Planning Manager – Food Manufacturing Location: Nr Oldham, Greater Manchester Are you an experienced Planning Manager looking for your next big opportunity in the food manufacturing industry? I’m searching for a motivated and ambitious individual to lead planning function, optimise production processes and deliver exceptional results in a fast-paced, high-quality food production environment. Salary: £££ Generous base salary (DOE) Benefits: 28 days holiday banks, industry leading pension contributions Career Aspirations: My client is looking for an individual who is looking to develop their career with long-term career plans within the business. About the Role As Planning Manager, you’ll take charge of production plans and forecasts, ensuring seamless alignment across supply chain to meet customer needs. Working in a state-of-the-art facility, you’ll play a pivotal role in driving efficiency, maintaining excellent service levels, and fostering continuous improvement. Key Responsibilities: Develop and manage a robust production planning system to guarantee on-time delivery of customer orders. Analyse and process customer forecasts to drive accurate demand planning. Enhance communication channels internally to optimize the S&OP process. Utilise planning software to create actionable insights for production, inventory, and resource allocation. Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing planning team. Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external suppliers to ensure seamless operations. Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and streamline processes. What You’ll Need to Succeed Experience & Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management or related field (preferred). Supply Chain Certification (desirable). 3–5 years of experience in planning, supply chain, or logistics, within the food industry. Proficiency in SAP and other relevant planning/inventory tools. Experience managing and mentoring a team Skills & Knowledge: Strong experience managing planning in a large-scale food manufacturing setting. Knowledge of food production and manufacturing legislation. Excellent organisational, multitasking, and prioritisation abilities. Strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset