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- Tasks: Lead and modernise the planning function across multiple locations for efficient operations.
- Company: Established technical services organisation with a focus on growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on operational efficiency and revenue generation in a leadership role.
- Qualifications: Senior experience in planning or scheduling, strong leadership, and financial awareness.
- Other info: High-visibility role with opportunities for career advancement.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: Leicester (Hybrid with occasional UK travel)
Reporting to: Managing Director / Operations Director
About the Company
We are working with a well-established, privately backed technical services organisation operating across multiple locations in the UK. The business provides specialist testing, inspection, and compliance services to clients across infrastructure, construction, utilities, and regulated industries. With continued growth and operational expansion, the company is now looking to appoint a Head of Planning to lead and modernise the national planning and service coordination function.
The Role
This is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing the end-to-end planning lifecycle from order handover through to work completion and handover to finance for billing. The role is focused on operational flow, planning discipline, utilisation, and billing readiness rather than technical delivery. You will lead the planning function nationally, ensuring work is scheduled efficiently, delivered predictably, and handed over cleanly for invoicing and cash collection. You will also play a key role in implementing and embedding a central planning system across multiple operational sites.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop the Planning function across multiple locations
- Own the planning lifecycle from order handover to work completion
- Improve utilisation, workflow, and operational efficiency through planning
- Ensure completed work is handed to Finance fully ready for billing
- Implement and embed a central planning and scheduling system
- Monitor KPIs such as backlog, utilisation, and unbilled work
- Act as the key interface between Planning, Operations, Sales, and Finance
- Support operational performance, revenue flow, and cash collection through planning discipline
About You
- Senior experience leading planning, scheduling, or service coordination teams
- Experience in multi-site service, engineering, construction, testing, or infrastructure environments
- Strong commercial and financial awareness
- Comfortable using data, KPIs, and dashboards to drive decisions
- Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills
- Experience implementing planning or scheduling systems would be advantageous
Why This Role
This role is critical to ensuring the business delivers work efficiently, improves utilisation, and converts completed work into revenue and cash more effectively. It is a high-impact leadership position with significant visibility across operations, finance, and senior leadership.
Head of Planning in Coventry employer: Solutions Driven
Contact Detail:
Solutions Driven Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Planning in Coventry
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who might know someone at the company you're eyeing. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your experience in planning and operational efficiency. This will help you tailor your answers and show them you're the perfect fit.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions related to leadership and planning. Think about your past experiences and how they relate to the role of Head of Planning. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Planning in Coventry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of Planning role. Highlight your leadership experience in planning and scheduling, especially in multi-site environments, to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific examples of how you've improved operational efficiency or implemented planning systems in the past.
Showcase Your Data Skills: Since this role involves using data and KPIs to drive decisions, make sure to mention any relevant experience you have with data analysis or dashboard creation. We love seeing candidates who can leverage data effectively!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you're keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Solutions Driven
✨Know Your Planning Lifecycle
Make sure you understand the end-to-end planning lifecycle thoroughly. Be ready to discuss how you would manage the process from order handover to billing, and think about specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your expertise in this area.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a senior role, they’ll be looking for strong leadership qualities. Prepare to share instances where you've successfully led teams, improved operational efficiency, or implemented new systems. Highlight your ability to motivate and develop your team across multiple locations.
✨Familiarise Yourself with KPIs
Get comfortable with key performance indicators relevant to the role, such as backlog, utilisation, and unbilled work. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve used data and dashboards to drive decisions in previous roles, and how you plan to monitor these metrics effectively.
✨Understand the Business Context
Research the company and its operations within the technical services sector. Knowing their challenges and how your role as Head of Planning can address them will show your genuine interest and strategic thinking. Tailor your responses to align with their goals for operational flow and revenue conversion.