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- Tasks: Lead planning and forecasting while engaging directly with production teams.
- Company: Dynamic engineering manufacturer focused on growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, early finish Fridays, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a culture of continuous improvement and make a real impact.
- Why this job: Shape planning strategy and drive operational efficiency in a hands-on role.
- Qualifications: Experience in planning/forecasting within engineering or manufacturing environments.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 65000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join a growing and ambitious engineering manufacturer in a senior leadership role. This is a key position within the business, offering the chance to shape planning strategy while remaining hands-on and close to the manufacturing operation.
The Role
This role is responsible for leading the planning, scheduling, and forecasting function, ensuring alignment across projects, manufacturing, and resources. You will play a critical role in driving predictable delivery, operational efficiency, and business growth. This is not a purely desk-based role - the business is looking for someone with an engineering or manufacturing background who is comfortable being "boots on the ground", engaging directly with production teams and understanding real-world challenges.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop the planning and forecasting function across the business
- Align manufacturing, projects, and resource planning to ensure efficient delivery
- Drive data-led decision making to improve forecasting accuracy and operational performance
- Work closely with manufacturing, commercial, and senior leadership teams to support delivery
- Identify capacity constraints and risks, implementing proactive solutions
- Improve planning processes, systems, and visibility across multiple projects and sites
- Mentor and develop a team of planners and analysts
- Balance strategic planning with hands-on operational involvement
- Champion a culture of continuous improvement and accountability
Requirements
- Proven experience in a senior planning / forecasting / operations role
- Background within engineering or manufacturing environments (essential)
- Strong understanding of planning, scheduling, capacity management and forecasting
- Experience leading and developing high-performing teams
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to turn data into actionable insight
- Confident working with and influencing senior stakeholders
- A hands-on, practical approach with the ability to engage on the shop floor
What's on Offer
- £60,000 - £65,000 salary
- Monday to Friday working pattern with early finish on Fridays
- Opportunity to play a key leadership role in a growing business
- Strong focus on continuous improvement and innovation
- Long-term career development and progression
This is a high-impact leadership role for someone who wants to shape how planning and forecasting is delivered, while staying closely connected to the manufacturing process and operational performance.
Head of Planning & Forecasting in Craigavon employer: VANRATH
Contact Detail:
VANRATH Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Planning & Forecasting in Craigavon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering and manufacturing sectors. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential employers or colleagues who might know of openings. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Get hands-on! If you’re applying for a role that requires a practical approach, show that you’re not afraid to get your boots dirty. Share examples from your past experiences where you’ve engaged directly with production teams or tackled real-world challenges.
✨Tip Number 3
Be data-driven! In your conversations, highlight your analytical skills and how you’ve used data to drive decision-making in previous roles. Employers love candidates who can turn numbers into actionable insights, especially in planning and forecasting.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of exciting opportunities waiting for you. By applying directly, you’ll ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s a great way to show your enthusiasm for joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Planning & Forecasting in Craigavon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of Planning & Forecasting role. Highlight your engineering or manufacturing background, and don’t forget to showcase your leadership experience in planning and forecasting.
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 driven operational efficiency and improved forecasting accuracy in previous positions.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role requires strong analytical skills, be sure to include examples of how you've turned data into actionable insights. This will demonstrate your ability to drive data-led decision making, which is crucial for the position.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a seamless application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at VANRATH
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you brush up on key metrics related to planning and forecasting. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decision-making in your previous roles. This will show that you can turn numbers into actionable insights, which is crucial for the Head of Planning & Forecasting position.
✨Show Your Hands-On Experience
Since this role requires a practical approach, be prepared to share specific examples of how you've engaged with production teams in the past. Highlight any challenges you faced on the shop floor and how you tackled them. This will demonstrate your ability to connect theory with real-world applications.
✨Align with Their Vision
Research the company’s current planning strategies and any recent projects they've undertaken. During the interview, align your experience and ideas with their goals. This shows that you're not just looking for a job, but that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their growth and success.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Think of insightful questions to ask about their planning processes and team dynamics. This not only shows your interest in the role but also gives you a chance to assess if the company culture aligns with your values. It’s a two-way street, after all!