Production and Raw Materials Planning Manager

Production and Raw Materials Planning Manager

Supply Chain

Planning

Thirsk, UK

Overview

Application

Production and Raw Materials Planning Manager

Date posted:
September 08, 2026

Permanent

Full-time

Thirsk (UK) | Permanent | Full-time | Site-based

This isn't just a planning role,
it's about ensuring the right products, materials, and resources are in the right place at the right time to deliver outstanding service, operational efficiency, and sustainable growth.

We're recruiting for a Production and Raw Materials Planning Manager to join our Logistics team.

Reporting into the Supply Chain function, the Production and Raw Materials Planning Manager leads the planning team responsible for translating demand forecasts into achievable production schedules, raw material plans, and resource requirements. Working closely with Commercial, Operations, Procurement and Supply Chain teams, you'll balance customer service, inventory levels, manufacturing capacity, and operational cost efficiency while ensuring the site has the materials and plans required to meet both customer and business targets.

You'll be a great fit if you enjoy solving complex planning challenges, making data-driven decisions, and working collaboratively across multiple functions.

You'll thrive in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, combining strong analytical capability with people leadership skills to ensure supply chain performance, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency are delivered consistently.

Most importantly, you'll be someone who enjoys building strong relationships, driving continuous improvement, and developing high-performing teams.

• Lead the planning team to convert sales forecasts into achievable production, material, procurement, and labour plans.
• Ensure the optimal balance between customer service, stock levels, manufacturing capacity, and operational cost efficiency.
• Develop and maintain accurate production schedules and raw material plans to support operational performance.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and development to the planning team, creating a safe, engaged, and high-performing environment.
• Support budget creation and manage expenditure to deliver business effectiveness and cost efficiency.
• Partner with Commercial and Supply Chain teams to build accurate demand forecasts and effective sales and operational plans.
• Contribute to S&OP and other cross-functional business forums to support successful planning and decision-making.
• Manage inbound material schedules and ensure continuity of supply to support manufacturing operations.
• Work closely with suppliers and internal stakeholders to resolve planning challenges and optimise performance.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across planning processes, inventory management, and operational performance.

• Broad supply chain knowledge developed through previous planning or supply chain management experience.
• Experience managing production planning, material planning, inventory management, or supply planning activities within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of sales order processing, forecasting, and distribution planning principles.
• Proven experience working with a broad supplier base and managing material availability.
• Experience balancing customer service requirements with operational constraints and business priorities.
• Strong financial awareness, including budget management and cost control.
• Demonstrated capability to lead, develop, and motivate teams.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a proactive approach to continuous improvement.
• Comfortable operating in a dynamic manufacturing environment where priorities can change quickly.

• Personal and company performance related bonus
  15%
• Enhanced pension, life assurance, and enhanced maternity, paternity, sick pay, and holiday buy options
• People and Pets First benefits, including paw-reavement and paw-ternity leave and bring your dog to work
• Healthcare cashback plan and Hertility at-home fertility testing and Private Medical Insurance
• Heavily discounted pet food and lifestyle benefits (Netflix, Spotify, or breakdown cover)
• Retail and gym discounts, electric car scheme, and free onsite parking and electric car charging
• Onsite canteen, free hot drinks, and modern facilities

INSPIRED Pet Nutrition is an innovative, well-established, and award-winning pet food manufacturer employing…