Planning Manager - Manufacturing Operations

Lord Search & Selection; Gloucester; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing company in Gloucester is seeking a Planning Manager to lead a dynamic planning team. The role involves improving planning systems, managing resources, and ensuring effective collaboration across departments. Ideal candidates will have proven leadership experience in manufacturing and strong knowledge of ERP systems.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of ERP systems and planning tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead and motivate the planning team.
• Own production planning and materials scheduling.
• Drive performance against OTIF targets.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem Solving

Tools

ERP Systems

S&OP

Job description

Planning Manager - Manufacturing Operations (BBBH9993) Gloucester, England

Salary: GBP45000 - GBP55000 per annum

Location: Gloucester
Salary: Up to £55,000 (DOE)

The role:

Our client is seeking a hands-on and driven Planning Manager to lead an established planning team within a complex, fast-paced manufacturing environment. This role requires a confident leader who can quickly integrate, build trust, and steer the team towards greater efficiency and collaboration.

As the Planning Manager, you will be responsible for leading and developing the planning function, ensuring seamless coordination between production, materials, and capacity to meet business goals. You will play a pivotal role in resource alignment, system improvements, and mentoring a capable team to meet high standards of performance.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead and motivate the planning team, ensuring clarity, accountability, and continuous development.
• Own production planning, materials scheduling, capacity planning, and forecasting.
• Improve planning systems and controls to meet evolving business needs.
• Maintain optimal inventory levels for raw materials, WIP, and finished goods.
• Drive performance against OTIF targets, using root cause analysis tools (e.g., 8D, PPS) to address issues.
• Support cross-functional efforts during NPI (New Product Introduction) and process changes.
• Generate, track, and report on relevant KPIs to ensure visibility and accountability.
• Contribute to audit readiness and supplier reviews with robust planning inputs.

About you:

• Proven leadership experience managing and developing planning teams in a manufacturing setting.
• Strong knowledge of ERP systems (preferably IFS, SAP, or similar) and planning tools such as S&OP, capacity modeling, and finite scheduling.
• Effective communicator with a proactive, team-oriented approach.
• Ability to work with engineering and production teams, including interpreting technical drawings (GD&T).
• Adaptable and solutions-focused, with experience in lean or continuous improvement initiatives preferred.

The company:

Join a well-established and innovative manufacturing business known for quality and customer commitment. Operating in a highly regulated, complex sector, the company combines engineering excellence with a long-term vision for sustainable growth.

How to apply:

If you're ready to lead and shape the future of a dedicated planning team, we’d love to hear from you. Please submit your CV, current remuneration details, and quote reference 9993.

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CV / Resume:

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