At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations planning, manage schedules, and resolve capacity issues in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join a fast-paced company focused on delivering world-class operational performance.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work options and the chance to innovate in your role.
- Other info: No need to meet every requirement; we encourage all to apply!
- Why this job: Make a real impact by aligning planning with performance in a collaborative team.
- Qualifications: Strong data skills, advanced Excel proficiency, and experience with ERP systems are essential.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Operational / Production Planning Manager
Location: Ealing or High Wycombe
Site requirements: Hybrid
Ready to lead from the centre of the action? Are you a data-driven problem solver with a talent for turning complexity into clarity? Do you thrive at the heart of fast-paced operations, balancing people, plans, and performance? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you.
We are on the hunt for an Operational / Production Planning Manager to join a high-performing team and play a central role in delivering world-class operational performance across our clients internal and external sites.
What You’ll Do:
- Be the glue between VP Operations, Production, Engineering, and Project Teams - translating technical requirements into clear, achievable plans.
- Build and manage a dynamic, consolidated schedule for all manufacturing and testing activity (think: master production scheduling at its best).
- Develop trusted relationships with external test partners, proactively managing capacity and delivery timelines.
- Use data smartly - draw insights from ERP systems (IFS) and spreadsheets to highlight OTIF (On time in Full) performance, risks, pinch points, and opportunities.
- Take decisive action - resolve capacity and scheduling issues across internal teams and external suppliers before they impact delivery.
- Continuously improve how we plan and perform, especially as we scale external testing.
What You’ll Bring:
- A natural relationship builder who communicates clearly across teams and levels.
- A true data storyteller - confident turning raw data into meaningful reports and insights.
- Advanced Excel skills and high data literacy - from analysis to modelling and dashboarding.
- Experience working with ERP systems (IFS is a plus), with strong reporting and data extraction capabilities.
- A knack for simplifying complexity and bringing structure to fast-changing operational environments.
Bonus Points For:
- Experience in production planning, operations scheduling, or programme coordination in engineering/manufacturing.
- Familiarity with PowerBI and dashboard tools.
- Exposure to technical or engineering-based planning environments.
- Experience using IFS ERP.
Why Join Us?
You’ll be joining a business where operations truly matter - where your ability to align planning with performance will shape how we deliver for customers around the world. It’s a fast-moving, collaborative role with the freedom to improve, innovate, and make real impact.
Please reach out for further detail, I would encourage you to apply for this role even if you find you don’t have experience across all role points!
Desired Skills and Experience:
- Operations Planning
- Production Planning
- Operations scheduling
- On-Time-In-Full (OTIF) delivery
- Management
- Dashboarding
- ERP Systems
- IFS
- Data Analysis
- Relationship building
- Leadership
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Planning Manager (London)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific ERP systems mentioned in the job description, particularly IFS. Understanding how to navigate and extract data from these systems will give you a significant edge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your Excel skills, especially in areas like data analysis and dashboard creation. Being able to demonstrate your proficiency in turning raw data into actionable insights can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in operations planning or production management. Engaging with industry peers can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals that could help you land the job.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss real-life examples of how you've simplified complex operational challenges in the past. Being able to articulate your problem-solving approach will resonate well with the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Planning Manager (London)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in operations planning, production scheduling, and data analysis. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage complex schedules and build relationships across teams.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Discuss how your skills in data storytelling and relationship building align with the job requirements. Be sure to mention any experience you have with ERP systems like IFS.
Showcase Your Data Skills:Since the role requires advanced Excel skills and data literacy, consider including a section in your CV or cover letter that outlines your proficiency with data analysis, modelling, and dashboarding. Mention any specific tools or projects you've worked on.
Highlight Continuous Improvement:Demonstrate your commitment to continuous improvement by providing examples of how you've successfully implemented changes in past roles. This could include streamlining processes or enhancing operational performance.
How to prepare for a job interview at Placed
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the Operations Planning Manager role. Familiarise yourself with key responsibilities such as managing schedules, building relationships, and using data effectively. This will help you articulate how your skills align with the job.
✨Showcase Your Data Skills
Since the role requires advanced Excel skills and data literacy, be prepared to discuss your experience with data analysis and reporting. Bring examples of how you've used data to drive decisions or improve processes in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Relationship Building
The ability to build trusted relationships is crucial for this position. Think of specific instances where you've successfully collaborated with different teams or external partners. Highlight your communication skills and how they contributed to successful outcomes.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities, especially in fast-paced environments. Prepare scenarios where you've had to resolve scheduling conflicts or capacity issues, and explain your thought process and the results of your actions.
