Manufacturing Planning Manager UK

Driscoll's; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading agricultural company in Maidstone is seeking a Manufacturing Planning Manager to develop and implement effective production schedules to meet customer demands. This role involves collaboration across multiple departments to ensure resource optimization and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will have a strong analytical mindset, 5+ years in manufacturing operations, and a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering or related fields. Strong communication and leadership skills are essential for this position.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in production planning or manufacturing operations.
• Strong communication skills in English.
• Experience in food, beverage, or agricultural manufacturing is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning activities and ensure seamless manufacturing operations.
• Develop production schedules aligned with forecasts.
• Coordinate workforce needs and adjust plans based on changes.

Skills

Analytical mindset

Knowledge of planning systems (SAP, Oracle, Dynamics)

Advanced Excel skills

Power BI skills

Flexibility and hands-on approach

Strong collaboration skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering

Certifications (APICS, Lean Six Sigma)

Tools

ERP systems (preferably with MES)

Job description

About the Opportunity

The Manufacturing Planning Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining effective production schedules to meet customer demand while optimizing resource utilization. This role ensures alignment between manufacturing capacity, workforce availability, material supply, and delivery timelines. The manager collaborates cross-functionally with Master Scheduling, Production, Transportation, Quality and HR to ensure smooth operations and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

In this role, you ensure that production schedules meet customer demand while maximizing manufacturing efficiency. You balance capacity, workforce, materials, and timelines, and collaborate closely with Production, Scheduling, Transportation, Quality, HR, and IT.

Key Responsibilities

• You lead planning activities and ensure seamless execution within manufacturing operations.
• Develop and maintain production schedules aligned with forecasts and capacity.
• Coordinate workforce needs and communicate plans with Shift Managers.
• Adjust plans in real time based on operational changes.
• Ensure material readiness by collaborating with Packaging and Print Room.
• Lead daily production meetings and monitor performance and KPIs.
• Support continuous improvement (Lean, Six Sigma) and ensure compliance.
• Contribute to system implementation and act as key user between operations and IT.

Candidate Profile

You bring a strong analytical mindset, manufacturing planning knowledge, and the ability to work cross-functionally in a fast-moving environment. You have experience in inspiring and leading teams in a dynamic, similar environment.

Education & Training

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain, or similar.
• Additional certifications (APICS, Lean Six Sigma) are a plus.
• Strong English communication skills.

Experience

• 5+ years in production planning or manufacturing operations.
• Experience with ERP / MES systems and continuous improvement.
• Preferably experience in food, beverage, or agricultural manufacturing.
• Exposure to digital transformation or system implementation.

Skills & Behaviors

• Strong understanding of planning systems (SAP, Oracle, Dynamics).
• Advanced Excel / Power BI skills and solid analytical ability.
• Proactive, customer-oriented, flexible, and hands-on.
• Able to work independently and handle ad-hoc operational issues.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills.

Leadership Competencies

• Cultivates innovation and drives improvement.
• Plans effectively and aligns teams around priorities.
• Delivers results with energy and ownership.
• Collaborates across functions and builds strong relationships.
• Engages and motivates others while developing talent.
• Shows courage and addresses challenges transparently.