Description
Founded in science, deep rooted in values and driven forward by our amazing people, here at Tata Chemicals Europe, the UKs only manufacturer of Sodium Bicarbonate and leading manufacturer of food and pharmaceutical grade salt, we’re committed to delivering premium products with excellent customer service, whilst also caring for our local community and environment.
As we transition from our commodity chemicals history towards an increasingly higher end, regulated food and pharma ingredients business, we have an excellent opportunity for someone who wants to be part of our journey!
A unique opportunity has arisen to join the Operations Planning team as Lead Planner, with the chance to shape how we do things.
What will I be doing?
As Lead Planner, you’ll translate demand, inventory policy and S&OP decisions into a stable, achievable production plan supporting three manufacturing sites and five 3PL locations. You’ll manage the forward planning horizon, maintain plan stability in a fast‑moving environment, and ensure smooth alignment between S&OP, S&OE and daily execution.
You’ll join a team of four and directly manage our short‑term allocator, giving you the chance to lead, coach and influence how we plan and deliver for our customers.
Key responsibilities:
* Own and develop the forward production and packing plan.
* Act as the primary planning contact for the manufacturing teams, ensuring plans reflect plant capability and operational constraints.
* Balance production, packing and inventory to deliver strong service and efficient operations.
* Identify risks in the medium‑term horizon and ensure plans remain achievable.
* Lead recovery planning for downtime, quality issues or supply disruption.
* Work collaboratively with Customer Service, Sales, Quality, Logistics and 3PL partners.
* Provide direction to the allocator to ensure short‑term commitments align with the plan.
* Support S&OP preparation and deputise for the S&OP Manager as required.
What kind of person are we looking for?
We're seeking an experienced planner with first‑line management experience and the confidence to engage across all levels of the organisation—including senior leadership. You bring strong communication skills, the ability to influence cross‑functional teams, and ideally experience planning across multiple manufacturing sites.
You’ll be detail‑oriented, analytical and curious, with strong Excel skills and broad systems experience, preferably including SAP. You understand OTIF performance, and how to manage, as well as finite‑capacity planning and what “good” looks like in a modern planning environment.
Why join us?
* Shape and refine how we plan and operate during an exciting period of transformation.
* Work in a values‑driven organisation committed to quality, community and sustainability.
* Gain exposure across manufacturing, supply chain, commercial and senior leadership teams.
* Take ownership of a critical planning process with real influence and visibility.
What's on offer?
Our people have always been at the centre of the company’s success and in return for their hard work and commitment, we offer a generous benefits package including:
* 37 days holidays per year, inclusive of Bank Holidays
* Roll over of up to 5 days and salary sacrifice holiday purchase scheme
* An additional paid day off each year to volunteer for a good cause in the local community
* 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday
* Excellent contributory Pension scheme up to 9% company contribution
* Life insurance
* Healthcare cash back scheme
* After an initial settling in period of 3 months, employees can apply to work from home for up to 40% of their contractual working hours where this can fit around around business needs and in person meetings.
Tata Chemicals Europe (TCE) is one of Europe's leading suppliers of sodium carbonate, salt and sodium bicarbonate and other products, from our plants in Cheshire, UK.
We are the UK's only manufacturer of sodium bicarbonate, the many grades of which have applications ranging from haemodialysis and pharmaceuticals, food and animal feed, flue gas treatments through to detergents and personal care products. Sodium carbonate (also known as soda ash) is primarily sourced from our US sister company, TCNA, and used in the manufacture of glass, detergents, chemicals and in several other industry applications.
Our British Salt Business is the UK's leading salt business, producing pure white salt for a variety of uses from food, water-softening, and industrial uses through to de-icing.
We have a long and proud history. Having been founded in 1874, and being a founder-member of ICI. Now owned by Tata Chemicals, we are proud to be part of the Tata Group of companies.
We work in conjunction with Morson Talent (www.morson.com) providing access to a small number of their recruiters to our Pinpoint recruitment system alongside our own in house team. Therefore, by submitting your application you understand that it may be dealt with by either the Tata Chemicals Europe or Morson dedicated team.
We reserve the right to close an advert early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.