Allied Bakeries are owned by Associated British Foods. ABF is a diversified international food, ingredients and retail group with sales of £13.9bn and 128,000 employees in 53 countries. It has significant businesses in Europe, Africa, the Americas, Asia and Australia Our sister companies in ABF UK Grocery produce products under many market-leading household brands, including Jordans, Ryvita, Pataks, Blue Dragon & Silver Spoon. We are proud of our brands: we make top 10 UK grocery brand Kingsmill as well as Allinson’s, Bürgen and Sunblest. You’ll know us best through our white, wholemeal and seeded market-leading loaves, as well as Kingsmill 50/50, the nation’s favourite Healthier White, and our delicious pancakes, crumpets, hot cross buns and other bakery products. The success of our business depends on us having the right people on the team. We are incredibly passionate about our business, but it isn’t for the faint-hearted – it’s pacey and demanding so our people need to have a positive attitude and to want to work inclusively. We take massive pride in what we do, not least in how colleagues based in our bakeries and depots have one of the best safety performance records in the industry. Our Grocery Service Centre, based near Liverpool, is a hub for transactional activity across multiple ABF companies within the ABF Grocery division. Supporting some of our well-known brands such as Kingsmill, Pataks, Blue Dragon, Jordans, Ryvita and Silver Spoon, amongst others. We deliver Shared Service activities across a wide range of disciplines including Customer Services, Consumer Care, Finance, Payroll, HR and IS. If you’re looking to join a business that is passionate, encourages you to be the best you can be, and values its people, we’d love to hear from you. Overview Of Role Location: Maidenhead Salary: Circa £70,000 per year, with flexibility for the right candidate Hours: 5 days per week, including 1 weekend in 6 (with time in lieu). Weekend cover may occasionally include bank holidays, which are shared on a rotating basis across the team Are you ready to step into a senior leadership role where your strategic thinking and planning capabilities will directly shape operations on a national scale? At Allied Bakeries, we’re looking for a forward-thinking, collaborative Business Planning Manager to join our central operations team. Acting as Deputy to the Head of Planning and an important member of the Operations Leadership Team, this role gives you high-level exposure and the opportunity to influence real change across the business. Your Role This role extends beyond traditional planning tasks — it presents a chance to optimise processes and contribute significantly at a national scale. Lead & Influence : Support national strategy execution across customer demand, production scheduling, IBT, and equipment management. Plan & Optimise : Oversee production planning to enhance efficiency and minimise end-to-end costs. Strategic Collaboration : Work closely with senior stakeholders across Commercial, Finance, Operations, and Site Planning. Rapid Response : Adapt quickly to operational disruptions, managing overhauls and equipment planning effectively. Drive Innovation : Play a key role in implementing a new planning system to support future growth. Own the Numbers : Maintain accuracy in forecasting, cost management, and budget alignment. What You Bring Extensive Planning Expertise : Proven experience in a fast-paced FMCG environment — ideally in fresh supply chains. Systems Savvy : Knowledge of the latest planning platforms, with experience in implementation. Analytical Mindset : Strong with data and confident using insights to drive decisions. Leadership Confidence : Ability to guide teams and influence across the business. Operational Flexibility : Able to work 1 weekend in 6 (with lieu time). Why Join Us? Senior Role & Clear Progression : Shape national strategy today — and be developed for tomorrow. Career Development : Ongoing leadership training, mentoring and cross-functional exposure to support your next move. Car Allowance : Supporting your mobility and flexibility. Annual Bonus Scheme : Rewarding your contribution and results. 33 Days Annual Leave : To recharge and unwind. Family-Friendly & Flexible Working : We support work-life balance. Retail Discounts : Save at Tesco, M&S, Currys and more. Cycle to Work & Electric Car Scheme : Sustainable travel options. Private Health Care Employee Assistance Programme Up to 10% Employer Pension Contribution Charitable Giving : Payroll donations to Save the Children Holiday Purchase Scheme : Buy extra leave when needed Ready to Take the Next Step? Apply today and become part of a team that respects your ideas, encourages your leadership, and supports your career growth.