Overview:
We are seeking a proactive, detail-driven Site Planner to support our Cores Manufacturing operations during the implementation of our new ERP system, Microsoft Dynamics 365 (D365).
This role is critical in ensuring production plans are not only achievable and efficient but also aligned with customer commitments and business priorities. The successful candidate will play a key role in integrating planning processes into D365 while maintaining strong cross-functional alignment and clear visibility of delivery performance and risk.
Working closely with Operations, Engineering, Sales, Finance, and Customer Liaison, the Site Planner will ensure plans are accurate, risks are proactively managed, and customer expectations are consistently supported throughout the transition and beyond.
Reports to: Site Lead
Working hours: 37.5 hours a week (Mon-Thurs 8 AM to 4:30 PM; Friday 8 AM to 1:30 PM)
Responsibilities:
ERP Implementation Support (D365)
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Act as the planning representative within the D365 implementation project
- Support data validation, planning parameter setup, and system testing activities
- Ensure planning processes are accurately mapped, embedded, and optimised within D365
- Identify system gaps and provide feedback to improve planning functionality and usability
- Ensure alignment between system data, planning outputs, and operational reality
Production Planning & Scheduling
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Develop, maintain, and optimise production plans for the cores manufacturing site
- Ensure plans are aligned with capacity, material availability, and customer demand
- Translate production plans into achievable and reliable delivery performance
- Monitor adherence to plan and proactively identify risks, constraints, and deviations
- Continuously review and adjust plans in response to changing priorities and conditions
Customer Delivery & Commitment Management
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Own and maintain delivery commitments in line with customer requirements and agreed schedules
- Ensure alignment between D365 system dates, production plans, and customer expectations
- Provide clear and proactive visibility of risks to delivery, including capacity constraints, material shortages, and engineering changes
- Work closely with Customer Liaison to support accurate and timely communication of order status, risks, and recovery plans
- Actively manage arrears and backlog, ensuring structured recovery plans are in place and executed
- Support prioritisation decisions based on customer importance, delivery impact, and business needs
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Purchase Order / Contract Review owner ship and sign off
- Customer facing meeting
Cross-Functional Collaboration
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Work closely with Operations to ensure production schedules are achievable and aligned with resource availability
- Partner with Engineering to incorporate technical changes, new product introductions (NPI), and process updates into planning activities
- Liaise with Sales to understand demand forecasts, customer priorities, and order changes
- Collaborate with Finance to support cost planning, inventory accuracy, and reporting requirements
- Align closely with Customer Liaison to ensure planning outputs support external commitments and communication
Headcount & Resource Escalation
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Identify and highlight headcount or skills gaps that may impact the production plan
- Escalate risks to Operations and HR with clear recommendations and supporting data
- Track and communicate resource constraints that could affect delivery performance
Performance Monitoring & Reporting
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Monitor and analyse planning performance, capacity utilisation, and schedule adherence
- Track and report On-Time Delivery (OTD), arrears, and performance against customer commitments
- Provide clear visibility of risks, impacts, and required actions to site leadership
- Develop and communicate recovery plans for any missed or at-risk deliveries
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Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance planning accuracy, efficiency, and reliability
Qualifications:
- Experience in manufacturing planning, production scheduling, or supply chain coordination
- Strong understanding of ERP systems; experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 is advantageous
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to work effectively across multiple functions
- Strong analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and make informed decisions
- Ability to operate in a fast-paced environment and manage competing priorities
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Proactive approach to problem-solving, ownership, and escalation
What Success Looks Like
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Smooth and effective integration of planning processes into D365
- Accurate, reliable production plans that support both operational efficiency and customer delivery
- High confidence in delivery commitments, with minimal surprises to customers
- Strong cross-functional collaboration and alignment across all departments
- Early identification and proactive management of risks and constraints
- Improved delivery performance, reduced arrears, and greater planning stability
Morgan Advanced Materials is a business rich in history and innovation. Founded in the UK in 1856, we have grown into a global organisation with 70 sites in 18 countries. Our model to serve our customers where they need us has led to a diversified product range using our unparalleled expertise in ceramic and carbon materials, which we exploit to solve difficult problems for our customers across a diverse range of markets.
We are a purpose driven organisation. Our purpose is to use advanced materials to make the world more sustainable and to improve the quality of life. We deliver on that purpose through the products that we make, and the way that we make them.
The Technical Ceramics business of Morgan Advanced Materials engineers high performance functional and structural ceramic materials, components and sub-assemblies to address customer-specific technical challenges.
Key Figures: Revenue £1,100.7m (2024), ~8,000 employees, manufacturing in 20+ countries, and a global customer portfolio. A UK PLC with head office located in Windsor, Berkshire UK. Listed on London Stock Exchange; Member of the FTSE 250 Index.
Morgan Advanced Materials is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Ind-1
