Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) Manager
Location: Southport, UK
Department: Operations
Reports To: Operations Director
Position Type: Full-Time, Permanent
This position is within a leading UK-based pharmaceutical manufacturing business committed to delivering high-quality healthcare products to UK and global markets. With a strong reputation built on compliance, innovation, and customer focus, the Southport manufacturing facility plays a vital role in supplying critical medicines and health 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 a pharmaceutical 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 Managing Director 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 Sales, 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 the UK Managing Director, and the 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 pharmaceutical 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.
* Experience working with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or equivalent).
* Familiarity with international logistics and export regulations in a pharmaceutical context.
Why Apply?
* Be part of a purpose-driven company supplying essential healthcare products.
* Influence key business decisions as a member of the senior site leadership team.
* Collaborate with a passionate, committed team in a dynamic and regulated environment.
* Competitive salary and benefits package.
Please apply today by sending in your CV to this advert