Planning Team Leader

Howdens are recruiting a Planning Team Leader to join our Customer Services & Planning function at Howden Work Surfaces. This is a key leadership role, responsible for managing the daily performance, development, and direction of our Planning and Installations teams. You’ll help shape our processes, strengthen our planning capability, and play a vital part in supporting a seamless customer journey.

At Howdens, we’re built on strong values, long-term thinking, and operational excellence.

This role offers an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in how we plan, schedule, and deliver outstanding service.

Location | Normanton, West Yorkshire (minimum 4 days a week in the office)

Contract | Full-time, permanent  

Hiring Manager | Senior Team Leader

Application and Assessment Process:

Your application will be reviewed carefully, and if you are shortlisted, a member of our recruitment team will contact you to discuss the next steps. Please note that the hiring process includes an assessment event at our Normanton site on Friday, 13th March. Attendance on 13th March is essential. Good luck with your application.

Why Join Us as a Planning Team Leader:

Joining Howdens means stepping into a role where you can truly influence and elevate operational performance. In this position, you will:

- Lead with purpose – Manage the day‑to‑day activities of the planning and installation planning teams, ensuring smooth operations and clear direction.
- Shape our planning function – Develop processes, implement best practices, and support our “right first time” approach through effective planning and data‑driven decision making.
- Drive continuous improvement – Lead and deliver improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency, reduce avoidable contacts, and strengthen cross‑functional collaboration.
- Grow and develop people – Support your team with 1‑to‑1s, personal development planning, coaching, and strong communication.
- Make a direct impact – Work closely with the Production, Customer Services, Engineering, and Installation teams to address challenges and improve workflows.

If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy problem‑solving, and want to influence both daily operations and long‑term improvements, this is a fantastic opportunity.

What Will You Be Doing and Planning Team Leader:

As a Planning Team Leader, you will take ownership of supervising the Planning and Installations functions to ensure efficient and accurate operational performance. Your responsibilities will include:

- Overseeing daily planning and installation scheduling activities.
- Analysing performance data, including KPIs and right‑first‑time metrics, to drive operational improvements.
- Managing planning issues promptly and effectively, using root cause analysis to implement sustainable solutions.
- Ensuring your team has clear responsibilities, strong guidance, and continuous support.
- Reviewing and developing internal processes to identify efficiencies and improve service.
- Leading and contributing to continuous improvement projects.
- Collaborating with Production, Engineering, Customer Service, Template, and Installation teams to resolve issues and maintain smooth workflow.
- Supporting team performance through coaching, development conversations, and effective communication.
- This is a hands‑on leadership role, blending operational oversight with strategic thinking.

What Do You Need to Qualify:

We’re looking for an engaging and proactive leader with strong planning insight. The ideal candidate will have:

- At least 2 years’ experience in a Planning, Installations, or Team Leader/Supervisory role.
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Proven leadership capabilities with the ability to motivate and support a team.
- Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office and experience using MRP or planning systems.
- Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail, and numerical accuracy.
- The ability to work both independently and within a team.
- A proactive, solution‑focused approach to problem‑
- Knowledge of manufacturing or hard surfaces processes (advantageous but not essential).
- Confidence in decision‑making…