Warehouse Planning Manager

At Howdens, we’re proud of our exceptional growth and position as a market leader in the kitchen and joinery industry. As a Warehouse Planning Manager, based at our Primary Distribution Centre in Howden, you’ll be at the heart of a fast-paced operation that supports deliveries to over 900 depots across the UK and Europe. With ambitious growth plans ahead, this is a unique opportunity to take a leading role in shaping the future of our warehouse planning and operations.

Reporting to the National Head of Warehousing, you will lead a team of 3 direct reports and a wider team of 30+, ensuring that both short and long-term warehouse planning supports our expanding product range, complex logistics network, and world-class customer service standards.

What Will You Do as a Warehouse Planning Manager:

As a key leader within our warehouse operation, you will:

• Lead, manage, and develop 3 planning teams, focusing on space utilisation, flow, stock accuracy, service levels, and efficiency.
• Use our Warehouse Management System (JDA) to provide insightful analytics and drive continuous improvement.
• Develop and implement strategic and tactical planning to support a growing SKU range (currently 4,500+) and large-scale B2B operations.
• Ensure warehouse readiness and performance during peak periods, managing up to 800,000 picked pieces with a 99.98% STR (Straight Through Ratio) target.
• Lead cross-functional projects to improve labour efficiency, cost control, and storage utilisation across both the main site and offsite bulk locations (Hull, Thorne).
• Produce accurate data models to support capacity planning, resource forecasting, and business continuity strategies.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across Manufacturing, Transport, Supply Chain, HR, and more to ensure plans align with wider business goals.
• Promote a safe, inclusive, and high-performing team environment, ensuring compliance with all Health & Safety standards.

What Do You Need to Qualify for the Role:

We’re looking for a Warehouse Planning Manager who thrives in a high-volume, fast-paced environment and brings:

• Degree-level education or equivalent experience in supply chain, logistics, or a related field.
• Proven experience in warehouse planning, capacity management, and multi-site supply processes.
• Strong team leadership skills and a track record of managing people in a high-demand logistics or manufacturing environment.
• Advanced analytical skills and the ability to translate complex data into actionable plans.
• Project management expertise with a keen eye for continuous improvement.
• Proficiency in warehouse planning software (ideally JDA), databases, and modelling tools.
• Sound understanding of financial principles, KPIs, and cost/service trade-offs.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, including experience working with Trade Unions.
• A proactive, solution-focused mindset, capable of thriving under pressure and leading teams through change.

What we can offer you:

• Competitive Salary + company bonus
• Company car or car allowance
• Pension Plan with maximum company contribution of 12%
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays + opportunity to purchase up to 5 more days
• Free lunch at the onsite canteen
• Free onsite car parking
• Friendly and supportive environment offering exceptional reward and recognition

About us:

Howdens Joinery is the UK’s number one trade kitchen supplier providing thousands of products across kitchens, joinery, and hardware. We have over 900 depots throughout the UK and Europe – making us the first choice for more than 460,000 loyal trade professionals. With an ambitious and credible growth plan, we continue to build on our £2.2 billion sales made last year.

There is a strong entrepreneurial ethos and the opportunity to develop within a fast-paced and commercial environment. That, along with a competitive salary, development opportunities, and exciting rewards, are among the reasons why our people enjoy working for Howdens – and why we have been named as one of the 10 Best Big Companies to Work For.

How to apply:

We are building a future where world-class service, innovation, and sustainability are embedded within our DNA. If Howdens sounds like the kind of place where you can build and develop your career as a Warehouse Planning Manager, then we are keen to hear from you.

You will need to activate your account when you apply for this role. Please check your email carefully to ensure that you have completed this step. We are unable to view your application if you have not activated your account.

Howdens is founded on the principle of being Worthwhile for ALL concerned. We’re working hard to ensure we provide an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. We will do everything we can to support you during your application. If you need us to make any adjustments to our recruitment process, please email recruitmentteam@howdens.com with the job title and location, and we will be happy to help you.

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