At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate global order requirements and balance customer needs with operational capabilities.
- Company: Join JCB, a leader in innovative machinery with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 33 days holiday, onsite gym, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Diverse workplace with excellent career growth opportunities and support for all applicants.
- Why this job: Be the key link in a fast-paced environment, making a real impact on customer satisfaction.
- Qualifications: Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and advanced Excel proficiency.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
The Opportunity – Sales Planner
About the role:
Sales Planning plays a critical role within the JCB Sales operation, ensuring we can meet customer demand while maintaining efficient and effective business operations. As a Sales Planner, you will be responsible for coordinating order requirements across multiple business units and factories worldwide, helping to balance customer needs with operational capabilities. Reporting to the Sales Planning Manager, you will work closely with Regional Sales Teams, Product Teams, Manufacturing Facilities, and Group Finance, acting as a key link between departments to ensure accurate planning and successful order fulfilment. This is a fast‑paced and highly collaborative role, offering exposure to a wide range of JCB products, systems, processes, and global stakeholders.
What does this role involve day to day?
- Act as the primary point of contact between global Regional Sales teams, Product teams, and Manufacturing Facilities regarding customer order planning requirements.
- Maintain and manage customer order books using SAP as the primary data source.
- Produce, analyse, and develop reports to support planning activities and business decision‑making.
- Balance customer requirements with operational constraints, ensuring the best possible outcomes for all stakeholders.
- Manage competing priorities across multiple business units, factories, and regions.
- Respond to customer and internal stakeholder queries regarding order prioritisation and delivery scheduling.
- Work closely with operational teams to negotiate solutions and resolve planning challenges.
- Partner with Group Finance to ensure machine orders are planned in line with customer credit limits and financial controls.
- Attend and regularly lead Sales and Operational Planning meetings, providing data‑driven insights, recommendations, and updates on your areas of responsibility.
- Continuously identify opportunities to improve planning processes, reporting, and ways of working.
This will be suited to you if…
- Excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage large volumes of information accurately.
- Strong analytical skills and confidence working with data to support decision‑making.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, with SAP experience being advantageous.
- A proactive, self‑motivated approach and the ability to work independently.
- A naturally curious mindset, always seeking opportunities to improve processes and drive efficiencies.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective working relationships across different teams and locations.
- Well‑developed negotiation and influencing skills, capable of finding practical solutions where there is no clear‑cut answer.
- The ability to remain organised and effective when managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
What happens next?
Ordinarily, our Resourcing Team reviews and shortlists CVs. If shortlisted, you’ll speak to one of our Recruiters to discuss the role further. Our interview process usually consists of an initial team’s interview followed by an in‑person interview. We’ll keep in touch throughout the process but if you have any questions, please get in touch.
What’s in it for you?
This is your chance to join a company that values expertise not only in rewards but also in real employee care. At JCB you don’t just get a competitive salary, 33 days’ holiday and access to our company pension—you can also use our onsite gym, in‑house doctor and dentist. We have an ULEV car scheme available for our employees too. Then there’s the JCB Rewards Hub, which gives you discounts with high street retailers. Feel like biking to work? There’s our Cycle to Work Scheme.
We value diversity and welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. We’re committed to ensuring our recruitment process is fair and inclusive. If you face any accessibility challenges with your online application and require additional support, you have the option of speaking to a member of our Recruitment Team who can support you to complete an application in an alternative format.
Recruitment Agencies: JCB does not accept any speculative approaches to present candidates for advertised vacancies.
Sales Planner employer: JCB
At JCB, we pride ourselves on being a world-class, family-owned business that truly values its employees. As a Telematics Product Owner, you will thrive in a collaborative environment that fosters innovation and personal growth, supported by competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and unique benefits like an onsite gym and ULEV car scheme. Join us in our commitment to excellence and be part of a team that is shaping the future of connected technology in a dynamic and inclusive workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales Planner
✨Leverage Your Network
In sales and business development, who you know can often be as important as what you know. Get involved with local networking events or industry meetups to connect with key players. Don't be shy—share your passion for the field and let folks know you're on the lookout for opportunities!
✨Show Your Skills Through Real-World Results
When targeting a full-time role like Sales Planner at JCB, presenting tangible results from your previous sales experience can set you apart. Bring along case studies or examples of how you've closed deals or expanded accounts, and don't forget to showcase your problem-solving prowess. It’s all about quantifying your success!
✨Engage with Sales Communities
Dive deep into online sales communities, like Sales Hacker or LinkedIn groups dedicated to sales professionals. Engaging in discussions and sharing insights can boost your visibility and might just put you on the radar of hiring managers looking for fresh talent in business development.
✨Direct Applications Matter
While we all know the online application route, consider sending direct applications to companies you admire, including JCB. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Sales Planner. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Sales Planner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Those Sales Skills:In your CV and cover letter, highlight any previous sales or business development experience you have. Use numbers and examples to showcase your achievements – did you exceed sales targets or bring in new clients? Make those accomplishments shine!
Tailor Your Message for JCB:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for JCB. Show that you know the company’s mission and how your skills align with their goals in the sales landscape. This personalised touch will grab their attention!
Keep It Professional Yet Engaging:Sales is all about relationships, so while you want to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Engage the reader and demonstrate your enthusiastic approach to sales and business development!
Proof of Performance:Include any relevant certifications or training you’ve undertaken in sales or negotiation tactics. If you’ve attended workshops or courses, list these to showcase your commitment to professional development. This extra touch can set you apart from the competition!
How to prepare for a job interview at JCB
✨Know Your Sales Methodologies
Brush up on popular sales methodologies like SPIN Selling or Challenger Sales. Being able to discuss these techniques and how you've applied them will show JCB that you understand the role and can hit the ground running in the sales game.
✨Demonstrate Your Deal-Making Skills
Prepare to share stories from your past experiences where you closed deals, overcame objections, or started new client relationships. We want to show JCB that you’re not just about numbers but also about building lasting connections in business development.
✨Prepare for Role-Play Scenarios
In a full-time sales interview, don’t be surprised if they throw in a role-play exercise to test your pitching skills. Practising how you would pitch a product or handle an objection will help us shine in this simulation—think of it like a dress rehearsal for your future sales calls!
✨Align Your Goals with the Company’s Vision
Take a moment to reflect on how your career ambitions align with JCB’s objectives. When we articulate how our personal growth ties in with the company’s goals, it shows commitment and a genuine interest in contributing to their success.
