Planning & Procurement Manager

Job Title: Planning & Procurement Manager

Location: Near Eastbourne, East Sussex

Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent

 

Job Purpose / Primary Objective

We are seeking an experienced and driven Planning & Procurement Manager to play a pivotal role in a fast-paced and growing manufacturing environment. This is a high-impact role where effective planning and scheduling are absolutely critical to operational success. The successful candidate will take full ownership of production planning and procurement processes, ensuring the seamless alignment of supply chain capabilities with customer demands and production schedules.

 

This is a fantastic opportunity for a results-focused supply chain professional with a strong background in production planning, scheduling, procurement, and team leadership within a manufacturing setting.

 

Key Responsibilities



Master Production Scheduling:

Maintain, develop, and take full ownership of the Master Production Schedule (MPS) to ensure all planning activities are aligned with customer orders and forecasted demand. This includes scheduling internal work centres, coordinating raw material availability, and managing sub-contract operations.

Capacity Planning & Bottleneck Management:

Proactively match customer and production requirements with internal capacity and supply chain capability. Identify and mitigate potential capacity constraints well in advance to avoid disruptions and ensure continuous flow.

Supply Chain Development & Performance Management:

Build and nurture a robust supplier network that consistently meets quality, lead time, and delivery performance standards. Implement supplier scorecards and regular performance reviews to drive continuous improvement.

Strategic Procurement:

Negotiate long-term agreements with key suppliers to secure continuity of supply and manage risk associated with price volatility or material shortages. Develop strategic procurement initiatives to reduce cost and improve supply chain efficiency.

Process Improvement & Cross-Functional Collaboration:

Collaborate across production, sales, engineering, and finance to align planning and procurement strategies with broader business goals. Continuously evaluate and refine processes for increased accuracy and efficiency. Essential Skills & Experience



Minimum 5 years of experience in Procurement and Master Production Scheduling within a manufacturing environment

Proven ability to manage and maintain MRP systems for effective planning and stock control

Strong team management and leadership skills

Highly analytical and detail-oriented, with the ability to prioritise and respond effectively to changing demands

Excellent communication skills, capable of building strong cross-functional relationships Desirable Skills & Experience



Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering or a related field

At least 3 years of hands-on buying experience

Experience leading planning improvement projects or continuous improvement initiatives Qualifications

Required:



Demonstrated planning and scheduling experience (minimum 5 years)

Proven management experience in a manufacturing setting (minimum 5 years) Desirable:



Degree or formal qualifications in supply chain, operations management, or related field