Manufacturing Planning Specialist

Manpower UK Limited; Cambourne; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A global leader in advanced technology is seeking a Manufacturing Planning Specialist in Cambourne, UK. This role involves planning activities for materials and production scheduling across global plants. The successful candidate will collaborate with engineering and product teams to ensure timely material availability and produce analytical reports to guide production decisions. A background in manufacturing or technology and strong analytical skills are essential. The company offers a competitive salary and a supportive benefits package.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Hybrid work options

Professional development opportunities

Dynamic work environment

Career progression opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience within manufacturing, engineering, or technology-led industries.
• Strong analytical skills with experience using Power BI, SAP, and data visualisation tools.
• Background in production planning, demand forecasting, or materials logistics.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Confident interpreting large datasets and turning insights into practical actions.

Responsibilities

• Utilise Power BI and SAP/CRM systems to support material demand forecasting.
• Develop AI-based forecasting tools to improve decision-making accuracy.
• Produce monthly and quarterly analytical reports to guide production decisions.
• Align material demand across global production plants.
• Support the planning process for Engineering Change Orders (ECOs).

Skills

Manufacturing experience

Strong analytical skills

Experience using Power BI

Production planning background

Stakeholder management

Problem-solving abilities

Tools

Power BI

SAP

Data visualization tools

Job description

Manufacturing Planning Specialist

Location: Cambourne, Cambourne

Permanent, Full-Time

✈️ Some domestic and international travel may be required

Competitive salary & benefits package

ManpowerGroup is delighted to be partnering with a global leader in advanced technology and precision manufacturing to recruit an experienced Manufacturing Planning Specialist. This is an exciting opportunity to join a cutting‑edge organisation driving innovation across its international manufacturing sites. You will play a key role in ensuring production efficiency, material availability, and alignment between global supply chain and manufacturing operations.

About the Role

As a Manufacturing Planning Specialist, you will take ownership of planning activities for materials, demand, and production scheduling across multiple global plants. You'll work closely with supply chain, engineering, and product teams to ensure the right materials are available at the right time‑enabling smooth, efficient, and cost‑effective production.

You'll combine your analytical expertise with strong operational planning skills to drive smarter, data‑led decisions across the production and supply chain network.

Responsibilities

• Utilise Power BI and SAP/CRM systems to analyse global sales data and support material demand forecasting.
• Develop and apply AI‑based forecasting tools to improve decision‑making accuracy.
• Work closely with IT and business teams to ensure data integration across systems.
• Collaborate with product and supply chain teams to gather forecasts, assess risks, and map market trends.
• Produce monthly and quarterly analytical reports to guide production decisions.
• Align material demand across global production plants and maintain accurate slot planning.
• Monitor flexibility in production capacity to respond to short‑term market changes.
• Maintain and update an 18‑month rolling forecast to balance production and supply chain demand.
• Support the planning process for Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) and new product introductions.
• Liaise with suppliers and internal stakeholders on open forecasts and material availability.
• Drive continuous improvement and ensure compliance with ISO 9001 & 14001 standards.
• Deputise for the Production Planning and Materials Logistics Manager when required.

Qualifications

We're looking for a forward‑thinking and data‑driven professional who thrives in a fast‑paced, global manufacturing environment.

Required Skills

• Experience within manufacturing, engineering, or technology‑led industries
• Strong analytical skills with experience using Power BI, SAP, and data visualisation tools.
• A background in production planning, demand forecasting, or materials logistics.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Confidence interpreting large datasets and turning insights into practical actions.
• Strong problem‑solving abilities and a continuous improvement mindset.

This company offers more than just a career-it provides a platform for growth, innovation, and collaboration. Here's what you can expect:

Benefits

• Flexible working hours and hybrid work options to support your work‑life balance.
• A competitive benefits package designed to reward your contributions.
• Opportunities for travel and professional development.
• A dynamic and innovative environment where your insights drive real business impact.
• The opportunity to work with global teams and cutting‑edge planning tools.
• Career development and progression opportunities within a world‑class organisation.