Production Planning Manager

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.

Key Responsibilities

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)

Experience & Background

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)

Skills & Knowledge

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)

Benefits:

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