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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 employer: W Talent
Contact Detail:
W Talent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Manager
✨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’s recent projects and challenges. This way, you can showcase how your experience aligns with their needs and demonstrate your understanding of their operations.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a thank-you email reiterating your interest in the role and highlighting how you can contribute to their planning function.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing the job! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals who can bring structure and capability to our planning teams.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Planning Manager role. Highlight your experience in FMCG and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how you've improved planning functions in the past!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about planning and how you can bring structure to complexity. Be sure to mention specific achievements that align with our needs.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a Planning Manager, you'll need to influence at a senior level. Make sure your application reflects your strong communication skills. Use clear, concise language and provide examples of how you've effectively communicated in previous roles.
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 all the updates. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
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 functions or systems in previous roles. This shows you understand the complexities and can bring structure to chaos.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Planning Manager, you'll need to lead a team and influence senior leadership. Prepare to share stories that highlight your leadership style, how you've developed teams, and your approach to driving continuous improvement. Authenticity is key!
✨Align with Business Objectives
Understand the company's goals and how the planning function supports them. Be prepared to discuss how you would align production, materials, and capacity planning with these objectives. This demonstrates your strategic thinking and operational mindset.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about handling high-pressure situations or resolving conflicts within the planning function. Think of specific scenarios from your past experiences where you successfully navigated challenges. This will showcase your problem-solving skills and resilience.
