Supply Chain Planning Manager

Position: Supply Chain Planning Manager

Location: West Midlands Region

Salary: £45,000 – Hybrid working

Overview:

An established and expanding company within the consumer goods industry is looking for a motivated and detail-focused Planning Manager. This is a key role that connects demand planning, inventory control, and customer fulfilment, ensuring seamless product flow from suppliers through to retail partners.

You’ll lead a small team and collaborate closely with both internal departments and external stakeholders, helping to optimise stock levels, improve service performance, and strengthen operational processes.

Core Duties:

• Act as the primary contact for all customer-facing supply chain matters, maintaining effective relationships with retail partners.
• Lead the creation of mid-to-long term planning forecasts in partnership with sales and commercial functions
• Track and evaluate stock movements and planning accuracy, recommending process adjustments where needed.
• Collaborate with customer service and logistics to resolve supply or delivery issues efficiently.
• Organise regular service meetings with partners to review performance and align expectations.
• Ensure internal operations remain in sync with customer demand and changing priorities.
• Monitor service metrics, investigate issues, and suggest actions to improve delivery performance.
• Proactively identify areas for operational improvement and implement changes to enhance performance.
• Support and guide a team of planners, ensuring they are aligned with business priorities and customer needs.

Ideal Background:

• Significant experience in a similar planning or supply chain role, ideally within a fast-paced product environment such as food, drink, or general FMCG.
• Solid knowledge of planning systems and enterprise platforms (experience with recognised ERP tools beneficial).
• Ability to manage complex partner relationships and navigate cross-functional responsibilities.
• Understanding of production or factory planning processes is advantageous.
• Skilled in analysing data to drive decision-making (proficiency in spreadsheets and reporting tools required).
• Strong communicator, problem-solver, and capable of managing competing priorities under pressure.

Preferred Attributes:

• Experience supporting or managing large retail accounts.
• Team leadership or mentoring experience.
• Relevant qualification in supply chain, business, or operations (or equivalent experience).
• Benefits & Culture:
• Dynamic and collaborative environment with a strong team ethic.
• Scope to influence positive change and streamline operations.
• Competitive salary and benefits, plus development opportunities.