Manufacturing Planning Manager in Runcorn

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.

This is a fantastic opportunity to take on a pivotal role at the heart of a large‑scale, fast‑moving manufacturing operation. As a Manufacturing Planning Manager, you’ll play a key part in ensuring our production runs smoothly, efficiently, and in line with customer demand, while shaping the future of planning at the site.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.
• Adaptable 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.

• 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.

Howdens is founded on the principle of being Worthwhile for ALL concerned. We’re working hard to ensure we provide an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. We will do everything we can to support you during your application. If you need us to make any adjustments to our recruitment process, please email recruitmentteam@howdens.com with the job title and location, and we will be happy to help you.