Planning Manager
£50,000–£65,000 + Bonus
Manchester (On-site with some flexibility)
Help scale a growing UK manufacturer.
This well-established engineering and manufacturing business supplies complex electrical products used in energy, rail, defence, and critical infrastructure projects across the globe.
They’re scaling fast – with turnover set to double this year – and shifting from low- to medium-volume production. As Planning Manager, you’ll lead the rebuild of planning systems and processes to help the business scale efficiently and sustainably.
Your role
This is a hands-on planning role. You’ll be at the centre of operations, working with supply chain, manufacturing, and leadership to ensure the right parts and products are available at the right time – all while improving systems, data, and decision-making.
Key responsibilities:
* Build and manage the Master Production Schedule (MPS)
* Lead the monthly S&OP process and weekly planning reviews
* Improve ERP system accuracy – BOMs, routings, and lead times
* Balance demand, capacity, and inventory to hit delivery targets
* Drive short-, medium-, and long-term capacity planning
* Lead improvements in scheduling, planning data, and forecasting
* Work with procurement and logistics to ensure material availability
* Support new product introductions and CI initiatives
What you’ll need
* Strong ERP/MRP experience – ideally having improved or implemented systems
* Background in production or materials planning within a busy factory environment
* Good Excel skills – confident with pivot tables and data analysis
* Clear communicator – able to bridge operations and commercial teams
* Experience applying lean manufacturing principles (especially in Kanban or high-mix settings)
* Resilient, logical, and proactive under pressure
Nice to have:
* Experience in a scaling SME
* A technical, engineering, or business-related degree
Why apply?
* Shape the planning function of a business in growth mode
* Work closely with leadership on business-critical decisions
* Career progression in a stable, supportive environment
* Competitive salary and bonus
* 25 days holiday + bank holidays, with buy/sell options
* Pension scheme
* Enhanced maternity/paternity pay
* Life assurance (4x salary)
* Access to financial advice, occupational health, and EAP
* Free on-site EV charging and parking
Ready to shape how planning works in a growing manufacturing business?
Apply now with your CV or get in touch for a confidential chat to learn more