Head of Planning - Widnes

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 Widnes

At the north-eastern edge of Cheshire lies Widnes, a town of around 60,000 population built on heavy industry, particularly chemicals, where ICI had a huge presence for decades before fragmenting in the 1990s. The chemical industry chose Widnes partly for the plentiful supply of water, just like Runcorn, to which it is joined by a railway and road bridge over the Mersey.

The centre of Liverpool is 11 miles (17 km) to the west, with Liverpool John Lennon Airport just 4 miles (7km) form the centre of Widnes. Although not actually in Widnes, the Jaguar Land rover car production plant is just outside the town in Halewood, and it has been a large employer of people from Widnes. For decades the plant was owned by Ford, and the locals still cal the main boulevard that passes it “The Ford Road”. Under the new management, the factory is doing extremely well, helped by a local enthusiastic workforce.

Widnes has two musical claims to fame, one certain, one apocryphal. First was the Stone Roses’ Spike Island gig, the pinnacle of the Madchester scene in 1990. The second claim is that Paul Simon wrote “Homeward Bound” at Widnes Station, although Simon isn’t 100% sure himself!

Widnes has retained many of its industrial plants, although they are no longer owned by the giant ICI, and have been taken over by a multitude of companies. The well-connected town is handy for Liverpool, Warrington, St Helens and Runcorn, and has the M62 at its northern point. All this makes it a good place to locate any logistics operations, and indeed, Head of Planning jobs or similar positions have been through our system in Widnes.

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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.

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