Head of Planning (Strategic Production Planning Manager)

Vickerstock; Cookstown; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in heavy metal machinery is seeking a dynamic Head of Planning to lead a talented team of planning professionals. This pivotal leadership role involves overseeing complex engineering projects from inception to completion, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and customer expectations. The company is on an exciting journey of transformation, investing in innovation and leadership to scale globally. If you have a passion for precision and a proven track record in planning within a technical manufacturing environment, this is an exceptional opportunity to make a significant impact.

Benefits

£550pm car allowance

15% bonus

Private healthcare

Healthshield for Dental/Optical cover

Life Cover: 4X basic salary

Work from home - Up to 2 days per week

Qualifications

• 5+ years leading planning teams in technical manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of project and capacity planning software.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning across engineering, procurement, and manufacturing.
• Manage project timelines and communicate with stakeholders.
• Champion planning best practices and improve processes.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Capacity Planning

Risk Management

Organizational Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

ERP Systems

Integrated Business Planning (IBP)

Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP)

Job description

Head of Planning (Strategic Production Planning Manager)

EXCLUSIVE TO VICKERSTOCK

Based: Cookstown, Tyrone - with work from home up to 2 days

Monday-Thursday: 8-5 | Friday: 8-2:30 (Some flexibility available - 40 hours)

On Offer:

• £60,000-£75,000 (DOE)
• £550pm car allowance
• 15% bonus
• Private healthcare & Healthshield for Dental / Optical cover
• Work from home - Up to 2 days per week
• Life Cover: 4X basic salary

The Company

Our client is a leading name in the design and manufacture of heavy metal machinery, with a proud history of success and innovation. As one of the largest employers in the region, they operate multiple production facilities and serve a loyal international client base.

Currently on an exciting journey of transformation, the business is investing in leadership and innovation to scale globally and drive continuous improvement. With a revitalised senior leadership team and a future-focused strategy, they're now looking for a high-calibre Head of Planning to help take them to the next level.

The Role

This is a pivotal leadership position, reporting to Director level and overseeing a skilled team of 10 planning professionals across two manufacturing sites. Your direct reports will include Project Planner, Operational Planner, an Engineering Capacity Planner, and a Master Planner.

You'll be responsible for the end-to-end planning of the company's full portfolio of complex engineering projects - from initial go-live, through design and build, to final commissioning. Collaborating with project managers, operations, engineering, procurement, and leadership, you will ensure that every stage is aligned, achievable, and effectively delivered to meet customer expectations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage planning across engineering, procurement, manufacturing, and assembly functions.
• Ensure all project timelines are realistic, controlled, and communicated across stakeholders.
• Proactively identify risks and implement mitigation plans before they impact delivery.
• Champion planning best practices, and continuously improve tools, systems, and processes.
• Lead, mentor, and grow a high-performing planning team aligned with strategic business goals.
• Own and improve Integrated Business Planning (IBP) / Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) processes.

About You

You are a proactive and influential planning leader with a passion for precision and process. With deep experience in complex manufacturing or engineering environments, you understand how to align technical detail with big-picture strategic goals.

Essential Criteria

• Minimum 5 years' experience leading planning/scheduling teams in a technical manufacturing setting.
• Strong working knowledge of project and capacity planning software (e.g. ERP systems).
• Demonstrated experience in managing capacity across multi-departmental functions.
• Proven experience managing IBP or S&OP processes.
• Exceptional organisational skills and a meticulous eye for detail.
• Flexible and resilient approach with the ability to manage shifting priorities effectively.

Apply now via the link on this page or contact Hugh Nugent directly for a confidential discussion.