Head of Planning

Are you an experienced planning leader who thrives in a fast-paced production environment? We're recruiting for a strategic Head of Planning to join a well-established, growing business supplying high-volume products to major retail customers.

This is a key leadership role, responsible for driving the planning strategy across demand, procurement and production, ensuring customer requirements are met while maximising operational efficiency, reducing waste and supporting commercial growth.

The Role

Working closely with Commercial, Operations, Technical and Production teams, you will lead the end-to-end planning function, translating customer demand into achievable production and procurement plans. You'll play a pivotal role in ensuring products are delivered on time, inventory is optimised and the business remains agile in responding to changing customer requirements.

Key Responsibilities

* Lead the end-to-end planning process from customer forecasts through to production schedules.
* Develop robust demand forecasts in partnership with commercial teams.
* Create production and procurement plans that maximise availability while minimising waste and excess inventory.
* Manage seasonal demand, promotional activity and capacity planning.
* Identify planning risks and opportunities, providing proactive solutions to stakeholders.
* Drive improvements in forecasting accuracy and inventory management.
* Work collaboratively with production, technical and commercial teams to align operational plans.
* Lead, mentor and develop the planning team, fostering a high-performing and collaborative culture.
* Champion continuous improvement across planning processes and systems.

About You

You'll be an experienced planning professional with a strong background in production-led environments and a proven ability to balance customer demand with operational capability.

Essential Experience

* Significant planning experience within horticulture, agriculture, fresh produce, food manufacturing or another production-based manufacturing environment.
* Strong understanding of demand planning, production planning and inventory management.
* Experience balancing customer demand with production capacity.
* Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
* Strong stakeholder management and influencing abilities.
* Experience leading and developing teams.
* Advanced Excel skills and experience using planning systems.

Success in the Role

You will be recognised for delivering:

* Outstanding customer service through reliable planning.
* High levels of on-time production and procurement.
* Reduced waste and obsolete inventory.
* Effective management of seasonal demand fluctuations.
* Strong collaboration across commercial and operational teams.
* A motivated, capable and engaged planning function.

What's on Offer

* Opportunity to join a successful and growing business with ambitious plans.
* A strategic leadership position where you can shape planning processes and influence business performance.
* Collaborative working environment with genuine opportunities for continuous improvement and professional development.
* Competitive salary and benefits package.

If you're an experienced planning leader looking for your next challenge within a dynamic production environment, we'd love to hear from you.

Huntress does not discriminate on the grounds of age, race, gender, disability, creed or sexual orientation and complies with all relevant UK legislation. PLEASE NOTE! You should make yourself aware of how immigration laws apply to your situation before applying for any jobs. We are acting as a Recruitment Business in relation to this role.