At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead planning and logistics for a historic textile manufacturer, optimising processes and managing a dedicated team.
- Company: Join the largest employee-owned business in the UK, known for its rich heritage and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, night premium pay, flexible working options, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of ownership and respect, where you can thrive and grow as a Partner.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while championing customer satisfaction and operational excellence.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in production planning and logistics, with strong analytical and communication skills.
This role is based at Herbert Parkinson in Darwen, Lancashire. As the historic, heart and soul textile manufacturer for John Lewis, Herbert Parkinson blends rich heritage with modern, high-tech manufacturing to produce premium soft furnishings, curtains, and pillows. We are looking for an inspiring, analytical, and forward-thinking Planning and Logistics Manager to lead our end-to-end planning, inventory, and warehouse operations. If you are a confident leader who loves optimising processes, developing people, and putting the customer first, we want you on our team.
In addition to your contractual pay, any time worked between 22:00 - 06:00 will attract Night Premium at a rate of £5.25 per hour. This will also apply to existing Partners who have enrolled onto Enhanced Hours Premium arrangements.
Salary: £48,600 - £72,900
Contract type: Permanent
Location: Herbert Parkinson
Key responsibilities:
- As part of our core management team, you will be the driving force behind how materials move, resources are allocated and products are manufactured on-time and in full.
- You will lead a dedicated team of 9 direct reports to ensure our operations run like clockwork.
- By collaborating closely with commercial, supply chain, and production teams, you will directly influence our customer experience and hit vital business milestones.
- Build and manage the operational schedule. You’ll match resources, materials, and machinery capacity to keep the factory floor running at top efficiency.
- Take a lead role in working with both our internal and external customers to ensure optimal order fulfilment.
- Oversee the stream of raw materials. You’ll balance stock levels to make sure we always have what we need without overstocking or running out whilst maintaining stock accuracy.
- Take charge of incoming and outgoing logistics, safe storage, and picking. You will manage relationships with our transport and storage partners to guarantee timely and cost-effective shipping.
- Partner with our Finance team to look at budgets, trends, and future forecasts.
- Champion our Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), making sure everyone is highly trained and working safely within ISO guidelines.
- Coach, mentor, and build up your team. You’ll help set clear goals, support personal development plans, and celebrate great work.
Essential skills/experience you’ll need:
- Proven leadership experience overseeing production planning, inventory, and warehouse logistics.
- Experience inside a manufacturing facility, with a passion for continuous improvement and process optimisation.
- You are highly numerate, feel comfortable using advanced IT systems, and can analyse complex data to spot patterns and make solid choices.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Business & Results orientated.
Desirable skills/experience you may have:
- Use of MRP (Manufacturing Resource Planning) systems.
- Experience in planning made to order products.
Important points to note:
- It’s important to note that some of our roles are subject to pre-employment vetting (which may include DBS checks for successful candidates).
- We want all of our Partners to have a good work-life balance and we support flexible working. This might mean flexible or compressed hours, job sharing or shorter hour contracts, where possible.
Planning & Logistics Manager in Darwen employer: John Lewis plc
John Lewis plc is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture at The Odney Hotel in the picturesque setting of Cookham, Berkshire. Employees benefit from competitive pay, flexible part-time hours, and opportunities for growth within a renowned company known for its commitment to customer service excellence. Join us to be part of a team that values your contributions and fosters a rewarding career in hospitality.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning & Logistics Manager in Darwen
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Logistics and supply chain are all about networking, so hit up those trade shows and local meetups. Places like the UK's Logistics and Supply Chain conference can be goldmines for connecting with potential employers like John Lewis plc and learning about the latest trends in the industry.
✨Leverage Online Communities
Join forums and LinkedIn groups specifically for logistics professionals. Share your insights and ask questions to get noticed. Being active in these spaces can help you establish credibility and might just lead to an opportunity at John Lewis plc!
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Portfolio
Even if it’s a full-time gig, having a portfolio can really set you apart. Include case studies or projects that demonstrate your understanding of supply chain management, logistics software, or solving operational challenges. You’d be surprised at how much this can impress hiring managers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don't forget the power of applying directly through our website! A lot of companies like John Lewis plc keep job postings exclusive to their sites. This way, you can easily keep track of your applications and ensure your profile is in front of the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning & Logistics Manager in Darwen
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:In your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight your understanding of logistics and supply chain management principles. Mention any relevant courses you've taken or tools you've used, like inventory management software or data analysis platforms, to showcase your skills and keep up with best practices in the industry.
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your previous work experience, remember to use numbers wherever possible. Did you improve delivery times by a specific percentage? Did you help reduce costs? These kinds of quantified achievements not only catch the eye but also demonstrate your capability in the logistics sector.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to John Lewis plc:This is your chance to really connect with the team at John Lewis plc. In your cover letter, express why you're passionate about supply chain logistics and how your goals align with the company’s mission. A little personalisation goes a long way!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications related to logistics or supply chain management—like APICS or Six Sigma—make sure you flaunt them! These show that you're committed to your professional development and can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at John Lewis plc
✨Know Your Logistics Tools
Make sure you're familiar with key logistics software and tools like SAP or Oracle ERP. These are often used in the industry, and being able to demonstrate your knowledge or experience with them can really set you apart during your interview with John Lewis plc.
✨Perfect Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect to tackle scenarios that showcase your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you've had to optimise supply chains or handle logistics challenges. Have a few examples ready to discuss how you made decisions that led to improvements.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Supply chain roles heavily rely on teamwork and communication. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Maybe share a time when you coordinated with a team to resolve a logistical hiccup. This can show John Lewis plc that you're a team player!
✨Understand the Big Picture
Be ready to talk about the broader logistics and supply chain trends. Having insights into current challenges in the industry, like sustainability or lead times, can impress the interviewers at John Lewis plc. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
