At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead planning function, optimise production flow, and manage a high-performing team.
- Company: Established engineering and technology company with a focus on operational excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to GBP55,000, hybrid working, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape planning strategy and make a real impact on product lifecycle management.
- Qualifications: Senior planning experience in manufacturing or engineering, with strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Dynamic role with significant influence and excellent career growth potential.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 66000 £ per year.
An established engineering and technology company is seeking a Head of Planning to lead its planning function and drive operational excellence across the full product and project lifecycle. This is a senior role with significant influence, shaping planning strategy, optimising production flow, and ensuring seamless alignment from customer order through to shipment.
You’ll set the direction for planning, strengthen systems and processes, and lead a team of five, responsible for production scheduling, capacity planning, and inventory control. Working closely with engineering, supply chain, quality, sales, and operations, you’ll ensure plans are aligned, risks are managed early, and new products are introduced smoothly.
Key Responsibilities- Lead the planning function and develop a robust production and capacity planning framework.
- Build and maintain accurate schedules, including the Master Production Schedule.
- Oversee demand forecasting, inventory planning, and material availability.
- Drive continuous improvement using Lean and data driven methods.
- Ensure planning data accuracy and effective use of ERP/MRP systems.
- Lead, coach, and develop a high performing planning team.
- Work closely with engineering, sales, supply chain, quality, and operations to align plans and resolve risks early.
- Senior planning experience in manufacturing or engineering.
- Strong understanding of MRP II, ERP/MES systems, and modern planning tools.
- Confident with data, forecasting, and scenario modelling.
- Proven leadership and team development capability.
- Customer focused, analytical, and able to influence across functions.
- Degree or equivalent experience in Supply Chain, Engineering, Operations, or similar.
- APICS, Lean, or CI certifications are a bonus.
Head of Planning in London employer: Verso Recruitment Group
Contact Detail:
Verso Recruitment Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Planning in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering and technology sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself to potential employers. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their products and projects, and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. We want you to walk in feeling confident and ready to showcase your skills as the next Head of Planning!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common interview questions, especially those related to leadership and planning strategies. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to get comfortable with articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance at landing that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Planning in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Planning role. Highlight your senior planning experience in manufacturing or engineering, and don’t forget to showcase your understanding of MRP II and ERP systems. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
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. Talk about your leadership experience and how you’ve driven operational excellence in previous positions. Remember, we love a good story that shows your passion for planning!
Showcase Your Achievements: When filling out your application, don’t just list your responsibilities—show us your achievements! Use data and examples to illustrate how you’ve improved processes or led successful projects. We’re all about continuous improvement, so let’s see what you’ve done!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get the best experience. Plus, it’s super easy—just follow the prompts and you’ll be on your way to joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Verso Recruitment Group
✨Know Your Planning Frameworks
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of production and capacity planning frameworks. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented these in past roles, especially in manufacturing or engineering settings. This will show that you understand the core responsibilities of the Head of Planning role.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams in the past, particularly in planning functions. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you coached your team to overcome them. This will highlight your leadership capabilities and your ability to develop a high-performing team.
✨Familiarise Yourself with ERP/MRP Systems
Since the role requires effective use of ERP/MRP systems, be ready to discuss your experience with these tools. If you have specific examples of how you've improved data accuracy or streamlined processes using these systems, share them during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
As the Head of Planning, you'll need to be confident with data and forecasting. Prepare to discuss how you've used data-driven methods to drive continuous improvement in your previous roles. Bring examples of how you've managed risks early and aligned plans across different functions.