Overview
Head of Production Planning (H/F) - SAFRAN SEATS GB LIMITED
Safran est un groupe international de haute technologie opérant dans les domaines de l'aéronautique (propulsion, équipements et intérieurs), de l'espace et de la défense. Sa mission : contribuer durablement à un monde plus sûr, où le transport aérien devient toujours plus respectueux de l'environnement, plus confortable et plus accessible. Implanté sur tous les continents, le Groupe emploie 100 000 collaborateurs pour un chiffre d'affaires de 27,3 milliards d'euros en 2024, et occupe, seul ou en partenariat, des positions de premier plan mondial ou européen sur ses marchés. Safran est la 2ème entreprise du secteur aéronautique et défense du classement « World's Best Companies 2024 » du magazine TIME. Safran Seats est l'un des principaux fabricants mondiaux de sièges d'avion, tant pour l'équipage que pour les passagers. 1 million de sièges d'avion fabriqués par Safran Seats sont actuellement en service dans les flottes aériennes du monde entier.
Mission description
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 the 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
* 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 and accountable, 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 well adept at change management on a macro and micro level. Positive can-do attitude, with tenacity to see a task through to completion.
* No candidate will meet every single desired qualification. If your experience looks a little different from what we've identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we'd love to hear from you!
Other information
There are four People Fundamentals that underpin life at Safran: diversity and inclusion, skill development, trustworthy workplace, collaboration and mutual support. Pre-employment checks apply. This role is subject to checks including criminal record checks; unspent convictions must be disclosed during recruitment. Only candidates who pass checks will be considered for employment.
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