Senior Planner

Michael Page; Gayton; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Michael Page is seeking an experienced Senior Planner to drive production planning, inventory management and customer service performance in a Staffordshire manufacturing operation. The role leads a planning team and collaborates across Operations to optimise schedules and supply.

The ideal candidate will have 5+ years in planning within manufacturing or logistics, strong MRP/forecasting knowledge, ERP experience (IFS preferred), and proven analytical, Excel and stakeholder skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' experience in a planning role within manufacturing, logistics or supply chain.
• Leadership or supervisory experience is essential.
• Strong understanding of MRP, forecasting, production scheduling and inventory management.
• Experience using ERP systems, ideally IFS.
• Strong Excel skills and analytical ability.
• Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills.
• Commercial awareness and a customer-focused mindset.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Create and manage production plans to meet customer demand and service targets.
• Lead and develop the planning team, driving performance and sharing best practice.
• Monitor and improve OTIF (On Time In Full) performance and schedule adherence.
• Manage inventory levels for raw materials, WIP and finished goods.
• Review capacity constraints and escalate risks to ensure continuity of supply.
• Work closely with Operations to optimise manufacturing schedules and resource planning.
• Coordinate with suppliers to secure raw materials and manage supply risks.
• Support new product introductions, trials and product launches.
• Analyse planning and operational KPIs and present findings to senior management.
• Build strong relationships with Customer Service, Commercial, Logistics and Supply Chain teams.
• Drive continuous improvement across planning processes, inventory management and manufacturing efficiency.

Skills

MRP processes

Forecasting

Production scheduling

Inventory management

Advanced Excel

Analytical skills

Organisational skills

Stakeholder management

Tools

IFS ERP

Job description

My client based in Staffordshire, due to continued growth, we are seeking an experienced Senior Planner to play a critical role in driving production planning, inventory management and customer service performance across a busy manufacturing operation.

Client Details

My client is one of the world's leading manufacturers in their industry, operating over 20 manufacturing facilities across Europe and North America and employing over 4,000 people globally. The business continues to invest in growth, innovation and operational excellence.

This is an excellent opportunity for a planning professional looking to step into a high-impact role where they can lead planning activities, influence operational performance and help deliver outstanding service to customers.

Description

• Create and manage production plans to meet customer demand and service targets.
• Lead and develop the planning team, driving performance and sharing best practice.
• Monitor and improve OTIF (On Time In Full) performance and schedule adherence.
• Manage inventory levels for raw materials, WIP and finished goods.
• Review capacity constraints and escalate risks to ensure continuity of supply.
• Work closely with Operations to optimise manufacturing schedules and resource planning.
• Coordinate with suppliers to secure raw materials and manage supply risks.
• Support new product introductions, trials and product launches.
• Analyse planning and operational KPIs and present findings to senior management.
• Build strong relationships with Customer Service, Commercial, Logistics and Supply Chain teams.
• Drive continuous improvement across planning processes, inventory management and manufacturing efficiency.

Monday - Friday

08:30 - 17:00

Profile

We're looking for an experienced planning professional with a strong understanding of manufacturing, supply chain and inventory management.

• Minimum 5 years' experience in a planning role within manufacturing, logistics or supply chain.
• Previous leadership, supervisory or team management experience is key
• Strong understanding of MRP processes, forecasting, production scheduling and inventory management.
• Experience using ERP systems, ideally IFS.
• Strong analytical skills and advanced Excel capability.
• Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills.
• Commercial awareness and a customer-focused mindset.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

Job Offer

• Up to £50,000/annum
• Permanent position offering job stability
• Progression & Development

People are at the heart of Michael Page. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment. As an inclusive recruiter we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and experiences. If you require any adjustments or accommodations during the recruitment process, we'll work with you to ensure you can perform at your best