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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to optimise production planning and scheduling in a fast-growing manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join a well-established manufacturing business with a state-of-the-art factory in Cardiff.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 10% bonus, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving efficiency and leading a high-performing team.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing planning teams and strong knowledge of MRP/ERP systems required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career advancement opportunities in a rapidly growing company.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 63000 £ per year.
Job Description
Location: Cardiff
Salary: £55,000–£60,000 per annum + 10% bonus
Hours: Monday–Friday (Days)
Contract: Permanent | Full-time
Industry: Manufacturing
About the business
A well-established manufacturing business is investing heavily and experiencing rapid growth. You’ll be joining a new, state-of-the-art factory in Cardiff equipped with modern technology and systems. The business is scaling fast and — due to internal promotion — is now seeking an accomplished Planning Manager to own planning & scheduling and lead a small, high-performing team.
The role
As the Planning Manager you will be responsible for end-to-end production planning and scheduling to ensure the site delivers on customer service, minimises waste and inventory, and meets commercial targets. This is a hands-on leadership role that combines day-to-day planning with people management, stakeholder engagement and continuous improvement.
Key responsibilities
- Lead and develop a team of planners/schedulers to deliver accurate production schedules and on-time customer service.
- Own demand planning, short-term scheduling and capacity planning across multiple lines/areas.
- Manage inventory levels and drive initiatives to reduce stock, obsolescence and cost.
- Run S&OP / IBP activities and collaborate with Commercial, Supply Chain, Procurement and Production.
- Maintain and optimise planning processes within the ERP/MRP system; champion system improvements and data accuracy.
- Monitor and report on planning KPIs (OTIF, stock days, schedule attainment, yield) and deliver continuous improvement projects.
- Coach, mentor and develop planners; create a culture of accountability, accuracy and collaboration.
- Support change and implementation activities as the site grows and new technology is deployed.
What we’re looking for
- Proven experience managing planning teams in a manufacturing environment (food/FMCG desirable).
- Strong technical knowledge of MRP/ERP systems and planning tools; confident with forecasting and S&OP. Experience with Oracle ERP would be advantageous.
- Excellent people leader with a track record of coaching, developing and motivating a team.
- Commercially aware — able to balance customer service with inventory and working capital control.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills; comfortable presenting to senior leaders.
- Analytical mindset with experience using data to drive decisions and improvements.
How to apply
Click Apply Now with your CV and a short covering note outlining your planning leadership experience. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an initial call.
Planning Manager employer: Futures
Contact Detail:
Futures Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the manufacturing industry, especially those who know about planning roles. A friendly chat can lead to insider info or even a referral that could land you an interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the company and its recent projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their growth and how you can contribute as a Planning Manager.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led teams, improved processes, or tackled challenges in previous roles. This will help you stand out and demonstrate your hands-on leadership style.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Planning Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing planning teams and any specific achievements in production scheduling that align with what we're looking for.
Craft a Compelling Covering Note: Your covering note is your chance to shine! Keep it short but impactful, focusing on your leadership experience in planning and how you can contribute to our growth at the new Cardiff factory.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention your technical knowledge of MRP/ERP systems. If you've worked with Oracle ERP, make it known! We love seeing candidates who are confident with forecasting and S&OP.
Be Ready for a Chat: If you're shortlisted, we’ll reach out for an initial call. Be prepared to discuss your experience in detail and how you’ve driven improvements in your previous roles. Good luck!
How to prepare for a job interview at Futures
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Planning Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your analytical skills. Brush up on key metrics like OTIF, stock days, and schedule attainment. Be ready to discuss how you've used data in past roles to drive improvements and make decisions.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role involves leading a team, so be prepared to talk about your leadership approach. Share specific examples of how you've coached and developed team members in the past. Highlight any successful initiatives you've led that improved team performance or morale.
✨Familiarise Yourself with ERP Systems
Since strong technical knowledge of MRP/ERP systems is crucial, make sure you can speak confidently about your experience with these tools. If you've worked with Oracle ERP, mention it! Discuss how you've optimised planning processes in previous roles.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Stakeholder management is key in this position. Prepare to discuss how you've collaborated with different departments like Commercial, Supply Chain, and Production. Think of examples where your communication skills helped resolve issues or improve processes.
