Planning Manager Location: Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey Job Type: Permanent A leading manufacturing business is seeking an experienced Planning Manager to join its Operations Leadership Team. This is a key role with direct responsibility for the Planning team and indirect responsibility for supply chain demand and material control. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in manufacturing, extensive knowledge of planning processes, and expertise in MRP systems and demand/inventory management. Key Responsibilities: Lead and manage the open order book sales plan, ensuring alignment with short-, medium-, and long-term goals. Oversee the Master Production Schedule, considering lead times and capacity constraints. Improve forecast accuracy for sales order execution (target /- 5%). Ensure daily planning activities meet business service levels, with KPI-driven performance metrics. Act as an MRP Super User within the planning department, driving efficiency and accuracy. Focus on production order OTIF, working closely with Operations to enhance customer satisfaction. Develop, mentor, and coach the Planning team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Support new product introductions (NPI) and drive improvements in business processes and procedures. Contribute to S&OP requirements, supporting key business sales targets while managing lead-time limitations. Ensure MRP parameters align with business policies and drive ERP project improvements. Required Skills & Experience: Proven experience as a Planning Manager within a regulated or manufacturing environment. Strong expertise in SIOP execution and MRP system functionality. Analytical mindset with the ability to forecast and anticipate production needs. High competency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word). Experience in works order control and traceability. Strong leadership and problem-solving skills in a dynamic, fast-paced setting. Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills. Ability to drive performance improvements and collaborate with cross-functional teams. Benefits: Competitive salary based on experience. Career development opportunities in a growing business. A key leadership role with the ability to make a significant impact. This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled Planning Manager to lead and optimize planning processes in a dynamic manufacturing environment. If you are an experienced Planning Manager looking for your next challenge, apply today