Leonardo offers an exciting opportunity within the Operations function for an experienced Planning Manager. This role is site‑based in Luton and requires a minimum of 4 days a week in the office. The Planning Manager will oversee and coordinate project planning and execution, collaborate with cross‑functional teams, communicate progress to stakeholders, analyse data to optimise project success, and manage a line of staff.
Responsibilities
- Project Planning / Scheduling – develop and manage project plans and MRPII material schedules, ensuring material availability whilst maintaining the delivery (MPS) output.
- Cost accounting – use Excel macros and tables to analyse costs, determine adjustments, budget and journal correctly.
- Management – conduct, chair and lead project requirements that are key to product success.
- Configuration – study Bills of Material (BOM) and required changes to build products and plan in points of embodiment.
- Resource Allocation – allocate necessary resources, including personnel, equipment and materials to meet project requirements.
- Estimating – produce quotes or budgets using historical data.
- Team collaboration – coordinate and communicate with cross‑functional teams to ensure effective alignment and project goal achievement.
- Team development – coach, mentor and support team members to facilitate their growth.
- Stakeholder communication – provide regular updates and reports to stakeholders, including IPTs, senior management, project managers and team members.
- Purchase Requisition Management – review purchase requisitions for material or services needed to support projects or operations.
- Data analysis – analyse project data and performance metrics to identify trends and make informed decisions that impact project achievability.
- Performance tracking – monitor project progress, measure performance against milestones and implement adjustments when necessary to keep projects on track.
- Data integrity – maintain good practice with all functions to ensure measurements are true.
- Problem solving – address issues and challenges that arise during project execution, making decisions that align with project goals and company objectives.
- Risk assessment – identify potential risks, develop mitigation strategies and proactively address arising issues.
- Adaptability – flexibly adjust plans in response to changing circumstances or unexpected developments.
Qualifications
- A proficient understanding of material and all its requirements.
- Strong organisational, communication and analytical skills.
- Proficiency in planning, organising and overseeing projects/schedules from initiation to completion.
- Experience in using SAP and Excel to plan/analysise material requirements effectively.
- Ability to analyse data and performance metrics to make informed decisions, identify opportunities and mitigate risks.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills to efficiently convey and present plans, updates and expectations to cross‑functional teams.
- Capacity to identify issues, develop solutions and facilitate decisions that support project goals based on processes and performance metrics.
- Ability to lead/support multi‑functional teams that drive success.
- Effective time‑management skills to prioritise tasks, manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
- Flexibility to adjust plans in response to changing circumstances, unexpected developments and evolving priorities.
- Ability to work independently while delivering a plan and informing critical requirements to all key resources.
- Thoroughness in reviewing project plans, documentation and reports to ensure accuracy and quality of all data.
- Strong interpersonal skills to build relationships, resolve conflicts and maintain a positive team dynamic.
- Confidence in making decisions based on data, analysis and thorough understanding of project requirements and success criteria.
- Applying the resources that have the correct understanding/specialties to be able to complete the task.
Benefits
- Time to Recharge: enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi‑days each year.
- Secure your Future: benefit from our award‑winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
- Your Wellbeing Matters: free access to mental health support, financial advice and employee‑led networks championing inclusion and diversity.
- Rewarding Performance: all employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
- Never Stop Learning: free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
- Refer a Friend: receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
- Tailored Perks: spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
- Flexible Working: flexible hours with hybrid working options; part‑time opportunities may be discussed for this role.
Pre‑Employment Screening
This role is subject to pre‑employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). Additional Personnel Security Controls (National Security Vetting) may apply, including The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV).
