Planning Manager

KP Snacks; East Staffordshire; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading snack manufacturer in the UK is seeking a Planning Manager to oversee production scheduling and inventory control. You will lead a team, work cross-functionally to meet logistics goals, and ensure service targets are achieved. The ideal candidate has strong planning skills, experience in manufacturing, and excellent people management abilities. This role offers a chance to be part of a dynamic team dedicated to creating the snacks people love.

Benefits

Annual bonus scheme

Comprehensive healthcare support

KP Pension Plan

25 days holiday

Online platform for benefits and discounts

Qualifications

• Strong planning and analytical skills, confident in interpreting data.
• Experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Practical knowledge of supply planning systems; JDE is a bonus.
• Excellent people management and communication skills.
• Customer-first mindset is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead production planning with precision and agility.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration and alignment.
• Own inventory control and logistics performance.
• Provide insight and leadership across planning cycles.
• Lead and develop a high-performing team.

Skills

Strong planning and analytical skills

Experience in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment

Excellent people management and communication skills

Bonus points for experience in MRP/ERP

Tools

Supply planning systems

JDE

Job description

Planning Manager (12-month FTC) – Ashby de la Zouch

On-site | Monday - Friday 08:00 - 17:00

Join our snack-loving team

We’re looking for a Planning Manager to join us at KP Snacks. If you’re ready to bring your ideas to the table, grow your skills and be part of a team that values what makes you, you – this could be your next big move.

About the role

This role is all about creating and managing production plans that balance cost efficiency, working capital targets and customer service. You’ll lead a team, collaborate across functions and play a key role in delivering our logistics and service goals.

What’s in it for you?

• Annual bonus scheme, with a strong track record of overachievement
• Comprehensive healthcare support – including Medicash Health Cash Plan or Private Healthcare, Digital GP, Best Doctors second opinion service and specialist cancer care
• KP Pension Plan – contribution matching up to 7% of your salary
• 25 days holiday, plus the option to buy more
• KP4ME – our online platform for benefits, discounts, wellbeing tools and more

What will you be doing?

• Lead production planning with precision and agility
  Translate sales forecasts into robust production schedules, adjusting plans to meet service targets and optimise cost and inventory performance
• Drive cross-functional collaboration and alignment
  Work closely with Manufacturing, Commercial and Warehouse teams to ensure smooth delivery of production plans and successful execution of projects
• Own inventory control and logistics performance
  Manage WIP, finished goods and material stock levels to support budget delivery, while maximising on-site stock holding and minimising waste
• Provide insight and leadership across planning cycles
  Deliver monthly S&OP inputs, highlight capacity opportunities and constraints, and deputise for the Supply Chain Manager in key meetings
• Lead and develop a high-performing team
  Chair daily meetings, investigate service issues, track Conformance to Plan, and build a culture of continuous improvement and accountability

Who are we?

We’re KP Snacks, part of the Intersnack family. Across more than 30 countries, over 15,000 of us work together to make the snacks people love – from Hula Hoops to McCoy’s. In the UK, we’re a team of around 2,400 colleagues, based across seven sites and our Slough HQ. We’re proud of our close-knit culture, where we speak up, celebrate differences and push boundaries together.

We’re committed to inclusion

We’re building a workplace where everyone belongs. If you don’t tick every box, we’d still love to hear from you – your unique perspective could be just what we need. And if there’s anything we can do to make the process easier for you, just let us know.

We’d love to hear from you if you can bring:

• Strong planning and analytical skills – you’re confident interpreting data and making decisions that drive performance
• Experience in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment – you understand the challenges and know how to respond quickly
• Practical knowledge of supply planning systems – JDE experience is a bonus, but not essential
• Excellent people management and communication skills – you’re a natural leader who builds strong relationships across teams
• Bonus points for experience in MRP/ERP environments and a customer‑first mindset

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