Planning Manager

JR United Kingdom; Hatfield; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Join an innovative company at the forefront of online grocery logistics as a Planning Manager. In this pivotal role, you'll leverage data and forecasting tools to enhance supply chain efficiency and operational performance. Collaborate with analytics and operations teams to drive strategic initiatives and improve customer availability. This is an exciting opportunity for a strategic thinker with strong planning expertise to lead a high-performing team and make a significant impact in a dynamic environment. Enjoy a hybrid work model and a range of generous benefits that support work-life balance and financial security.

Benefits

30 days of work from anywhere

Wellness Support

25 days of annual leave

Pension scheme with employer contribution

Interest-free train tickets

Cycle to Work scheme

Free shuttle bus services

15% off Ocado.com

Income Protection

Employee-funded dental and travel insurance

Qualifications

• Strong planning expertise with a strategic mindset.
• Ability to analyze data and turn KPIs into actionable insights.

Responsibilities

• Transform forecasts and KPIs into insights for operational teams.
• Manage a team of operations managers and drive program work.
• Enhance Excel-based forecasting tools for operational planning.

Skills

Data Analysis

Excel Skills

Stakeholder Engagement

Strategic Thinking

Problem Solving

Supply Chain Planning

Job description

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Hatfield, Hertfordshire | Hybrid (2 days in-office, 3 days WFH)

Lead the Charge in Supply Chain & Operations Planning

Be at the heart of innovation at Ocado Group, revolutionising online grocery logistics. As Planning Manager, you'll drive supply chain planning and operational efficiency by leveraging data, forecasting tools, and KPI insights to improve performance and customer availability.

This role is ideal for someone with a strong supply chain or operations management background, skilled in analytics, stakeholder influence, and Excel-based forecasting. You will collaborate with analytics and operations teams, ensuring data-driven decision-making and process improvements.

Key Responsibilities

• Turn data into action – Transform forecasts, KPIs, and performance metrics into clear insights for operational teams.
• Optimise efficiency – Track key KPIs such as efficiency drops per van, vehicle off-road (VOR) trends, and sales availability.
• Drive stakeholder engagement – Work with operations and analytics teams to create buy-in and influence decision-making.
• Lead a high-performing team – Manage a team of three operations managers, identifying trends and driving programs of work.
• Enhance forecasting tools – Improve Excel-based forecasting and update negotiation tools for operational planning.

What You’ll Bring

• Logistics experience is not essential – we're looking for a strategic thinker with strong planning expertise.
• Strong Excel & data analysis skills – ability to turn KPIs into insights.
• Strategic mindset – identify trends & implement improvements.
• Problem-solving approach – drive efficiencies & customer availability.
• Supply chain & operations planning experience.

Interview Process

We follow a two-stage interview process to assess your experience, leadership style, and strategic thinking:

• Initial Interview – Conversation with a hiring manager, and team member to discuss your background, skills, and motivation.
• Final Interview – Deep dive into your experience, problem-solving skills, and leadership capabilities, with a senior leader from the planning team.

Your Rewards:

• Work-Life Balance: 30 days of "work from anywhere."
• Wellness Support: Access to well-being apps and an Employee Assistance Programme.
• Generous Leave: 25 days, increasing to 27 after 5 years, with the option to buy more.
• Financial Security: Pension scheme with up to 7% employer contribution.
• Financial Perks: Interest-free train tickets, Cycle to Work scheme, and share plans.
• Convenience: Free shuttle bus services.
• Exclusive Discounts: 15% off Ocado.com and savings at popular retailers.
• Protection: Income Protection and Life Assurance.
• Benefits+: Employee-funded options like dental and travel insurance.

Ocado Group is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and provide reasonable adjustments as needed.

This job description is not exhaustive and may be subject to change. Responsibilities and duties may be modified as business needs evolve. Ocado Group is an equal opportunities employer and as such makes every effort to ensure that all potential employees are treated fairly and equally, regardless of their sex, sexual orientation, marital status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, age, or disability or union membership status.