Production Planning Manager
Location: Chipping Norton
Salary: £50,000-£55,000 + Bonus
This is a newly created role within a growing manufacturing business, with a strong preference for food/FMCG experience where quality, changeovers, and service really matter.
You'll take full ownership of the production plan and OTIF performance, acting as the central link between Commercial, Production, Packing, and Warehouse. As the business scales, this role offers a clear pathway into broader planning and supply chain leadership.
Key Responsibilities
Own and manage daily and weekly production plans across manufacturing, packing, and warehouse operations
Integrate customer orders, demand forecasts, stock availability, and manufacturing constraints
Deliver high OTIF performance while maintaining plan stability
Build and maintain demand forecasts using historical sales, order intake, seasonality, and commercial activity
Translate demand into executable production plans using SKU-level forecasts, stock cover targets, and capacity assumptions
Manage uncertainty and change in a fast-moving FMCG-style environment
Act as the central coordination point between Commercial, Production, Packing, and Warehouse
Chair planning and operational meetings, setting agendas and driving decisions
Assign actions, track progress, and keep communication clear when priorities shift
Improve customer service levels through stronger planning, forecasting, and inventory alignment
Use data and root cause analysis to drive sustainable improvements
Model capacity constraints, stock coverage, and planning scenarios
Work effectively with ERP/MRP systems (SAP, Navision, Dynamics, Sage, or similar)
Experience & Background
5+ years' experience in production planning or supply planning
Manufacturing background essential; food or FMCG strongly preferred
Exposure to S&OP and/or demand planning processes
Experience working with inventory policies (min/max, safety stock, days cover)
Skills & Knowledge
Advanced Excel skills (Power Query a strong advantage)
ERP/MRP system experience
Strong understanding of OTIF, service performance, and inventory trade-offs
Lean / Continuous Improvement exposure (Yellow or Green Belt ideal)
Root cause problem solving (5-Why, fishbone, CAPA)
BRCGS awareness and food safety fundamentals (for FMCG/food backgrounds)
Benefits:
Pension: 6% employer contribution
Holidays: 24 days + bank holidays
Hybrid Working: 1 day per week remote
Salary Review: Guaranteed at 18 months
Professional Development: £2,000+ per year funded training
Role Expansion Path: Clear, agreed progression as the business grows
Long-Service Leave Bank: Post 5 years, bank up to 20 days for extended leave