Head of Production Planning (H/F) - SAFRAN SEATS GB LIMITED
Role overview: The Head of Production Planning is accountable for leading all planning activities across manufacturing sites, ensuring reliable end-to-end planning processes that optimise cost, lead times, and delivery performance. The role aligns and develops planning teams to consistently meet or exceed the needs of customers, programmes, and the business. Leads and develops the Production Planning team across all sites. Backlog management, and ERP/MRP data integrity to enable predictable delivery performance. Acts as a key member of the Supply Chain Leadership Team, driving readiness, risk mitigation, and continuous improvement while co-ordinating closely with both internal and external stakeholders.
Responsibilities
* Planning Leadership & Strategy: Define and own the production planning strategy and policies, aligned with Supply Chain function strategy, business strategy, and aerospace best practices. Build and develop team capabilities through coaching, functional training, and succession planning. Drive functional readiness reviews and support make/buy committee decisions.
* Tactical Planning: Oversee day-to-day planning activities across production planning. Establish, publish, and maintain reliable and detailed finite shop-floor schedules. Manage work centre backlogs, balancing resources and reducing constraints to improve schedule adherence.
* Capacity & Demand Management: Analyse demand variation and incorporate into supply plans. Lead capacity planning (RCCP/CRP) across internal resources, ensuring readiness for rate changes and new product introductions. Allocate resource effectively across planning functions to support business growth.
* ERP/MRP Systems & Data Integrity: Ensure ERP/MRP data accuracy (BOMs, routings, planning parameters) to support reliable planning outcomes. Embed and standardise QRQC problem-solving and drive continuous improvements in system use. Provide daily, weekly, and monthly reports against KPIs, analysing root causes and driving recovery actions.
* Programme & Customer Support: Act as senior planning interface and escalation with Programme Management teams, providing credible delivery dates and recovery plans. Own engineering change request (ECR) management through the supply chain, ensuring timely incorporation and minimal disruption. Support programme milestones and customer commitments, including readiness reviews.
* Continuous Improvement & Technology: Identify and execute planning improvement initiatives, incorporating lean and problem-solving tools. Drive improvement in planning systems, processes, and technology adoption to support long-term efficiency. Partner with Supply Chain Centre of Excellence to align training, best practice sharing, and development opportunities.
Qualifications and experience
* Proven experience leading production or supply chain planning in a manufacturing environment (ideally aerospace or complex assemblies).
* Strong technical knowledge of MRP II principles, ERP/MES systems, and supply planning methodologies.
* Experience in business economics, demand management, or capacity modelling.
* Degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or related field. Professional qualifications (e.g. APICS CPIM/CSCP, Lean/CI certifications).
* Familiarity with advanced planning/APS systems. Knowledge of lean methodologies, problem-solving tools, and quality management systems (e.g. AS9100).
* Highly analytical with strong attention to detail; capable of interpreting demand, backlog, and performance data. Outcomes-oriented with proven ability to improve OTIF, lead time, and plan stability.
* Excellent interpersonal skills, able to build strong relationships and influence across functions. Strong leadership skills with history of managing and developing high-performing teams. Growth mindset and change management skills.
* Positive can-do attitude, with tenacity to see a task through to completion.
Note: The role is subject to pre-employment checks, including criminal record checks. Only candidates who pass these checks will be considered for employment.
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