Head of Planning - Harrogate

Head of Planning jobs

A role that involves a combination of leadership, improving business performance and developing people and processes within the company, the head of planning is an important position in terms of ensuring a successful and profitable enterprise.

Of course, the role will vary, depending on the unique requirements of each company or business sector. However, in most cases, this person will be responsible for developing and implementing a sales and operation plan, forecasting market trends and taking steps to ensure customer satisfaction.

Monitoring and managing key performance indicators such as expenditure, schedules and quality control will be part of the role of the head of planning and you will generally be accountable for issues such as inventory, demand management and stock accuracy.

What’s more, as the head of a team, you will need to ensure that staff are properly trained and motivated. You should also take steps to ensure all activities adhere to legal requirements, health and safety guidelines and internal policies and procedures.

The skills required

For anyone seeking to take a role as a head of planning, leadership, people management and problem solving abilities are all essential. Of course, you’ll need to be able to demonstrate strong numerical, analytical and communication skills.

It’s essential to have good commercial awareness, as well as an understanding of financial control systems. Other core competencies will include a commitment to instigating positive change, innovation and customer focus.

Head of Planning Jobs in Harrogate

The North Yorkshire town of Harrogate came to national prominence in the 17th century as a spa town, and over the following centuries visitors would go to the place to take the waters, which they thought had healing properties. Of course, the common people would not have had the wherewithal or the ability to get to the town, especially since they would have been sick, so Harrogate became a resort for the wealthy. Hotels sprung up and the town took on a genteel atmosphere which, some would say, survives to this day. The streets of the town centre are lined with restaurants and cafes, and several large parks give the town a green feel.

Harrogate is 13 miles (21 km) north of Leeds and 18 miles (30 km) west of York. Although the Yorkshire Dales are just to the west and the North York Moors to the north east, the town is not in a national park. It is, however, separated from any major settlement by at least 10 miles of countryside in any direction. The A1(M) passes reasonably close by over to the west; Leeds and York are connected a via rail route that stops at the town.

Despite its largely affluent populace, the town does have some industry, and boasts the Harrogate International Centre, the UK’s third-largest conference and exhibition centre. Thanks to Bucks Fizz’s 1981 triumph, the Centre hosted the 1982 Eurovision Song Contest. It was won by the German singer Nicole, with her song A Little Peace, something non-Eurovision fans have wished for ever since.

With an economically active populace of about 70,000 and a constant stream of professional visitors and day-trippers, Harrogate has a healthy need for logistics and supply chain professionals, meaning that Head of Planning positions here and in the region are not uncommon.

Popular locations

Discover Head of Planning positions with Cast UK

For anyone looking to take their procurement, logistics or supply chain career to the next level, Cast UK is the ideal choice.

Based in Manchester, our team of recruitment consultants work closely with clients and candidates throughout the country to find the best talent for every vacancy.

Our extensive experience means that we understand what makes the right candidate for each role. Indeed, our consultants have actually worked in these fields themselves. This means they can provide the advice and assistance you need to find your next opportunity.

To find out more about how Cast UK can help you recruit a Head of Planning for your business or find you a job as a Head of Planning then contact one of our consultant team on 0333 121 3345.

Contact us