Production Planning Manager

Overview

Production Planning Manager

Location:

Chipping Norton
Salary: £50,000-£55,000 + Bonus

This is a newly created role within a growing manufacturing business, with a strong preference for food/FMCG experience where quality, changeovers, and service really matter.

You'll take full ownership of the production plan and OTIF performance, acting as the central link between Commercial, Production, Packing, and Warehouse. As the business scales, this role offers a clear pathway into broader planning and supply chain leadership.

• Own and manage daily and weekly production plans across manufacturing, packing, and warehouse operations
• Integrate customer orders, demand forecasts, stock availability, and manufacturing constraints
• Deliver high OTIF performance while maintaining plan stability
• Build and maintain demand forecasts using historical sales, order intake, seasonality, and commercial activity
• Translate demand into executable production plans using SKU-level forecasts, stock cover targets, and capacity assumptions
• Manage uncertainty and change in a fast-moving FMCG-style environment
• Act as the central coordination point between Commercial, Production, Packing, and Warehouse
• Chair planning and operational meetings, setting agendas and driving decisions
• Assign actions, track progress, and keep communication clear when priorities shift
• Improve customer service levels through stronger planning, forecasting, and inventory alignment
• Use data and root cause analysis to drive sustainable improvements
• Model capacity constraints, stock coverage, and planning scenarios
• Work effectively with ERP/MRP systems (SAP, Navision, Dynamics, Sage, or similar)

• 5+ years' experience in production planning or supply planning
• Manufacturing background essential; food or FMCG strongly preferred
• Exposure to S&OP and/or demand planning processes
• Experience working with inventory policies (min/max, safety stock, days cover)

• Advanced Excel skills (Power Query a strong advantage)
• ERP/MRP system experience
• Strong understanding of OTIF, service performance, and inventory trade-offs
• Lean / Continuous Improvement exposure (Yellow or Green Belt ideal)
• Root cause problem solving (5-Why, fishbone, CAPA)
• BRCGS awareness and food safety fundamentals (for FMCG/food backgrounds)

• Pension: 6% employer contribution
• Holidays: 24 days + bank holidays
• Hybrid Working: 1 day per week remote
• Salary Review:
  Guaranteed at 18 months
• Professional Development: £2,000+ per year funded training
• Role Expansion Path:
  Clear, agreed progression as the business grows
• Long-Service Leave Bank:
  Post 5 years, bank up to 20 days for extended leave