Planning Manager

White Label Recruitment Ltd; Manchester; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK manufacturing firm in Manchester is seeking a Planning Manager to lead planning systems and improve product availability. This role involves managing production schedules, optimizing ERP systems, and collaborating across supply chain and manufacturing to meet delivery targets. Ideal candidates will have strong ERP/MRP experience and a background in production planning within a factory environment. The position offers competitive salary, performance bonus, and extensive benefits including holiday and pension scheme.

Benefits

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Pension scheme

Enhanced maternity/paternity pay

Life assurance (4x salary)

Access to financial advice

Free on-site EV charging and parking

Qualifications

• Experience improving or implementing ERP/MRP systems.
• Experience in a busy factory environment.
• Ability to analyze data using Excel, including pivot tables.

Responsibilities

• Build and manage the Master Production Schedule (MPS).
• Lead the monthly S&OP process and weekly planning reviews.
• Improve ERP system accuracy for BOMs, routings, and lead times.
• Balance demand, capacity, and inventory to meet delivery targets.
• Drive short- and long-term capacity planning improvements.
• Work with procurement and logistics on material availability.

Skills

Strong ERP/MRP experience

Background in production or materials planning

Good Excel skills

Clear communicator

Experience applying lean manufacturing principles

Resilient and proactive under pressure

Education

A technical, engineering, or business-related degree

Job description

Planning Manager

GBP50,000 GBP65,000 + Bonus

Manchester (On‑site with some flexibility)

Help scale a growing UK manufacturer. This well‑established engineering and manufacturing business supplies complex electrical products used in energy, rail, defence, and critical infrastructure projects across the globe.

They re scaling fast with turnover set to double this year and shifting from low‑to‑medium volume production. As Planning Manager, you ll lead the rebuild of planning systems and processes to help the business scale efficiently and sustainably.

Your role

This is a hands‑on planning role. You ll be at the centre of operations, working with supply chain, manufacturing, and leadership to ensure the right parts and products are available at the right time all while improving systems, data, and decision‑making.

Key responsibilities

• Build and manage the Master Production Schedule (MPS)
• Lead the monthly S&OP process and weekly planning reviews
• Improve ERP system accuracy BOMs, routings, and lead times
• Balance demand, capacity, and inventory to hit delivery targets
• Drive short‑, medium‑, and long‑term capacity planning
• Lead improvements in scheduling, planning data, and forecasting
• Work with procurement and logistics to ensure material availability
• Support new product introductions and CI initiatives

What you ll need

• Strong ERP/MRP experience ideally having improved or implemented systems
• Background in production or materials planning within a busy factory environment
• Good Excel skills confident with pivot tables and data analysis
• Clear communicator able to bridge operations and commercial teams
• Experience applying lean manufacturing principles (especially in Kanban or high‑mix settings)
• Resilient, logical, and proactive under pressure

Nice to have

• Experience in a scaling SME
• A technical, engineering, or business‑related degree

Why apply?

• Shape the planning function of a business in growth mode
• Work closely with leadership on business‑critical decisions
• Career progression in a stable, supportive environment
• Competitive salary and bonus
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays, with buy/sell options
• Pension scheme
• Enhanced maternity/paternity pay
• Life assurance (4x salary)
• Access to financial advice, occupational health, and EAP
• Free on‑site EV charging and parking

Ready to shape how planning works in a growing manufacturing business?

Apply now with your CV or get in touch for a confidential chat to learn more.