Planning Lead

Staffline; Stroud; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual Bonus

Pension match (10%)

Private Medical Cover

Life Assurance

Generous Holiday Allowance

Career Development & Training

Flexible Benefits

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

Staffline in Stroud is seeking a Planning Lead to own the master production schedule and drive S&OP activities in a modern manufacturing environment.

You will collaborate across Production, Procurement, Engineering and Supply Chain to align plans with business goals, monitor KPIs, and implement improvements. The role focuses on accurate forecasting, capacity management, and facilitating new product introductions.

Qualifications

• Experience as Master Scheduler or Production Planner in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of MRP/ERP systems and production planning methodologies.
• Experience leading or supporting S&OP processes.
• Ability to analyse complex data and make informed planning decisions.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• APICS/CIPS or related qualification would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Own and maintain the master production schedule, optimising inventory and capacity.
• Lead the S&OP process with accurate demand and supply forecasts.
• Collaborate with Production, Procurement, Engineering and Supply Chain teams.
• Monitor material availability, capacity constraints and production performance.
• Analyse planning data and KPIs to improve forecast accuracy and drive improvements.
• Support new product introductions and strategic projects with effective planning.

Skills

Forecasting & planning

S&OP leadership

ERP / MRP systems

Data analysis

Stakeholder management

Education

APICS/CIPS qualification advantageous

Job description

Planning Lead

Experience Dependent + Annual Bonus + Private Medical

Stroud

Join a global engineering and technology leader that delivers innovative automation, electrification and digitalisation solutions across a wide range of industries. With a strong reputation for investment in people, continuous improvement and operational excellence, this is an excellent opportunity for an experienced planning professional to play a key role within a highly advanced manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities - Planning Lead

• Own and maintain the master production schedule, ensuring customer demand is met whilst optimising inventory levels and manufacturing capacity.
• Lead the Sales, Inventory & Operations Planning (S&OP) process, providing accurate demand and supply forecasts.
• Collaborate with Production, Procurement, Engineering and Supply Chain teams to align manufacturing plans with business objectives.
• Monitor material availability, capacity constraints and production performance, implementing corrective actions where required.
• Analyse planning data and KPIs to identify risks, improve forecast accuracy and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support new product introductions and strategic projects, ensuring effective planning and resource allocation.

Experience / Qualifications - Planning Lead

• Previous experience in a Master Scheduler, Supply Chain Planner, Production Planner or similar role within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of MRP/ERP systems and production planning methodologies.
• Experience leading or supporting S&OP processes.
• Ability to analyse complex data and make informed planning decisions.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• APICS, CIPS, Supply Chain, Operations Management or related qualification would be advantageous.

Benefits - Planning Lead

• Annual Bonus
• Pension matched up to 10%
• Private Medical Cover
• x6 Life Assurance
• Generous Holiday Allowance
• Career Development & Training Opportunities
• Flexible Benefits Package
• Employee Assistance Programme

Ideal background / Previous roles may include

Master Scheduler, Master Production Planner, Senior Production Planner, Supply Chain Planner, Lead Planner, Manufacturing Planner, Operations Planner, Integrated Business Planning (IBP) Planner, Demand & Supply Planner, Materials Planning Manager, Production Planning Manager or Supply Planning Manager