Planning Manager

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Lead a system-driven planning function to synchronise production, raw materials and customer demand in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

As the Planning Manager, you will be the architect of our operational flow, ensuring our factory operates with precision across short-term execution (0-13 weeks) and long-term strategic horizons (up to 78 weeks). You will lead a dedicated planning team, fostering a culture of cross-training and flexibility to ensure 100% operational resilience.

• Production & Inventory Control: Oversee production scheduling, feedstock procurement, and dry goods supply while maintaining strict control over shelf life and working capital.
• System Leadership: Drive a "system-led" environment by maximising the use of ERP, MOM, and SAP IBP platforms to reduce manual reliance and improve data accuracy.
• Strategic Collaboration: Challenge forecast assumptions with commercial teams and work alongside Operations to optimise raw material yields and manufacturing efficiency.
• Team Development: Upskill and rotate your team members to ensure they are capable of covering all planning responsibilities, maintaining continuity during peak periods.

We are looking for a structured, analytical leader who can balance the technical demands of supply chain systems with the interpersonal skills required to influence stakeholders across the business.

• Experience: Proven background in production or supply planning within a manufacturing setting - ideally food production - with specific experience in leading and developing resilient teams.
• Hard Skills: High proficiency in ERP, MOM, or advanced planning systems (such as SAP APO/IBP) and a deep technical understanding of inventory management and yield optimisation.
• Soft Skills: A constructive and influential communicator who is comfortable challenging data-driven assumptions and remains calm in a fast-paced operational environment.

At Danish Crown, you won't just be managing a schedule; you will be the driving force behind a digital transformation in our planning department. This role offers significant autonomy to shape a system-driven culture and the opportunity to have a direct impact on the efficiency and sustainability of our production processes. You will be joining a supportive leadership team that values transparency and operational excellence, providing a platform for you to grow your career within a global food leader.

Beyond the professional challenge, we offer a work-life balance that respects your time. With a competitive salary of £55,000 and an early finish every Friday, we ensure you have the space to recharge. You will work in an environment where your expertise is respected, your ideas are heard, and your contribution to delivering food people believe in is truly valued.

Danish Crown UK is a business built on trust, teamwork and ambition. We exist to deliver food that people believe in, and we know that takes strong leadership and collaborative cultures.

Our leadership principles guide us. We act for the good of the whole organisation. We hire brilliant people and help them grow. We are ambitious, curious and open to new ideas. We build trust by accepting mistakes as part of development. We believe real leadership is earned through example, not title.

Whoever joins us will help create a workplace where people feel safe to speak up, share ideas, challenge old ways of working and stretch themselves to achieve more. If that sounds like the environment where you thrive, we would love to hear from you.