To develop, maintain, and continuously optimise a robust production planning process that supports manufacturing activities within the Special Projects (SP) business area.
The Manufacturing Planner is responsible for creating and maintaining production plans that provide clear daily and weekly priorities to Production Operations, ensuring Special Projects manufacturing requirements are achieved, particularly for development and prototype hardware programmes.
The role will provide near-term planning visibility (weekly and fortnightly outlooks) to ensure that machine and labour capacity are available to support programme requirements, while also identifying available capacity to support future business opportunities and bid activities.
Working closely with the SP Master Planning Lead, Manufacturing Team Leads, Technicians, Manufacturing Engineering, Programme Management, Supply Chain and Quality teams, the Manufacturing Planner will ensure resources, materials and manufacturing readiness are aligned to project requirements.
The role is also responsible for managing SAP demand for development programmes from initiation through to completion, driving planning readiness, maintaining Line of Balance (LOB) schedules, and overseeing material planning activities across all assigned projects.
Key Responsibilities
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Develop, maintain and manage short-term production plans, proactively identifying and escalating risks, constraints and scheduling issues.
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Perform capacity planning across technician resources, machine availability and specialist skill sets to ensure programme delivery requirements are met.
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Support and advise on machine maintenance scheduling to minimise operational disruption and optimise resource utilisation.
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Interpret and analyse Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) to ensure manufacturing plans align with programme milestones and customer requirements.
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Lead and facilitate Line of Balance (LOB) reviews across multiple programmes, engaging stakeholders from Programme Management, Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality and Production Operations.
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Ensure alignment between manufacturing plans and programme schedules through active IMS engagement and regular plan updates.
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Support weekly planning reviews and daily Level 0 and Level 1 meetings, monitoring progress against plan and communicating priorities for upcoming days and weeks.
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Develop and populate Basis of Estimates (BOEs) for Special Projects programmes, supporting planning and bid activities.
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Manage SAP production planning activities, material control processes and manufacturing demand throughout the project lifecycle.
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Drive manufacturing readiness by ensuring material availability, planning accuracy and schedule alignment within SAP.
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Support material management activities across all assigned projects and maintain oversight of project-specific demand requirements.
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Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify and resolve planning, resource and material constraints.
