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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and improve the planning function in a fast-paced FMCG environment.
- Company: Dynamic FMCG manufacturing business in Birmingham with a focus on growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, benefits, and opportunities for autonomy and impact.
- Why this job: Shape and elevate a critical planning function while driving operational excellence.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in senior planning roles within FMCG or high-volume manufacturing.
- Other info: Join a positive culture with strong leadership and significant career growth potential.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 85000 £ per year.
We are working with a growing FMCG manufacturing business based in Birmingham that is investing heavily in its operations, people, and future capability. As demand continues to increase, the business is seeking an experienced Planning Manager to take ownership of a busy, fast-moving planning function and help stabilise, improve, and future-proof it.
This is a senior leadership role for someone who enjoys rolling up their sleeves, bringing structure to complexity, and building planning capability in a scaling environment. The role offers significant visibility and influence across the organisation and plays a critical part in the journey towards operational excellence.
The Role
Reporting into the senior leadership team, the Planning Manager will lead the end-to-end planning function across production, materials, and capacity. The immediate focus will be on strengthening planning disciplines, improving systems and ways of working, and ensuring the business can support continued growth without disruption.
Key responsibilities include:
- Owning and leading the end-to-end planning function across manufacturing and supply
- Reviewing, fixing, and improving planning systems, processes, and governance
- Driving robust S&OP, demand planning, and supply planning routines
- Bringing clarity and control to capacity, constraints, and prioritisation in a high-volume environment
- Working closely with Operations, Commercial, Procurement, and Finance to align plans with business objectives
- Providing clear, actionable insight to senior leadership to support decision-making
- Building, leading, and developing a high-performing planning team
- Championing continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives
About You
- Proven experience in a senior planning leadership role within FMCG or high-volume manufacturing
- A strong track record of improving stretched or underperforming planning functions
- Confident working in fast-paced, growing businesses where systems and processes are evolving
- Highly credible communicator with the presence to influence at senior leadership level
- Pragmatic, resilient, and solutions-focused with a strong operational mindset
- Passionate about building structure, capability, and long-term planning excellence
Why Apply?
- Circa £75,000 - £85,000 + benefits, depending on experience
- A senior role with genuine autonomy and impact
- Opportunity to fix, shape, and elevate a critical planning function
- A growing FMCG business with ambition, pace, and investment
- A positive, forward-thinking culture and strong leadership team
Planning Manager in Birmingham employer: W Talent
Contact Detail:
W Talent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Manager in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the FMCG sector, especially those in planning roles. Attend industry events or webinars to make connections and learn about potential job openings that might not be advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their current challenges in planning and come up with ideas on how you can help improve their processes. This shows you're proactive and genuinely interested!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply through job boards; head over to our website and submit your application directly. It gives you a better chance of being noticed and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email reiterating your interest and summarising how you can add value to their planning function can leave a lasting impression.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Manager in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Planning Manager. Highlight your experience in FMCG and any specific achievements in improving planning functions. We want to see how you can bring structure to complexity!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your skills align with the company's goals. Remember, we love a good story about your journey in planning leadership.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a senior role, we’re looking for someone who can lead and inspire a team. Make sure to include examples of how you've built high-performing teams and driven continuous improvement in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at W Talent
✨Know Your Planning Fundamentals
Brush up on your knowledge of end-to-end planning processes, especially in FMCG. Be ready to discuss specific examples where you've improved planning systems or processes in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience in leading teams and driving change. Highlight instances where you've built high-performing teams or championed continuous improvement initiatives.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Research the company’s current operations and challenges in the FMCG sector. Be prepared to discuss how you can align planning functions with their business objectives and support their growth.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing complex planning concepts. Remember, you’ll need to influence senior leadership, so confidence and clarity are key!
