Senior Planning Team Leader

Location | Normanton (On Site)

Contract Type | Full-Time, Permanent

Shift | Monday - Friday, one week 9-5, one week 8-4

Hiring Manager | Ramona Duduman

Grade | 5

Why Join Howdens as a Senior Planning Team Leader:

At Howdens, we’re proud of our long-standing British heritage, award-winning products, and our commitment to outstanding customer service. With a network of over 900 depots and a strong manufacturing base, we’re a market leader in the kitchen and joinery sector.

Joining our Solid Surface Manufacturing Facility in Normanton, you’ll be part of a high-performing, fast-paced environment where your leadership will directly influence the planning and delivery of over 30,000 solid surface worktops annually, generating £90 million in sales. As a Senior Planning Team Leader, you’ll play a pivotal role in optimising our operational planning functions while helping to shape the future of our customer experience and manufacturing strategy.

What Will You Be Doing as a Senior Planning Team Leader:

As a Senior Planning Team Leader, you'll be responsible for leading and mentoring a planning team to deliver high-level strategic and operational performance. Reporting to senior management, you'll manage two Team Leaders and oversee around 40 indirect reports across planning and repricing functions.

You will:

Lead the development and execution of effective planning strategies to support service delivery and operational goals

• Drive the achievement of KPIs and SLAs through effective team leadership and resource allocation
• Coach and develop Planning and Repricing Team Leaders, supporting their professional growth
• Facilitate collaboration between planning, service, field, and sales teams to deliver seamless project execution
• Build and manage relationships with depots, field teams, builders, and end users
• Conduct performance reviews and provide data-driven insights to senior leadership
• Lead regular team meetings, promote continuous improvement, and proactively resolve issues
• Identify risks to planning efficiency and develop solutions to maintain operational timelines and quality standards

What Do You Need to Qualify for the Senior Planning Team Leader Role:

To succeed in this role, you’ll need to bring a blend of planning expertise, people management, and commercial awareness. We’re looking for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and takes pride in building high-performing teams.

Essential Requirements:

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a senior planning or operational leadership role
• Proven experience managing and developing large teams (20+ people), ideally across multiple functional areas
• Strong understanding of planning, scheduling, and service operations in a high-volume environment
• Track record of achieving KPIs and driving team performance
• Proficient in ERP systems and planning tools to enhance operational efficiency
• Excellent organisational and decision-making skills
• Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders across levels
• A proactive and strategic mindset, with the ability to anticipate challenges and implement effective solutions

What we can offer you:

• Competitive salary, bonus and benefits package
• Pension plan with a company contribution of up to 12%
• Free on-site parking
• Free lunch at our on-site canteen
• Friendly and supportive environment offering exceptional reward and recognition

How to Apply:

Before you apply, please speak to your manager so that they are aware of your interest in this role. You will also need to attach a CV and Cover Letter. Please take note that this advert is a summary of the main duties and responsibilities and may be subject to change.

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.

If you have any questions or need any further support or information, please contact Lauren Hardaker, the recruitment advisor, or any member of the recruitment team.

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.