Planning Manager

Eden Interim Management are recruiting for a Planning Manager for a food manufacturing client based in Essex. The Planning Manager will play a pivotal role in balancing customer demand, raw material availability, and manufacturing capability to deliver the optimal production plan for the site. The role is responsible for leading the Demand and Supply Planning process, ensuring effective communication between Commercial, Supply Chain, Procurement, Logistics, and Manufacturing functions. Working as a key member of the Site Leadership Team, the Planning Manager will be accountable for developing and maintaining a robust planning process that delivers operational efficiency, maximises factory run rates, maintaining customer service levels, and ensuring compliance with minimum life requirements into customer depots.Key Responsibilities Demand Planning & Forecast Management - KPIs – Forecast Accuracy, Forecast Bias, Forecast AttainmentSupply Planning & Inventory Management - KPIs – Stock Availability, Stock holding, Material Shortages, Aged Stock, Working CapitalProduction Planning & Service Delivery - KPIs – Plan Adherence, OTIF, OEE, Customer Service LevelCost & Operational Efficiency - KPIs – Cost per pack, Changeover Efficiency, Capacity UtilisationSales & Operations Planning (S&OP)Data Analytics & Systems Development - KPIs – Data Accuracy, Reporting Compliance, Planning System ImprovementsLeadership & Stakeholder Management - KPIs – Employee Engagement, Functional Development Plans, Cross-FunctionalPerson SpecificationProven experience as a Planning Manager, Production Planner, Demand Planner or equivalent role within FMCG.Strong understanding of Demand Planning, Supply Planning, Production Planning, and Inventory Management principles.Demonstrable experience leading or supporting a Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process.Knowledge and practical experience of Integrated Business Planning (IBP) would be highly advantageous.Advanced analytical capability with a highly data-driven approach to decision making.Exceptional attention to detail and ability to interpret large and complex data sets.Strong commercial awareness with the confidence to challenge assumptions and influence senior stakeholders.High levels of resilience, tenacity, and personal accountability.Advanced Microsoft Excel capability and strong competence across SAP.Experience developing planning tools, reports, dashboards, and process improvements.Strong project management and organisational skills.Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to influence at all levels of the business.Proven ability to improve forecast accuracy, planning effectiveness, inventory performance, and operational efficiency.Experience within fast-moving food manufacturing or perishable goods environments is highly desirable.Degree-level qualification in Supply Chain, Operations Management, Business, Logistics, or related discipline preferred.APICS, CPIM, CSCP, or equivalent professional planning qualifications desirable.