Head of Planning

Assystem GmbH; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Assystem GmbH is seeking an experienced Head of Planning to lead the planning function and turn business strategy into actionable plans, ensuring robust forecasting and effective resource planning. You will partner with senior leadership and cross-functional teams to deliver forward-looking insights, manage performance, and drive continuous improvement.

The role demands strategic thinking, commercial acumen and strong stakeholder management.

Qualifications

• Senior planning professional with strategic perspective, commercial acumen and strong analytical capability.
• Proven ability to translate business strategy into practical plans.
• Experience leading planning teams and working with cross-functional stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead annual and long-term planning processes with measurable plans.
• Own forecasting with KPIs and timely reporting.
• Drive resource and capacity planning to meet objectives.
• Act as trusted advisor to senior leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Continuously improve planning methodologies and tools.

Skills

Strategic planning

Forecasting

Resource planning

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Continuous improvement

Analytical capability

Commercial acumen

Job description

We are looking for an experienced and commercially minded Head of Planning to lead the planning function and provide clear, forward‑looking insight that supports business performance and strategic decision‑making. The role will be responsible for developing and driving the planning agenda across the organisation, ensuring robust forecasting, effective resource planning and strong performance management. Working closely with senior leadership and cross‑functional teams, the Head of Planning will turn business strategy into practical plans, identify opportunities and risks, and ensure the organisation remains focused on delivering its objectives. This is a high‑impact leadership role requiring a combination of strategic thinking, commercial acumen, analytical capability and strong stakeholder management.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic & Business Planning Lead the annual and longer‑term business planning process, translating strategic priorities into clear, measurable plans. Develop and maintain robust planning frameworks, processes and governance. Partner with the leadership team to assess strategic priorities, investment decisions and business opportunities. Provide forward‑looking analysis and recommendations to support key business decisions. Ensure plans are aligned across functions and that dependencies, risks and opportunities are clearly understood.
• Forecasting & Performance Management Own the forecasting process, ensuring forecasts are accurate, commercially relevant and delivered in a timely manner. Establish clear performance measures, KPIs and reporting mechanisms. Monitor performance against plan and identify emerging trends, risks and opportunities. Lead regular performance reviews with senior stakeholders and ensure agreed actions are followed through. Provide clear commentary and insight rather than simply reporting numbers or activity.
• Resource & Capacity Planning Lead effective resource and capacity planning to ensure the organisation has the right capabilities and capacity to deliver its objectives. Identify future demand, capacity requirements and potential constraints. Work with relevant functional leaders to develop scenarios and mitigation plans. Support prioritisation of resources against the organisation’s highest‑value activities.
• Leadership & Stakeholder Management Build, lead and develop a high‑performing planning team. Establish a strong planning culture based on accountability, transparency and continuous improvement. Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and key stakeholders. Build effective relationships across Finance, Operations, Commercial, HR, Technology and other relevant functions. Communicate complex information clearly and confidently to both senior and non‑technical audiences.
• Continuous Improvement Continuously improve planning methodologies, systems, tools and processes. Introduce appropriate scenario planning and modelling to improve decision‑making. Identify opportunities to improve the quality, efficiency and consistency of planning activity. Promote the use of data and insight to challenge assumptions and improve business outcomes.

Candidate Profile

We are looking for a senior planning professional who combines strategic perspective with strong commercial and analytical capability.