At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead planning and stock control for our Runcorn manufacturing site.
- Company: Join a dynamic team in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, generous holiday, and pension contributions.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities in a supportive and friendly workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by optimising production and leading a talented team.
- Qualifications: Experience in planning and stock control in 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.
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.
- Solution‑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 employer: Howdens-95ed4e89
Join our dynamic team at the Runcorn manufacturing site, where we prioritise employee growth and a supportive work culture. As a Manufacturing Planning Manager, you'll benefit from competitive compensation, generous holiday allowances, and ongoing training opportunities, all while working in an environment that values recognition and teamwork. Our commitment to continuous improvement and innovation ensures that you will play a vital role in shaping the future of our operations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manufacturing Planning Manager in Runcorn
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the manufacturing sector, especially those who might know about opportunities at our Runcorn site. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of SAP and production planning. We want to see how you can bring your analytical skills to the table, so be ready to discuss real-life examples of how you've tackled challenges in high-volume environments.
✨Tip Number 3
Show us your leadership style! Think about how you've motivated teams in the past and be prepared to share those stories. We love candidates who can inspire others while keeping an eye on customer service and operational efficiency.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at the Runcorn site.
We think you need these skills to ace Manufacturing Planning Manager in Runcorn
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Manufacturing Planning Manager role. Highlight your experience in production planning and stock control, especially in high-volume environments. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've led teams and improved processes in previous positions. We love a good story!
Show Off Your Analytical Skills:Since this role requires strong analytical abilities, make sure to showcase your experience with data interpretation and problem-solving. Mention any tools or systems you've used, like SAP or Excel, to back up your claims. We’re all about data-led insights!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application directly and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Let’s get started on this journey together!
How to prepare for a job interview at Howdens-95ed4e89
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Manufacturing Planning Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your analytical skills. Brush up on key metrics related to production planning and stock control. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires strong people leadership skills. Prepare examples of how you've led teams in high-pressure environments. Think about specific situations where you motivated your team or improved their performance.
✨Familiarise Yourself with SAP
Since the job involves maintaining key SAP planning data, make sure you're comfortable discussing your experience with ERP systems. If you have specific examples of how you've used SAP to improve processes, be ready to share them.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in fast-paced situations. Think of scenarios where you've had to adapt quickly to changing priorities and how you managed those challenges effectively.
