Job Title: Planning Manager Location: Birmingham Cinch Store Salary: £42,000 per annum Shift Pattern: 4 on 4 off – 06:00-18:15 We're cinch. Our mission is simple – remove the faff from buying and owning cars, giving customers more choice, with more ease. We’re putting drivers first and we’ve ripped up the rule book to make sure that happens. We’re a customer-first business with huge ambition. Already the UK’s largest online used car retailer, we’re expanding our customer offering with an exciting roadmap of online and physical retail solutions. For customers who want to try before they buy, cinch Stores offer a faff-free environment to test drive, buy and drive away a cinch car on the same day. Visitors to our stores can also choose from over 7,000 cars available on our website and app - the same choice as customers browsing and buying online from home. Customers can have their car delivered to their home, or pick it up from a local collection centre or in-store. Oh, and did we mention that all our cars come with a 14-day money back guarantee and a free 90-day warranty? cinch is part of the Constellation Automotive Group, the UK and Europe’s largest market-leading integrated digital car marketplace. That means we’re part of a family including WeBuyAnyCar.com, BCA and Marshall Motor Group. We like to keep good company. Overview We are seeking a dynamic Planning Manager to oversee and optimise daily operations, supporting the Operations Managers in planning plated and trucked moves nationally for CINCH Logistics. This role focuses on planning team management, strategic forecasting, resource management, project management and ensuring seamless execution of logistics activities. The Planning Manager will also be responsible for managing customer interactions, repatriating stock, and controlling internal inventory while driving operational efficiency. The Planning Manager will also need to be able to run the design supervision and implementation of a new planning tool, and all processes required to operate it. Key Responsibilities Develop and implement delivery forecasting processes to ensure the logistics resources are matched to sales and customer collection handover forecasts on financial and rolling quarter basis. Supervise a team of 6 to ensure all jobs and movements are resourced and allocated to available drivers in line with customer service level agreements on a rolling 3 days cycle (time restraints, time windows, expectations). Act as the primary point of contact for cinch Customer Service teams, promptly addressing any issues or delays and ensuring exceptional customer satisfaction. Identify resources to cover extra jobs and movements within budgetary constraints, maintaining operational flexibility. Ensure driver coverage aligns with forecasted volume requirements, providing proactive solutions to resource challenges. Review weekly, monthly, and yearly volume forecasts, defining clear and actionable ideal driver locations and/or delivery capacities to articulate future resource requirements, Achieve financial targets by optimising resource allocation, aligning with budget and forecast expectations. Work closely with the logistics data analyst on logistics optimisation projects With the logistics data analyst produce and analyse detailed resource data reports to identify trends, improve operational efficiency, and streamline planning processes, demonstrating cost reduction and effective future planning. With the logistics data analyst define and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive team performance and ensure alignment with operational goals. Lead and motivate the planning team, fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment. Provide clear communication, direction, and support for achieving short-term and long-term objectives. Oversee the day-to-day activities of the planning department, ensuring roles and responsibilities are clearly defined. Conduct regular performance reviews, provide feedback, and identify training opportunities to enhance team capabilities. Address staffing issues and ensure adequate coverage to meet operational needs. Create a positive and motivating work atmosphere, addressing team feedback and resolving conflicts effectively. Skills Required Exceptional problem-solving skills, with the ability to address complex planning challenges effectively. In-depth knowledge of transport operations and logistic principles Demonstrated expertise in strategic planning and resource management within a logistics environment. Direct and professional communication style, with excellent stakeholder management skills. Working with internal and external entities to design and delivery a planning tool. A positive, can-do attitude with a focus on continuous improvement. Outstanding attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously.