Planning Manager

Redwood Search; Kidderminster; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A manufacturing firm in Kidderminster is seeking an experienced Planning Manager to lead their production planning function. You will develop efficient schedules and manage a small planning team, ensuring operational excellence. The ideal candidate has over 7 years of experience in manufacturing planning and strong Excel skills. This role offers a competitive salary, early finish on Fridays, and opportunities for career growth.

Benefits

Early finish every Friday

Supportive team environment

Long-term career prospects

Competitive salary based on experience

Qualifications

• 7+ years in production planning or scheduling within manufacturing.
• Advanced Excel proficiency (pivot tables, formulas, lookups).
• Strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage detailed production schedules.
• Translate customer orders into structured build plans.
• Lead and mentor a small planning team.

Skills

Leadership

Excel proficiency

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Ability to work under pressure

Tools

Sage 200

Sicon Manufacturing

Job description

About the Role

We\'re looking for an experienced Planning Manager to lead our production planning function within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. You\'ll be responsible for converting customer orders into efficient production schedules, managing capacity, and driving continuous improvement across planning systems and processes.

This is a hands-on leadership role with real impact—ideal for someone with strong Excel skills, MRP system experience, and a passion for operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and manage detailed production schedules
• Translate customer orders into structured build plans
• Monitor material availability, labour resources, and machine capacity
• Lead and mentor a small planning team
• Collaborate with sales, procurement, and operations to meet delivery targets
• Support the transition from Excel-based planning to a full MRP system
• Analyse performance data and implement corrective actions
• Drive process improvement and planning accuracy

Candidate Requirements

Essential:

• 7+ years in production planning or scheduling within manufacturing
• Advanced Excel proficiency (pivot tables, formulas, lookups)
• Strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills
• Ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities

Desirable:

• Experience with Sage 200, Sicon Manufacturing, or similar MRP/ERP systems
• Background in automotive or high-volume production
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles
• Proven success implementing digital planning systems

What We Offer

• Early finish every Friday
• Opportunity to shape planning processes and systems
• Supportive team environment with long-term career prospects
• Competitive salary based on experience

Working Hours

Monday to Thursday: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM - 1:00 PM (early finish!)

Ready to take the next step in your career? Apply now and help us deliver operational excellence from order to output.

Planning Manager, Production Planner, Manufacturing Jobs, MRP Systems, ERP Systems, Sage 200, Sicon Manufacturing, Operations Manager, Capacity Planning, Production Scheduling, Lean Manufacturing, Automotive Manufacturing, Excel Planning, Process Improvement, Supply Chain Coordination, UK Manufacturing Careers