provide reporting and recommendations on asset earnings, lifecycle costs, and return on investment.
- Work with QHSE to address asset quality issues, reduce damage, and ensure compliance with health & safety requirements.
- Lead annual and quarterly stock audits, driving continuous improvements in accuracy.
- Operational Support
- Ensure asset availability for major events and exhibitions, including planning, dispatch, and post-event reconciliation.
- Work with Warehouse and Transport teams to guarantee accurate loading/unloading and full compliance with processes.
- Collaborate with Contracts team to ensure contract substitutions are captured and invoiced correctly.
- Support sales and project teams with accurate asset data for quotations and proposals.
- Relationship with Head of Supply Chain
- Providing accurate utilisation, procurement and forecasting data to inform strategic planning.
- Translating capex and range review outcomes into operational actions.
- Delivering performance against agreed KPIs across asset availability, procurement, utilisation, and cost control.
- Ensuring asset management and procurement processes across Europe are standardised and effective.
- Leadership & Team Management
- Lead and develop the Asset Management team (x5), ensuring clarity of objectives and accountability.
- Provide coaching, mentoring and support to build team capability and succession planning.
- Act as the main point of escalation for asset-related and procurement-related queries, ensuring quick resolution and clear communication.
- Support the Head of Supply Chain in delivering annual reviews, capex recommendations, and wider Supply Chain strategy.
Profile
Essential
- Proven experience in supply chain planning, stock control or operational leadership.
- Strong analytical, organisational, planning and prioritisation skills.
- Strong commercial awareness and cost management capability.
- Proficiency with ERP systems and Microsoft Office.
- Customer-focused mindset with strong relationship management skills.
- Ability to manage a small team.
Desirable
- Experience in an asset-based hire/rental or events industry.
- Knowledge of logistics, warehouse operations and supply chain management.
- Experience managing procurement or supplier relationships.
- Track record of leading change and process improvement.
Lowe is an equal opportunity employer and committed to a diverse workforce. We are incredibly selective in our hiring and shortlisting for this vacancy will be completed on the basis of merit. Candidates should tailor their CVs to reflect our essential criteria.
Planning Manager in Cheltenham employer: Energy Jobline ZR
Contact Detail:
Energy Jobline ZR Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Manager in Cheltenham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with current employees at Lowe. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Lowe’s culture and values. Show us how your experience aligns with our mission of innovation and quality. We love candidates who can demonstrate their understanding of our brand!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common interview questions, especially around supply chain management and asset utilisation. We want to see your analytical skills in action, so be ready to share specific examples from your past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining the Lowe team!
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Manager in Cheltenham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the essential criteria mentioned in the job description. Highlight your experience in supply chain planning and stock control, as well as any relevant achievements that showcase your analytical and organisational skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for the Planning Manager role. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed assets or led teams in the past, and don’t forget to express your enthusiasm for working with Lowe!
Showcase Your Skills: Be sure to highlight your proficiency with ERP systems and Microsoft Office in your application. We want to see how your technical skills can contribute to our asset management and procurement processes.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Energy Jobline ZR
✨Know Your Assets
Before the interview, make sure you understand the lifecycle management of catering and refrigeration assets. Familiarise yourself with how these assets are used in various sectors like retail and events. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience with data analysis and reporting. Be ready to provide examples of how you've monitored asset utilisation or implemented corrective actions in previous roles. This will highlight your strong analytical skills, which are crucial for the Planning Manager position.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Since this role requires effective cross-functional collaboration, think of specific instances where you've worked with different teams, such as sales or warehouse operations. Share how you’ve successfully navigated challenges and built relationships to achieve common goals.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, like managing stock levels during a major event. Prepare by thinking through potential scenarios and your approach to problem-solving. This will showcase your operational support skills and readiness for the role.