At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive business planning and demand forecasting for a legendary motorcycle brand.
- Company: Join an iconic British motorcycle brand with over 120 years of history.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 33 days holiday, private medical insurance, and more.
- Other info: Experience a dynamic environment with exciting career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team shaping the future of motorcycling.
- Qualifications: 7-10 years in business planning or related fields, with strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
We’re not just another bike brand - we're an iconic, British motorcycle brand with over 120 years of history behind us. Our new state-of-the-art facilities in Solihull, West Midlands are home to a tight-knit, but ever-expanding team that's passionate about delivering exquisite riding experiences to our customers. Under new ownership and proud to be part of the TVS Motor family, we're entering a new era of global success. And we want you to be a part of it!
At Norton, we value respect, trust, and responsibility. We trust our employees to execute their roles exceptionally and professionally, and we value personal development, teaching, and learning. When you join our team, you'll have the opportunity to grow and learn alongside some of the most talented and dedicated people in the business.
The Manager – Business Planning will support the Head of Business Planning in driving end-to-end business planning, demand forecasting, and performance management activities across domestic and export markets. This role will play a critical part in translating strategic objectives into executable business plans by coordinating cross-functional inputs, monitoring performance, and ensuring alignment between demand, supply, and commercial priorities. The position requires a highly analytical and commercially minded individual who thrives in fast-paced, ambiguity-heavy environments and can effectively partner across Sales, Marketing, Product Planning, Finance, Supply Chain, and Operations.
Duties/Responsibilities
- Annual Operating Plan (AOP) Support
- Support the Annual Operating Plan (AOP) process across domestic and export markets
- Assist in defining volume, revenue, and market share assumptions across models, regions, and channels
- Consolidate planning inputs from Sales, Marketing, Product Planning, and Finance teams
- Support alignment between strategic assumptions and operational execution plans
- Demand Planning
- Partner closely with the Sales Planning team to develop and maintain demand forecasts
- Break down targets by region, country, dealer, and model level
- Monitor forecast accuracy and identify variances between plan, forecast, and actual performance
- Support the continuous improvement of planning methodologies and forecasting assumptions
- Policy Planning & MPCP Deployment
- Support deployment and execution of policy planning frameworks and MPCP initiatives
- Assist in maintaining structured governance, planning cadences, and tracking mechanisms
- Collaborate with TQM and Business Planning teams to ensure process discipline and compliance
- Market Performance Tracking
- Monitor retail performance, wholesale trends, and market share movements
- Conduct competitor benchmarking and market performance analysis
- Support the preparation of monthly and quarterly business performance reviews
- Supply & Demand Coordination
- Coordinate with Supply Chain and Operations teams to align demand forecasts with supply availability
- Highlight risks and gaps between demand plans and operational constraints
- Support launch readiness planning and volume tracking activities
- Support closed-loop aftersales quality tracking and Product Quality Management (PQM) activities
- Cross-Functional Coordination
- Act as a key coordination point between Sales, Marketing, Product, Finance, and Operations teams
- Ensure timely collection, validation, and consolidation of planning inputs
- Support the execution of business planning reviews and operating rhythms
- MIS, Reporting & Analytics
- Develop and maintain weekly and monthly management dashboards and reporting tools
- Conduct variance analysis across Plan vs Actual vs Forecast performance
- Prepare data-driven reports and presentations for leadership reviews
- Ensure accuracy, consistency, and timeliness of reporting outputs
- Issue Tracking & Risk Management
- Identify deviations, execution risks, and gaps in planning assumptions
- Proactively escalate key risks and issues to the Head of Business Planning
- Support structured tracking and resolution of critical business planning actions
Personal Specification
- 7–10 years of experience across Business Planning, Sales, Marketing, or Strategic Planning functions
- Experience within both established multinational organisations and high-growth environments preferred
- Exposure to UK and USA markets is desirable
- Strong experience in demand planning, volume forecasting, sales strategy, and cross-functional execution
- Experience operating within matrix organisations and regional/global reporting structures
Rewards Of Working For Norton
- Competitive salary package that recognises your skills and experience
- A whopping 33 days of holiday (inc. Bank Hols) to relax and recharge
- Generous pension scheme that sets you up for the future, with access to personalised advice.
- Private Medical Insurance and a Cash Back Programme to keep you feeling your best
- Life insurance (4x salary) because we've got your back no matter what
- FREE fruit, got to have your five-a-day!
- WeCare Employee Assistance Programme, which includes access to online GP services, dietary advice, mental health support, bereavement counselling, and a fitness programme
- Experience the thrill of an entrepreneurial environment within a larger, well-funded company with ambitious long-term goals.
- Elevate your career with our Ideas for Excellence scheme, where every brilliant idea is not just valued, but also rewarded!
- A diverse and international team that brings together different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences.
- Join the fun with our twice-yearly employee events, payday socials, and loads of exciting activities in between!
- Want to go green? You can enjoy free electric bicycle hire
- Plus, no need to stress about finding a parking spot - we've got on-site free parking covered and FREE electric charge points.
We know how important it is to take care of our team, and we're committed to continually improving our reward offering in line with the business growth plan. Join us and see for yourself!
PLEASE NOTE, WE DO NOT ACCEPT AGENCY APPLICATIONS
Business Planning Manager in Birmingham employer: Norton Motorcycles
At Norton, we pride ourselves on being more than just a motorcycle brand; we are a family that values respect, trust, and personal development. Located in Solihull, our state-of-the-art facilities foster a collaborative work culture where employees are encouraged to grow alongside talented colleagues while enjoying competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and comprehensive health benefits. Join us in shaping the future of this iconic brand and experience the thrill of working in an entrepreneurial environment with ample opportunities for career advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Planning Manager in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with current employees at Norton. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Norton’s history and values. Show your passion for motorcycles and how you can contribute to their mission. Tailor your answers to reflect their focus on respect, trust, and responsibility.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your analytical skills! Since the role involves demand forecasting and performance management, brush up on relevant tools and methodologies. Being able to discuss these confidently will set you apart.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Norton team.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Planning Manager in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your love for motorcycles shine through! We want to see that you're not just looking for a job, but that you're genuinely excited about being part of our iconic brand.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in business planning and demand forecasting. We’re looking for someone who can translate strategic objectives into actionable plans, so show us how you’ve done this before!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key achievements stand out. This will help us quickly see how you fit into our team.
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 the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Norton Motorcycles
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Business Planning Manager, you'll need to be comfortable with data. Brush up on your demand forecasting and market analysis skills. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive business decisions in the past.
✨Understand the Brand
Familiarise yourself with Norton's history and values. Show your passion for motorcycles and how you can contribute to the brand's legacy. This will demonstrate that you're not just looking for any job, but that you're genuinely interested in being part of this iconic company.
✨Cross-Functional Collaboration
Highlight your experience working across different teams like Sales, Marketing, and Finance. Prepare examples of how you've successfully coordinated with various departments to achieve business goals. This role requires strong collaboration skills, so make sure to showcase them.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you'd handle specific challenges in business planning. Think of scenarios where you've had to adapt to changes or resolve conflicts between demand and supply. Practising these responses will help you feel more confident during the interview.
