Permanent | Competitive Salary + Bonus + Excellent Benefits | Hybrid Working (1 Day from Home)
A leading global manufacturing organisation based in Greater Manchester is seeking an experienced Production Planning Manager to join their team on a permanent basis. This is a pivotal role within a business that prides itself on quality, innovation, and putting the customer at the heart of everything they do.
As Production Planning Manager, you’ll lead and develop a high-performing team responsible for ensuring an efficient, reliable, and customer-focused planning service. Reporting to the Supply Chain Manager, you’ll take ownership of production scheduling, demand forecasting, and capacity optimisation, while continuously driving improvements in service levels and lead times.
You’ll also play a key role in shaping the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process and forecasting alongside commercial and finance teams, helping to align operational capabilities with business growth targets.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead, coach, and develop the Production Planning team (3 direct reports), fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
* Evaluate and refine planning processes to enhance efficiency and service performance (On Time Despatch to Commit).
* Collaborate with Operations to optimise production strategies — balancing make-to-order and make-to-stock approaches.
* Drive and support the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) and forecasting processes in partnership with commercial and finance teams.
* Manage ERP system data (IFS or similar) to support decision-making and produce meaningful management reports.
* Work with Procurement to manage stock levels and shelf-life requirements in fast-changing demand environments.
* Champion sustainable and responsible working practices across all planning activities.
Essential Skills & Experience:
* Proven management or supervisory experience in Production Planning.
* Strong understanding of end-to-end Supply Chain operations.
* Experience leading or contributing to Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP).
* Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems (IFS or SAP preferred).
* Advanced Microsoft Excel and data analysis skills.
* Excellent communication, problem-solving, and stakeholder engagement skills.
* A continuous improvement mindset and enthusiasm for developing people and processes.
* A relevant technical or business qualification (advantageous).
What’s on Offer
* 35-hour working week, Monday to Friday.
* Flexible start/finish times and up to 1 day remote working.
* Annual performance bonus.
* 26 days holiday plus Bank Holidays.
* 4x salary life assurance.
* Matched pension scheme.
* Private single healthcare coverage.
This is an outstanding opportunity for an ambitious Production Planning Manager to make a real impact within a world-class manufacturing environment.