At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the strategy for Sales & Operational Planning and enhance planning practices across services.
- Company: Sulzer, a leading engineering company focused on innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, bonuses, private medical insurance, and 33 days annual leave.
- Other info: Join a diverse team with continuous learning opportunities and a commitment to inclusivity.
- Why this job: Shape the future of planning in a dynamic service industry and drive impactful improvements.
- Qualifications: Experience in planning or S&OP leadership, data-literate, and hands-on approach.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 € per year.
Sulzer is a leading engineering company with a proud heritage of innovation. Join our global team to grow your expertise and develop innovative solutions that enable a prosperous and more sustainable society.
At Sulzer Services, we keep industry moving. Across the UK & Nordics, our network of specialist Service Centres and highly skilled engineering teams support customers in energy, water, industrial and rotating equipment sectors. From overhauls and repairs to upgrades, field services and rapid response support, we’re a trusted partner to a wide range of customers who rely on us when uptime, reliability and performance matter most.
As we continue to evolve and modernise how our business plans, schedules and delivers work, we’re creating a new opportunity within our Transformation function.
The OpportunityJoining our Transformation team and reporting directly to the Transformation Director, you will take ownership of defining, shaping and executing the strategy for Sales & Operational Planning (S&OP) and Planning & Scheduling across Services UK & Nordics. This is a standalone role from day one, with a clear mandate to build, develop and lead a team as the function grows. This is absolutely not an “ivory tower” strategy post, we’re looking for someone who is equally comfortable rolling up their sleeves, understanding the detail, and driving hands‐on improvements as we harmonise processes across multiple sites.
Our environment isn’t a traditional manufacturing setting with predictable cycles. Sulzer Services works in a fast‐moving service industry, where customer demands shift daily and no two jobs are the same. Success means staying adaptable, anticipating change, and implementing processes that support efficiency without slowing us down.
You’ll lead the charge on:- Developing and embedding a robust S&OP framework that supports strategic decision‐making
- Creating consistent, effective planning & scheduling practices across all Service Centres
- Improving WIP visibility, reducing bottlenecks and supporting on‐time delivery
- Harmonising and modernising systems, tools and data flows
- Bringing a data‐driven, insight‐led approach to operational planning
- Helping teams adopt new ways of working and championing continuous improvement
- Experienced in planning, scheduling or S&OP leadership
- Skilled at driving improvement across diverse sites and teams
- Hands‐on, pragmatic and influential
- Comfortable building a function from the ground up
- Data‐literate, analytical and forward‐thinking
- Experience with Power BI, dashboard creation or reporting automation would be an advantage, helping you bring clarity and visibility to key performance metrics across a complex and varied business.
- Ideally based in or around Birmingham, Leeds or Aberdeen, giving you close access to our major Service Centres and operational teams across the region
- Willing to travel – a Full UK Driving Licence and valid passport
- A balanced blend of office and home‐working, we value flexibility, but also the power of being present. Building relationships, collaborating with teams, and influencing change are key parts of this role, so having a regular on‐site presence is important to us.
- A competitive basic salary
- Annual personal bonus scheme based on company and personal performance
- The option of a Car / Allowance (EV options are available)
- Private Medical Insurance
- 33 days annual leave.
- Defined pension contributions.
- Access to Medicash helping you cover everyday health costs like dental optical and physiotherapy plus a range of wellbeing perks.
- Confidential support via Employee Assistance Programmes.
- Access to discounts on shopping entertainment lifestyle plus opportunity to apply for Costco membership.
- Discounted personal car leasing for you your family and friends.
- Long Service Awards celebrating your commitment.
- Continuous learning opportunities through Sulzer Learning Pathways.
Sulzer is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in the strength of a diverse workforce and are committed to offering an inclusive work environment. We are proud to be recognized as a Top Employer 2026 in Brazil, Canada, China, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Mexico, Switzerland, South Africa, the UK and the USA.
Head of Planning & Scheduling employer: Sulzer
Sulzer is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Birmingham that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide continuous learning opportunities, a competitive salary, and a flexible work-life balance, ensuring our team members thrive both personally and professionally. Join us to be part of a diverse workforce that values your contributions and supports your career development in a fast-paced service industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Planning & Scheduling
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those at Sulzer. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Sulzer's recent projects and innovations. Show us you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for what we do!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience in planning and scheduling aligns with our needs. We want to see your hands-on approach and problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Planning & Scheduling
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Planning & Scheduling role. Highlight your experience in planning, scheduling, and S&OP leadership, as well as any hands-on improvements you've driven in previous roles.
Showcase Your Data Skills:Since this role values a data-driven approach, don’t forget to mention your experience with tools like Power BI or any dashboard creation. We want to see how you can bring clarity and visibility to performance metrics!
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who is pragmatic and influential, so share examples that demonstrate your hands-on approach and adaptability in fast-paced environments.
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 and shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Sulzer!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sulzer
✨Know Your S&OP Inside Out
Make sure you understand the Sales & Operational Planning (S&OP) framework thoroughly. Be ready to discuss how you would develop and embed this framework at Sulzer, and think about specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your expertise in planning and scheduling.
✨Show Your Hands-On Approach
Sulzer is looking for someone who can roll up their sleeves and get involved. Prepare to share instances where you've driven hands-on improvements in a fast-paced environment. Highlight your adaptability and how you've successfully managed change in previous roles.
✨Data-Driven Decision Making
Since the role requires a data-literate and analytical mindset, come prepared with examples of how you've used data to drive operational planning. If you have experience with tools like Power BI, be sure to mention it and discuss how you've created dashboards or automated reporting to enhance visibility.
✨Cultural Fit and Team Leadership
Sulzer values collaboration and influencing change. Think about how you can demonstrate your leadership style and ability to build a team from the ground up. Be ready to discuss how you foster a culture of continuous improvement and how you’ve helped teams adopt new ways of working.
