Planning Manager

Sony; Wales; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology manufacturer in Wales seeks an experienced Planning Manager to lead the Planning function within its Supply Chain division. You will oversee the planning lifecycle, manage a dedicated team, and drive initiatives to enhance efficiency and accuracy in forecasting. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in capacity planning and team management, with excellent analytical skills and proficiency in MRP systems.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Generous company pension scheme

Private medical insurance

Onsite gym and changing facilities

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in capacity planning within a manufacturing environment.
• Previous experience managing or supervising a team.
• Strong analytical skills and high attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and develop a team overseeing schedules.
• Monitor global sales forecasts and manage inventory effectively.
• Collaborate with multiple departments to align planning.

Skills

Capacity planning experience

Team management

Strong interpersonal skills

Analytical skills

Microsoft Office proficiency

Tools

Oracle systems

MRP systems

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a proactive and experienced Planning Manager to lead the Planning function within our Supply Chain division. This role is ideal for a motivated leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about continuous improvement, cross-functional collaboration, and people development. Managing a dedicated team, you will oversee the end-to-end planning lifecycle, while also driving strategic initiatives that enhance efficiency, improve forecasting accuracy, and support the business in meeting customer demands worldwide.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and develop a team, overseeing build schedules and shipping plans.
• Monitor and manage global sales forecasts, anticipating and responding to demand fluctuations.
• Ensure accurate and timely material management through effective use of MRP systems.
• Oversee production plans, escalating issues where necessary to meet deadlines.
• Collaborate with Production, Engineering, Purchasing, and other stakeholders to align planning with customer requirements.
• Maintain forward visibility on new product developments and assess the impact to production schedules.
• Manage production control-related data to drive efficiency and continuous improvement.
• Coach, develop and support the team encouraging personal and professional growth.
• Prepare, analyse, and present reports and planning insights to senior management.
• Manage inventory effectively, balancing production capability with customer demand.
• Drive continuous improvement to streamline planning processes, reducing lead times.
• Support risk management activities by developing contingency plans for supply chain disruptions.
• Contribute to strategic capacity planning and long-term operational strategy.
• Collaborate with global Sony sites to align best practices and share knowledge.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in capacity planning within a manufacturing environment.
• Previous experience managing or supervising a team.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills; lead by example and motivate others.
• Confident communicator able to interact with all levels across the business.
• Well-organised and able to manage deadlines under pressure.
• Strong analytical skills and high attention to detail.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) and Windows operating systems.
• Able and willing to learn new systems and processes.
• Desirable Criteria:
• Experience working with Oracle systems or similar ERP/MRP platforms.
• Exposure to functions including Production, Purchasing, Engineering, or Materials Control.
• Prior experience in an electronics manufacturing environment would be advantageous.

Company information

Sony UK Technology Centre Limited is the only manufacturing centre for Sony in Europe, and have over 500 highly skilled team players who help create some of the most advanced technology on the global market. The heart of today's operation at Pencoed is centered on the manufacture of high technology Broadcast and Professional Cameras and Systems including the latest industry leading 4K technology. Alongside this, we provide contract manufacturing solutions for multiple non-Sony branded businesses. This collaborative approach to contract manufacturing has produced many commercial successes over the years, including the best-selling British computer of all time, the Raspberry Pi. Additionally, we are the home of a Sony customer service and solutions centre, a business incubation centre and much more.

Benefits

• A competitive salary
• Generous company pension scheme
• Generous life assurance
• 33 days annual leave inclusive of public holidays
• Long service holiday days
• Complimentary onsite secure car park
• Onsite gym and changing facilities
• Subsidised canteen
• Onsite Learning & Development Academy
• Private medical insurance
• Complimentary access to school holiday schemes
• Exclusive 'Staff Sales' site for Sony products
• Generous family friendly policies
• 'Refer a Friend' recruitment scheme
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme