Group Head of Production Planning

Alexander Steele Recruitment; England; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturing business in London seeks a Group Head of Production Planning to drive production efficiency and scheduling. You will lead a team across UK sites, optimize inventory levels, and ensure compliance with food safety standards. The ideal candidate has significant experience in food manufacturing planning, excellent leadership skills, and proficiency in ERP systems. This role offers up to £80k base salary, an annual bonus, enhanced pension, and 33 days holiday.

Benefits

Up to £80k base salary

Annual Bonus

Enhanced pension

33 days holiday

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior production planning role within food manufacturing or FMCG.
• Strong understanding of production processes, supply chain principles, and inventory control.
• Proficiency in ERP / MRP systems and full integration involvement is highly favorable.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement planning strategies to optimize production efficiency.
• Collaborate with teams to create accurate demand forecasts.
• Oversee production schedules to maximize throughput.

Skills

Senior production planning experience

Production processes understanding

Proficiency in ERP / MRP systems

Leadership abilities

Analytical mindset

Knowledge of food safety standards

Job description

Alexander Steele is delighted to be working in partnership with a leading food manufacturing business, in London, who are currently looking to recruit a Group Head of Production Planning.

For this role you will drive production planning and scheduling activities to support efficient, cost-effective manufacturing, maintain safe operating conditions, optimise inventory levels, and ensure on-time customer order fulfilment.

In this role, you will lead a team of planners across all UK manufacturing sites, working closely with operational teams to create production schedules that align with materials availability, warehousing capacity, and production line constraints. With a strong continuous improvement mindset, you’ll use metrics, dashboards, and KPIs to track performance, identify opportunities, and implement initiatives that enhance our planning processes and overall operational efficiency.

This role will report to the Group Supply Chain Director and the career growth potential is very exciting, with a robust acquisition strategy, our client want to continue their growth within their food manufacturing category.

On Offer

• Up to £80k base salary
• Annual Bonus
• Enhanced pension
• 33 days holiday

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement robust planning strategies to optimize production efficiency and meet customer service targets.
• Collaborate with Sales and Procurement teams to create accurate demand forecasts and align supply plans accordingly.
• Oversee the creation and execution of production schedules to maximize throughput and minimize downtime.
• Ensure optimal stock levels of raw materials and finished goods, reducing obsolescence and waste.
• Manage and develop the planning team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
• Work closely with Operations, Quality Assurance, and Logistics to ensure seamless supply chain performance.
• Utilize ERP / MRP systems to monitor performance, generate reports, and drive data-led decision-making.
• Ensure adherence to food safety, regulatory, and company standards throughout the planning process.

Skills & Experience Required

• Proven experience in a senior production planning / scheduling role within food manufacturing or FMCG.
• Strong understanding of production processes, supply chain principles, and inventory control.
• Proficiency in ERP / MRP systems and if you have been involved in a full new integration of a system, this experience would be highly favourable
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Analytical mindset with a focus on problem-solving and continuous improvement.
• Entrepreneurial spirit
• Knowledge of food safety standards and regulatory requirements.

If you would like to learn more about this opportunity please apply or send your most up to date version of your CV to Giuseppe Leo at Alexander Steele Recruitment or call him directly to discuss this further on 07857 348079