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Planning Manager – Food Manufacturing
Location: Greater Manchester
Salary: £55K–£65K + Industry-Leading Benefits

Are you a strategic and results-driven Planning Manager with a passion for food manufacturing? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where precision and efficiency are key? If so, this is an incredible opportunity to make a real impact within a market-leading food manufacturing business supplying major retailers.

If you're looking for a leadership role where you can drive real change and be part of an innovative, industry-leading business, I’d love to hear from you!

Why Join?

This is more than just a job—it’s a chance to take ownership of the production planning function in a forward-thinking, high-growth company. You'll lead a talented team, drive efficiencies, and play a pivotal role in ensuring a seamless supply chain that meets customer demands.

The Role

As Planning Manager, you’ll be at the heart of the operation, ensuring production schedules run like clockwork. You’ll balance demand with supply, optimise inventory, and lead the planning team to deliver excellence in a fast-moving, high-volume environment.

Key Responsibilities

* Production Planning & Forecasting – Oversee and refine production schedules to ensure efficiency and on-time delivery.

* Team Leadership – Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing planning team, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

* Demand & Supply Coordination – Work closely with procurement, operations, and commercial teams to balance fluctuating customer demand.

* S&OP Process Management – Drive improvements in Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) to support data-led decision-making.

* Inventory & Waste Reduction – Maintain optimal stock levels, reduce waste, and ensure product freshness.

* Process Optimisation – Identify and implement best practices to enhance planning accuracy, eliminate inefficiencies, and improve service levels.

Your Skill & Experience

This organisation wants an ambitious, analytical, and proactive Planning Manager who can hit the ground running.

* 3–5 years of planning or supply chain experience within food manufacturing

* Strong working knowledge of SAP, MRP, and planning systems

* Proven experience in leading teams and working cross-functionally

* Deep understanding of food safety regulations, shelf-life constraints, and industry standards

* Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills