Planning Manager

Progress Rail, A Caterpillar Company; Stoke-on-Trent; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Progress Rail Locomotive is seeking an experienced Planning Manager to lead the integrated Service Delivery Plan across UK and EU depots, coordinating with sales, operations and procurement to meet demand while maintaining safety and quality. You will drive the rollout of a D365 asset management module and continuously improve planning processes in a dynamic manufacturing environment.

The successful candidate will have 5+ years in service delivery planning, strong analytical and people

Qualifications

• 5+ years in Service Delivery Planning in maintenance and project delivery.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and leadership with cross-site collaboration.
• Experience with ERP systems and production planning software.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage the integrated Service Delivery Plan for UK and EU depots.
• Coordinate with Sales, operations, procurement, warehousing and logistics.
• Lead deployment of Microsoft D365 asset management module.
• Monitor KPIs and drive continuous improvement in planning processes.
• Liaise with external providers for third-party maintenance where needed.
• Ensure plans align with safety, quality and delivery standards.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Cross-functional teamwork

Tools

ERP systems

Production planning software

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Visio

Job description

Progress Rail Locomotive are seeking to appoint an experienced and highly motivated professional Planning Manager.

The Planning Manager is responsible for developing, leading and coordinating the implementation of PRL Europe’s integrated Service Delivery Plan across the 5 depots in the UK and Europe, ensuring the effective planning and scheduling to support efficient service operations. Driving continuous improvements and adaptability in planning processes.

This role is at the hub of PRL Europe’s capability to deliver for our customers and works extensively with all key functions, overseeing service delivery, managing demand planning with commercial to meet customer demand whilst maintaining quality, safety and delivery standards.

The Role of the Planning Manager is to:

• Develop and manage the overall PRL Europe integrated Service Delivery Plan in co-ordination with the Operational leads for the UK and EU


• Initial focus on reviewing and improving the delivery of a new service contract in Germany, with added complexity of using 3rd party providers to deliver contracted maintenance services.


• Lead role in the successful development and implementation of the Microsoft D365 asset management module, which will become the consolidated system for the Service Delivery Plan


• Liaise closely with Sales and external facing teams to clearly understand external demand requirements and integrate into the overall Service Delivery Plan.


• Liaise closely with Operations and other internal delivery functions (including procurement, warehousing and logistics) to clearly understand internal and supply chain capabilities and how these align with external demand requirements and integrate into the overall Service Delivery Plan


• Monitor and adjust plans in response to changing priorities and unforeseen challenges.


• Leads the development & implementation of specific service schedules for depots in line with the integrated Service Delivery Plan and accounting for performance capabilities across depots as well as supporting materials planning and procurement.


• Collaborate with engineering, materials planning, warehousing and logistics to develop, implement and continually review the Service Delivery plan/planning processes to facilitate the optimization of service output and continuous improvement.


• Ensure Service Delivery Plan shared appropriately with the materials planning team to optimize stock levels


• Review service delivery data to identify bottlenecks and implement solutions for process improvements and build these into the integrated Service Delivery Plan.


• Monitor & report on KPI’s related to utilization, service efficiency, cost & quality – reporting variances through senior leadership.

As a Planning Manager you will have the following Experience:

• >5 years experience in Service Delivery Planning in a maintenance and project delivery setting


• Strong analytical and problem solving skills


• Excellent communication and leadership skills with the ability to manage cross site teams and work cross functionally dealing with all levels of seniority.


• Experience working with and developing ERP systems and production planning software to optimize planning processes/outcomes


• Knowledge of lean principles


• Knowledge of Microsoft products (Excel, Word, Visio etc)


• Ability to thrive in an often fluid/changing manufacturing environment.

About the Company:

Progress Rail Locomotive is a subsidiary of Caterpillar, specialised in manufacturing, maintaining and overhauling diesel-electric locomotives across the world. For more than half a century, Progress Rail has hauled freight and passengers, powered ships, and generated electricity for over 100 countries around the globe. Becoming a part of the Progress Rail team means becoming a part of a challenging and bright future in our global marketplace.

Progress Rail is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. If you require any assistance with the hiring process, please reach out to Natalie Jarvie, HR Advisor to discuss.