Sales and Operations Planning Manager
Location: Southport, UK
Department: Operations
Reports To: Operations Director
Position Type: Full-Time, Permanent
UK-based manufacturing business committed to delivering high-quality products to UK and global markets. With a reputation built on compliance, and customer focus, our Southport manufacturing facility plays a vital role in supplying critical products under MHRA-regulated conditions.
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced and driven Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) Manager to lead the development and execution of a robust production schedule for our manufacturing facility in Southport. This pivotal role ensures alignment between customer demand, factory capability, inventory levels, and raw material availability.
As the S&OP Manager, you will act as the central point of coordination across purchasing, warehouse, production, packaging, and sales teams (both UK and export). You will be a key member of the senior site leadership team, contributing to the strategic direction of operations and regularly engaging with the MD and key customers.
Key Responsibilities
Production Planning & Scheduling
* Develop and manage the master production schedule in alignment with long-term sales forecasts.
* Ensure manufacturing capacity and material availability meet customer requirements and business objectives.
* Balance short-term responsiveness with long-term strategic planning
Cross-Functional Coordination
* Collaborate daily with Purchasing, Warehouse, Production, and Packaging teams to ensure seamless execution of the schedule.
* Monitor and adjust plans based on changes in demand, supply chain constraints, or manufacturing issues.
Customer and Commercial Alignment
* Work closely with UK and export sales teams to translate forecasts into operational plans.
* Ensure visibility of forecast changes and their impact on the production schedule.
* Build strong relationships with key customers and support regular communication on schedule adherence and supply planning.
Compliance & Quality
* Ensure all planning activities support MHRA Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and Good Distribution Practice (GDP) requirements.
* Maintain accurate records and support internal/external audits as needed.
Leadership & Communication
* Participate actively in the senior site leadership team, providing insights into capacity, scheduling risks, and improvement opportunities.
* Report regularly to the Operations Director and communicate key updates to the Managing Director.
* Facilitate regular S&OP meetings to drive alignment and accountability.
Key Requirements
Essential Experience & Skills
* Proven experience in Sales & Operations Planning, Production Planning, or Supply Chain Management within a manufacturing environment.
* Strong understanding of MHRA GMP and GDP compliance standards and how they relate to production planning.
* Demonstrated success in coordinating cross-functional teams and managing multiple stakeholders.
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence at all levels, including customers and senior executives.
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
* Highly organised with attention to detail and a proactive mindset.
Desirable Qualifications
* Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations, Business, or a related field.
* Experience working with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or equivalent).
* Familiarity with international logistics and export regulations in a pharmaceutical context