Business Planning Manager in Milton Keynes

Business Planning Manager in Milton Keynes

Milton Keynes Full-Time 60000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Mackenzie Jones

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the planning process, turning insights into actionable plans for supply and demand.
  • Company: Dynamic FMCG company near High Wycombe with a hybrid working model.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, pension, healthcare, and generous holiday allowance.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by influencing business decisions and driving results.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in Supply Chain or Operations, ideally in FMCG, with strong leadership skills.
  • Other info: Join a diverse team committed to continuous improvement and career growth.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 65000 £ per year.

Location: Near High Wycombe – Hybrid working (3 days per week in the office)

Salary: £60,000 to £65,000 per annum dependent on experience + Bonus, Pension, Healthcare, Holiday & More

Drive alignment and decisions across Sales, Marketing, and Supply Chain! As IBP Lead, you’ll own the end-to-end planning process, turning demand insights into actionable plans that balance supply, cost, and service. You’ll ensure the right products reach customers at the right time while supporting business goals and financial targets—bridging strategy and execution across the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead the monthly and weekly IBP cycle and review meetings; represent the local Demand Planning voice
  • Consolidate and explain IBP volumes, key drivers, and gaps vs AOP and prior cycles to senior leadership
  • Analyse volume trends to identify risks and opportunities, proposing data-driven actions and scenarios
  • Partner with Sales and Marketing to challenge assumptions and improve forecast accuracy, service, and stock levels
  • Anticipate demand surges and capacity constraints 3–18 months ahead through advanced analysis and scenario planning
  • Drive adoption of IBP standards and share best practices across global and local teams
  • Lead local implementation of global improvement initiatives, including AI forecasting and next-generation planning tools
  • Support the SCOS programme and actively engage the Demand Planning team in continuous improvement
  • Lead portfolio analysis with Sales, Marketing, and Finance to optimise SKU performance and follow up through S&OP

Requirements:

  • Minimum 5 years’ experience in Supply Chain or Operations, ideally within an FMCG environment
  • Proven leadership experience, including successfully managing teams, projects, and complex issues
  • Previous experience leading Supply Chain or Operations teams within FMCG
  • Strong knowledge and hands-on experience with SAP APO or equivalent ERP/planning systems; OMP knowledge is a plus
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to break down and solve complex problems
  • Excellent influencing and negotiation skills, with a collaborative, win-win mindset

People are at the heart of everything we do. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive recruitment process that allows everyone to be their authentic self.

While we would love to reply to all applicants, due to high application volumes, if you do not hear back within 14 days, unfortunately, the role won’t be progressing. The position may be in the process of closing, so it could be a matter of timing. But no worries! There will be more opportunities. Follow us at Mackenzie Jones Recruitment to stay updated on new openings.

Business Planning Manager in Milton Keynes employer: Mackenzie Jones

As a Business Planning Manager at our company, you will thrive in a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With hybrid working options near High Wycombe, we offer competitive benefits including a generous salary, bonus structure, and comprehensive healthcare, ensuring you have the support needed to excel in your role while balancing work and life. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team that values collaboration and innovation in the fast-paced FMCG sector.
Mackenzie Jones

Contact Detail:

Mackenzie Jones Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Business Planning Manager in Milton Keynes

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the FMCG sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Business Planning Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on openings or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of IBP processes and SAP APO. We recommend doing some mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to get comfortable discussing your experience and how it aligns with the role.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your analytical skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples where you've turned data into actionable plans. This is key for a role that involves balancing supply, cost, and service—so make sure you highlight your successes!

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us. Good luck!

We think you need these skills to ace Business Planning Manager in Milton Keynes

IBP (Integrated Business Planning)
Demand Planning
Supply Chain Management
Analytical Skills
Forecasting
SAP APO
ERP/Planning Systems
Scenario Planning
Project Management
Influencing Skills
Negotiation Skills
Collaboration
Continuous Improvement
Portfolio Analysis

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Business Planning Manager. Highlight your experience in Supply Chain and Operations, especially within FMCG, and don’t forget to showcase your leadership skills!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the IBP Lead role. Mention specific examples of how you've driven alignment across teams and delivered results in previous positions.

Show Off Your Analytical Skills: Since this role requires strong analytical abilities, make sure to include examples of how you've tackled complex problems in the past. Whether it's through advanced analysis or scenario planning, we want to see your thought process!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Mackenzie Jones

✨Know Your IBP Inside Out

Make sure you understand the Integrated Business Planning (IBP) process thoroughly. Familiarise yourself with how it aligns Sales, Marketing, and Supply Chain. Be ready to discuss how you've led similar processes in the past and the impact it had on business outcomes.

✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills

Prepare to demonstrate your analytical prowess by discussing specific examples where you've identified risks and opportunities through data analysis. Bring along any relevant case studies or scenarios that highlight your ability to turn insights into actionable plans.

✨Emphasise Leadership Experience

Since this role requires proven leadership, be prepared to share stories about managing teams and projects. Highlight your collaborative approach and how you've influenced stakeholders to achieve common goals, especially in a fast-paced FMCG environment.

✨Familiarise Yourself with Tools

Brush up on your knowledge of SAP APO or equivalent ERP/planning systems. If you have experience with AI forecasting or next-generation planning tools, make sure to mention it. Being able to discuss these tools confidently will show you're ready to hit the ground running.

Business Planning Manager in Milton Keynes
Mackenzie Jones
Location: Milton Keynes

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