Manufacturing Planning Manager

We’re recruiting for a Manufacturing Planning Manager to support our Runcorn manufacturing site. This is a key leadership role where you’ll take full ownership of planning, reporting, raw material scheduling, and stock control activities across the site.

You’ll develop both short and longer‑term production plans, ensuring customer demand is met while balancing capacity, space, and cost. You’ll also provide clear, data‑led insight to support decision‑making and continuous improvement.

Location: Runcorn

Reports to: Site General Manager

• Lead and coordinate the planning team, ensuring alignment across the site and a strong focus on customer service.
• Develop and deliver annual and tactical plans, balancing seasonality, capacity, space constraints, and cost targets.
• Continuously review and improve planning systems and processes to support a growing operation.
• Maintain and oversee key SAP planning data (e.g., MOQs, safety stock levels), working closely with Master Data teams.
• Ensure raw material availability to support production in a fast‑changing and high‑volume environment.
• Maintain stock accuracy through effective controls and regular stock checks, ensuring audit compliance.
• Deliver accurate and timely reporting to support both site and wider business decision‑making.
• Support the successful introduction of new products (NPI) into the business.
• Lead, coach and develop a small team, building capability and flexibility across the function.

Knowledge & experience

• Experience in a Planning Manager (or similar) role, with responsibility for production planning and stock control.
• Proven experience within a high‑volume manufacturing or FMCG environment, delivering results through sharp demand peaks and rapid change.
• Strong people leadership skills, with the ability to lead, develop and motivate teams in a fast‑paced, high‑pressure environment.

Skills & abilities

• Highly analytical, with the ability to interpret data quickly and translate it into clear actions.
• Strong numerical and problem‑solving skills, with excellent attention to detail.
• Experience using SAP or similar ERP systems, alongside strong Excel capability. Able to adapt to changing priorities and respond effectively in a fast‑paced environment.
• Solution‑focused and results‑driven, with the confidence to challenge and improve performance.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to build relationships across all levels of the business.

• Competitive salary + bonus + car allowance.
• Pension with up to 12% company contribution.
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays, with the option to buy more.
• Staff discount.
• Ongoing training, development, and career opportunities.
• A supportive, friendly environment with great recognition and rewards.