Planning Manager

Can you turn complex forecasts into operational success? Do you thrive on leading teams in a fast-paced, 24/7 distribution environment? Are you ready to shape resource planning for one of the UK's leading retail supply chains?

We are looking for a Planning Manager to join our M&S site in Milton Keynes. You will lead the planning function at the site, while also providing support to our Daventry operation. Reporting to the Operations Development Manager, you'll play a pivotal role in ensuring the right people are in the right place at the right time. You'll lead a team responsible for workforce deployment, forecasting, resource planning, and operational analysis, helping deliver exceptional service levels while driving efficiency across the operation.

This is a highly visible leadership role where you'll work closely with operational teams, customers, agency partners, and central support functions to develop short, medium, and long-term workforce plans that support business growth and operational excellence.

This is a full-time permanent role working predominately, Monday to Friday, 08:00-16:00 or 09:00-17:00, with some flexibility required.

Pay, benefits and more:

We’re looking to offer a salary of up to £50,000.00 per annum and 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays). Your benefits package includes flexible dental insurance plans, a company sponsored pension scheme, a 24/7 online GP service, life assurance and a fully comprehensive employee assistance programme. You’ll also have access to our MyBenefits platform offering a variety of high street discounts, a cycle to work scheme, cashback cards, a saving scheme and much more! 

What you’ll do on a typical day:

• Lead the planning team to deliver daily, weekly, monthly, and peak operational resource plans across all operational areas
• Analyse operational data and forecasts to optimise labour deployment, agency usage, overtime, and recruitment requirements
• Manage, coach, and develop a team of planners, ensuring high performance, engagement, and succession planning
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on forecasting accuracy, planning processes, productivity, and operational efficiency
• Build strong relationships with operational leaders, customers, and external partners, providing timely updates, reporting, and planning insight

What you need to succeed at GXO:

• Proven experience within an operational planning, resource planning, or workforce planning role, ideally within a food, logistics, warehousing, or distribution environment
• Strong people management experience with the ability to coach, develop, and lead teams to achieve results
• Advanced analytical skills with excellent Excel and data management capabilities, including building and developing reports, spreadsheets, and forecasting tools
• Strong understanding of warehouse operations, labour deployment, KPI management, and operational performance metrics
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and make informed decisions in a fast-paced environment

We engineer faster, smarter, leaner supply chains.

GXO is a leading provider of cutting-edge supply chain solutions to the most successful companies in the world. We help our customers manage their goods most efficiently using our technology and services. Our greatest strength is our global team – energetic, innovative people of all experience levels and talents who make GXO a great place to work.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.