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- Tasks: Manage the lifecycle of catering and refrigeration rental assets across Europe.
- Company: Lowe, a global leader in innovative refrigeration and catering solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse work culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Lead a talented team and drive continuous improvement in asset management.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make an impact on major events worldwide.
- Qualifications: Experience in supply chain planning and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
We are Lowe, a globally recognized brand for innovation, ambition and quality. Our unique culture is built on people, from motivating and developing our highly talented team, to truly listening to and delivering against our clients’ needs. With over 40 years’ experience, today Lowe Rental is the world’s leading refrigeration and catering equipment supplier to major food exhibitions, sporting events and retailers across the globe; from the Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix to Glastonbury. Beijing to Boston, Berlin to Belfast, we take pride in our ability to provide innovative products and services to our impressive client base.
The Planning Manager is accountable for the full lifecycle management of Lowe Europe’s catering and refrigeration rental assets across Retail, Events, Exhibitions and Long-Term Rental divisions. This role ensures that assets are accurately recorded, available to meet demand, refurbished to the right standard, and efficiently utilised across all warehouses. Reporting to the Head of Supply Chain, the Planning Manager will provide key data analysis and operational direction concerning asset availability, utilisation, demand planning, procurement planning and range reviews. This role requires effective cross-functional collaboration with Sales, Transport, Warehouse, Procurement, and Projects, and line management of the Asset Management team.
Responsibilities of the role
- Asset & Procurement Management
- Manage day-to-day availability and accuracy of assets across UK and Europe.
- Balance stock holding between sites to minimise transfers while meeting customer demand.
- Lead quarterly and annual asset review processes, producing recommendations for disposal and replacement.
- Oversee refurbishment and recommissioning priorities, ensuring assets meet commercial and operational standards.
- Direct disposal of non-repairable or obsolete assets, sourcing replacements in line with capex budgets.
- Ensure asset accuracy within ERP systems, aligning physical stock with digital records.
- Performance, Reporting & Compliance
- Monitor and report on asset utilisation, identifying risks of over- or under-utilisation and implementing corrective actions.
- Oversee reporting of all missing, damaged and dirty assets, ensuring trends are analysed and improvement actions taken.
- Provide reporting and recommendations on asset earnings, lifecycle costs, and return on investment.
- Work with QHSE to address asset quality issues, reduce damage, and ensure compliance with health & safety requirements.
- Lead annual and quarterly stock audits, driving continuous improvements in accuracy.
- Operational Support
- Ensure asset availability for major events and exhibitions, including planning, dispatch, and post-event reconciliation.
- Work with Warehouse and Transport teams to guarantee accurate loading/unloading and full compliance with processes.
- Collaborate with Contracts team to ensure contract substitutions are captured and invoiced correctly.
- Support sales and project teams with accurate asset data for quotations and proposals.
- Relationship with Head of Supply Chain
- The Planning Manager plays a critical role in supporting the Head of Supply Chain by:
- Providing accurate utilisation, procurement and forecasting data to inform strategic planning.
- Translating capex and range review outcomes into operational actions.
- Delivering performance against agreed KPIs across asset availability, procurement, utilisation, and cost control.
- Ensuring asset management and procurement processes across Europe are standardised and effective.
- Leadership & Team Management
- Lead and develop the Asset Management team (x5), ensuring clarity of objectives and accountability.
- Provide coaching, mentoring and support to build team capability and succession planning.
- Act as the main point of escalation for asset-related and procurement-related queries, ensuring quick resolution and clear communication.
- Support the Head of Supply Chain in delivering annual reviews, capex recommendations, and wider Supply Chain strategy.
Profile
- Essential
- Proven experience in supply chain planning, stock control or operational leadership.
- Strong analytical, organisational, planning and prioritisation skills.
- Strong commercial awareness and cost management capability.
- Proficiency with ERP systems and Microsoft Office.
- Customer-focused mindset with strong relationship management skills.
- Ability to manage a small team.
- Desirable
- Experience in an asset-based hire/rental or events industry.
- Knowledge of logistics, warehouse operations and supply chain management.
- Experience managing procurement or supplier relationships.
- Track record of leading change and process improvement.
Lowe is an equal opportunity employer and committed to a diverse workforce. We are incredibly selective in our hiring and shortlisting for this vacancy will be completed on the basis of merit. Candidates should tailor their CVs to reflect our essential criteria.
Planning Manager in Gloucester employer: Lowe Rental
Contact Detail:
Lowe Rental Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Manager in Gloucester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. 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 Lowe and understanding their culture and values. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in supply chain planning and asset management.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your analytical skills! Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've used data analysis to improve asset utilisation or streamline processes in your previous roles.
✨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 you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Lowe team.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Manager in Gloucester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the essential criteria mentioned in the job description. Highlight your experience in supply chain planning and stock control, as well as any relevant achievements that showcase your analytical and organisational skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for the Planning Manager role. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed assets or led teams in the past, and don't forget to express your enthusiasm for working with Lowe!
Showcase Your Skills: Be sure to emphasise your proficiency with ERP systems and Microsoft Office in your application. We want to see how your technical skills can contribute to our asset management and procurement processes.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This way, we can ensure your application is reviewed promptly and you get the best chance to shine in front of our hiring team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lowe Rental
✨Know Your Assets
Before the interview, get familiar with Lowe's range of catering and refrigeration rental assets. Understand their lifecycle management and how they fit into the supply chain. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your expertise in asset management during the discussion.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss specific examples where you've used data analysis to improve asset utilisation or procurement processes. Be ready to explain how you monitor performance and implement corrective actions, as this aligns closely with the role's responsibilities.
✨Emphasise Cross-Functional Collaboration
Highlight your experience working with different teams, such as Sales, Warehouse, and Procurement. Share stories that illustrate your ability to communicate effectively and drive results through collaboration, which is crucial for the Planning Manager position.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific challenges related to asset management and procurement. Think about potential scenarios, like managing stock levels during peak demand or addressing compliance issues, and prepare your responses to showcase your problem-solving skills.