At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead teams in planning, shipping, and purchasing for seamless order processing.
- Company: Join a world-leading manufacturing business in Northamptonshire.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and genuine career development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with exposure to exciting operational challenges.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced, innovative industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in logistics, planning, or purchasing with strong organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Location: Northamptonshire
Salary: £35,000 – £45,000 DOE
We are seeking an experienced Planning, Shipping & Purchasing Manager to join our clients world-leading manufacturing business in Northamptonshire. This is an excellent opportunity for a highly organised and proactive professional to take ownership of key operational functions within a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
You will lead the Planning, Shipping, Purchasing, and Administration teams, ensuring seamless coordination across the full order lifecycle—from production planning through to final delivery. Working closely with Sales, Production, and Logistics, you will play a critical role in ensuring customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, and timely fulfilment of orders.
Key Responsibilities- Lead and manage the Planning, Shipping, Purchasing, and Administration teams
- Oversee end-to-end order processing, including import/export logistics
- Ensure all shipping documentation is accurate, compliant, and up to date
- Collaborate with internal teams to ensure effective production planning and on-time delivery
- Manage customer order schedules, delivery timelines, and fulfilment performance
- Monitor customer accounts and support payment collection processes during deliveries
- Support purchasing activities, supplier management, and cost control initiatives
- Maintain high levels of customer service within a fast-moving operational environment
- Provide general administrative and operational support where required
- Proven experience in team management within planning, logistics, shipping, or purchasing
- Strong background in shipping operations, including import/export processes
- Experience in production planning and scheduling within a manufacturing environment
- Purchasing and procurement experience, including supplier coordination and cost management
- Experience working within a fast-moving manufacturing or consumer goods industry
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
- Experience with Microsoft Dynamics AX/D365/CRM systems would be advantageous
- Degree in Business Administration or equivalent qualification preferred
- Experience in the fragrance, aromas, flavours, FMCG, or related industries is highly desirable
- Competitive salary of £35,000 – £45,000 depending on experience
- Opportunity to join a global leader in manufacturing
- Supportive and collaborative working environment
- Genuine career development and progression opportunities
- Exposure to a fast-paced and innovative industry environment
If you are an experienced logistics, planning, or purchasing professional looking for your next challenge, we would love to hear from you.
Planning, Shipping & Purchasing Manager in Milton Keynes employer: Interaction - Kettering
Contact Detail:
Interaction - Kettering Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning, Shipping & Purchasing Manager in Milton Keynes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Tailor your answers to show how your experience in planning, shipping, and purchasing aligns with their needs. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to build confidence. Focus on articulating your achievements in logistics and team management clearly.
✨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 are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning, Shipping & Purchasing Manager in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in planning, shipping, and purchasing. We want to see how your skills match the job description, so don’t be shy about showcasing your relevant achievements!
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. We love seeing enthusiasm and a clear understanding of the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out your application, keep your language straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Interaction - Kettering
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of planning, shipping, and purchasing processes. Familiarise yourself with import/export logistics and production planning techniques. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing teams, be prepared to discuss your leadership style and experiences. Think of specific examples where you've successfully led a team or improved operational efficiency. This will demonstrate your capability to take ownership of key functions.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, like managing tight delivery timelines or resolving conflicts within your team. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your problem-solving skills and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready about the company's operations or future projects. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values.