Planning Manager - Manufacturing

Cheltenham area
c. £60,000 + package

The role:

A respected manufacturer near Cheltenham is looking to appoint an experienced Planning Manager to lead their planning activities across a dynamic, technically sophisticated production environment. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated individual to step into a leadership role where you can make a measurable impact on operational performance and team development.

Reporting to senior management, you'll be responsible for coordinating all aspects of production planning, materials control and capacity management. You'll play a key part in driving continuous improvement initiatives and ensuring alignment between supply chain, operations and engineering functions.

Main responsibilities:

• Provide clear leadership and direction to the Planning team, fostering a culture of ownership and high standards.
• Oversee production scheduling, material requirements planning and capacity analysis to support customer demand.
• Develop and refine planning processes and tools to improve efficiency and accuracy.
• Manage inventory levels effectively across raw materials, WIP and finished goods.
• Monitor delivery performance against OTIF targets, implementing corrective action where necessary.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to support new product introductions and process changes.
• Produce and present performance metrics and reports to drive accountability and inform decision-making.
• Support external audits and supplier evaluations with detailed planning data and analysis.

The person:

• Proven track record of leading planning teams within a manufacturing business.
• Strong command of ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, IFS, or similar) and associated planning methodologies (S&OP, capacity planning, finite scheduling).
• Confident communicator who can engage effectively across all levels of the business.
• Comfortable interpreting engineering information and technical drawings (GD&T exposure beneficial).
• A proactive, solutions-driven mindset, ideally with experience of lean practices or continuous improvement projects.

The company:

This is a long-established and progressive manufacturing organisation recognised for delivering high-quality engineered products into demanding markets. The business is committed to investing in its people, processes and technology to drive sustainable growth and customer satisfaction.

To apply:

If you are a skilled planner and natural leader ready to make a positive impact, we'd like to hear from you. Please send your CV and details of your current salary package, quoting reference 10058.