Planning Manager Stevenage, Hertfordshire Up to £55,000 Most planning jobs hand you someone else's spreadsheet and ask you to keep it alive. This one asks you to replace it. You'll own supply planning end to end for a food and drink manufacturer with big growth plans, part of a wider group with decades in the sector. Multiple sites. Multiple lines. A network of co-manufacturers. And a planning process that has outgrown the tools it runs on. Lots of SKUs! The business knows where it's heading. Your job is to make sure planning can keep up when it gets there. That means building systems and processes that scale, not ones that need rebuilding every time volumes jump. So yes, you'll run the master production plan. But you'll also review how planning works today, look at what's out there (including automation and AI-enabled planning tools), recommend the right system and lead the planning side of the implementation. That's not something most Supply Planning Managers get to put on their CV. You will. Be clear on one thing though. This is hands on. There's no team to delegate to at this stage, so you'll be the one doing the do, building the plan, chasing the materials and getting into the detail. If you like rolling your sleeves up and seeing the impact of your own work, that's the point. Day to day, you'll: Turn demand and forecasts into production schedules that actually hold up, factoring in capacity, lead times, changeovers, minimum runs and materials Plan capacity across internal sites and co-man partners, spot gaps early and put clear options on the table Make sure every run is ready, from ingredients & packaging materials. Run scenario planning when demand outstrips capacity or customers want conflicting things Chair the planning reviews and be the clear voice on risk, constraints and the decisions needed Set the KPIs that matter: forecast accuracy, plan adherence, capacity utilisation and supply risk You'll work alongside the Head of Supply Chain, plus Sales, Procurement, Customer Ops, Technical and the warehouse. When a forecast doesn't add up, you'll be expected to say so. They want that. What you'll need: Supply, production or manufacturing planning experience, ideally in food, drink or FMCG Experience planning across multiple lines, sites or external manufacturers Strong Excel and analytical skills, and confidence with ERP/MRP systems The knack of turning messy operational data into clear priorities Bonus points if you've improved a planning process or been part of a systems implementation High standards, no ego and plenty of pace. Get in now and you're building the foundations the next stage of growth sits on. Free onsite parking too. If you've ever worked in Stevenage, you'll know that isn't always a given. Not your typical 'exciting' business, it really is. Lots of innovation and you get to be part of all of it. If you'd rather build a planning function than babysit one, let's talk
Planning Manager in Stevenage employer: THE COLLECTIVE NETWORK LIMITED
Join a dynamic engineering business in Bedford that values your growth and offers a clear pathway from recruitment to broader HR roles. With a supportive work culture, you'll enjoy 26 days of holiday, a matched pension scheme, private medical insurance, and a share incentive plan, all while taking ownership of the recruitment function and collaborating with experienced professionals. This is an excellent opportunity for those looking to make a meaningful impact in their career while enjoying a rewarding work environment.
Contact Details:
THE COLLECTIVE NETWORK LIMITED Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Manager in Stevenage
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Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Real-Estate Savvy:When crafting your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight any relevant experience in the real estate sector. If you've done internships, assistant roles, or even relevant coursework, lay it out clearly. We want to see your familiarity with market trends, property management, or any sales experience you've got under your belt!
Quantify Your Achievements:In real estate, numbers speak volumes! When detailing your past roles, use concrete figures to demonstrate your achievements. For example, mention how many properties you sold, the percentage increase in client satisfaction, or any successful negotiations. These metrics can give your application that extra punch it needs!
Tailor Your Documents for the Job:Every application should feel personal. When applying for the Planning Manager role at THE COLLECTIVE NETWORK LIMITED, tweak your CV to focus on aspects that are important to them. If they value client relationships, emphasise your interpersonal skills. We want to see you aligning your experiences with what they're looking for!
Keep It Professional Yet Approachable:While we want you to show off your expertise, don't forget to let your personality shine through in your cover letter. A touch of friendliness can set you apart, especially in real estate where client interaction is key. Show that you're ready not just to work with the property but also with people!
How to prepare for a job interview at THE COLLECTIVE NETWORK LIMITED
✨Know Your Market Trends
In real estate, it’s all about staying ahead of the curve. Make sure we brush up on the latest market trends in the area where THE COLLECTIVE NETWORK LIMITED operates. Being able to discuss local property values, demand, and upcoming developments will show that we’re not just interested in the job, but genuinely invested in the industry.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions during the interview. We might get asked how we’d handle different client situations or property evaluations. Preparing our responses for common real estate scenarios not only demonstrates our problem-solving skills but also shows that we can think on our feet in a client-facing role.
✨Showcase Your Connections
In full-time real estate, networking is key! Let’s think about our connections in the industry and what we can bring to THE COLLECTIVE NETWORK LIMITED. Whether it’s insights on prospective clients or relationships with local contractors, talking about these experiences can set us apart from other candidates.
✨Demonstrate Technical Savvy
Familiarity with different real estate software tools is a big plus. We should be ready to discuss any platforms we've used, whether it's for property management, CRM, or data analysis. Being comfortable with technology not only makes us more efficient, but also shows that we’re adaptable to the tools used at THE COLLECTIVE NETWORK LIMITED.