Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) Manager
Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) Manager
Location: Southport, UK
Department: Operations
Reports To: Operations Director
Position Type: Full-Time, Permanent
This position is within a leading UK-based pharmaceutical manufacturing business committed to delivering high-quality healthcare products to UK and global markets. With a strong reputation built on compliance, innovation, and customer focus, the Southport manufacturing facility plays a vital role in supplying critical medicines and health products under MHRA-regulated conditions.
Overview
This role leads the development and execution of a robust production schedule for a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Southport. It ensures alignment between customer demand, factory capability, inventory levels, and raw material availability. The S&OP Manager acts as the central point of coordination across purchasing, warehouse, production, packaging, and sales teams (both UK and export). You will be a key member of the senior site leadership team, contributing to the strategic direction of operations and regularly engaging with the Managing Director and key customers.
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced and driven Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) Manager to lead the development and execution of a robust production schedule for a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Southport. This pivotal role ensures alignment between customer demand, factory capability, inventory levels, and raw material availability. As the S&OP Manager, you will act as the central point of coordination across purchasing, warehouse, production, packaging, and sales teams (both UK and export). You will be a key member of the senior site leadership team, contributing to the strategic direction of operations and regularly engaging with the Managing Director and key customers.
Key Responsibilities
- Production Planning & Scheduling - Develop and manage the master production schedule in alignment with long-term sales forecasts. - Ensure manufacturing capacity and material availability meet customer requirements and business objectives. - Balance short-term responsiveness with long-term strategic planning.
- Cross-Functional Coordination - Collaborate daily with Sales, Purchasing, Warehouse, Production, and Packaging teams to ensure seamless execution of the schedule. - Monitor and adjust plans based on changes in demand, supply chain constraints, or manufacturing issues.
- Customer and Commercial Alignment - Work closely with the UK Managing Director, and the UK and export sales teams to translate forecasts into operational plans. - Ensure visibility of forecast changes and their impact on the production schedule. - Build strong relationships with key customers and support regular communication on schedule adherence and supply planning.
- Compliance & Quality - Ensure all planning activities support MHRA GMP and GDP requirements. Maintain accurate records and support internal/external audits as needed.
- Leadership & Communication - Participate actively in the senior site leadership team, providing insights into capacity, scheduling risks, and improvement opportunities. Report regularly to the Operations Director and communicate key updates to the Managing Director. Facilitate regular S&OP meetings to drive alignment and accountability.
Key Requirements Essential Experience & Skills
- Proven experience in Sales & Operations Planning, Production Planning, or Supply Chain Management within a pharmaceutical manufacturing environment.
- Strong understanding of MHRA GMP and GDP compliance standards and how they relate to production planning.
- Demonstrated success in coordinating cross-functional teams and managing multiple stakeholders.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence at all levels, including customers and senior executives.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Highly organised with attention to detail and a proactive mindset.
- Experience working with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or equivalent).
- Familiarity with international logistics and export regulations in a pharmaceutical context.
Why Apply?
- Be part of a purpose-driven company supplying essential healthcare products.
- Influence key business decisions as a member of the senior site leadership team.
- Collaborate with a passionate, committed team in a dynamic and regulated environment.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
Please apply today by sending in your CV to this advert!
Seniority level
Employment type
Job function
- Strategy/Planning and Supply Chain
- Industries
- Manufacturing and Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
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