Head of Planning

Babcock International; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense and aerospace company is seeking a Head of Planning in Ashton Vale, Bristol. This senior role involves leading the development of Integrated Business Planning processes, managing operational planning strategies, and optimizing resource allocation to support long-term business objectives. Candidates should possess extensive experience in operational planning within the defense sector, along with relevant education or certifications. The position offers a hybrid work environment, competitive salary, and benefits, including generous holiday allowance and employee assistance programs.

Benefits

Generous holiday allowance

Matched contribution pension scheme

Access to digital health consultations

Employee share scheme

Payment of professional fees

Paid leave for reservists

Holiday trading

Be Kind Day

Excellent development opportunities

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in operational or business planning within Defence or similar industries.
• Proven leadership in implementing and maturing IBP processes.
• Deep understanding of end‑to‑end product lifecycle management and portfolio planning.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of operational planning strategies.
• Influence senior stakeholders to align planning activities with business goals.
• Establish and lead a mature IBP process that integrates strategic, operational and financial planning.

Skills

Operational planning

Leadership in IBP processes

Analytical thinking

Project management

Education

Relevant further education qualification in Business Engineering, Supply Chain

Professional certifications in IBP, supply chain or project management

Job description

Compensation: Competitive Salary Benefits

Role Type: Full time / Permanent

Role ID: SF 70230

At Babcock we are working to create a safe and secure world together, and if you join us you can play your part as a Head of Planning at our Ashton Vale Bristol site.

The Role

As our Head of Planning you will lead the development and maturity of Integrated Business Planning (IBP) processes across Mission Systems. This senior leadership role sits at the intersection of strategy and execution, ensuring planning decisions support long‑term business objectives, optimise resources, and deliver value across the end‑to‑end product lifecycle. Your work will directly impact national security and help shape the future of defence and aerospace.

Day‑to‑day responsibilities:

• Lead the development and execution of operational planning strategies across Mission Systems.
• Influence senior stakeholders to align planning activities with business goals and customer expectations.
• Oversee planning across the full product lifecycle from bid through to delivery.
• Integrate lifecycle planning with portfolio management to support investment decisions.
• Establish and lead a mature IBP process that integrates strategic, operational and financial planning.

This full‑time role requires 37 hours per week and offers hybrid working arrangements with days onsite and days working from home.

Essential Experience of the Head of Planning

• Extensive experience in operational or business planning within Defence or similar industries.
• Proven leadership in implementing and maturing IBP processes.
• Deep understanding of end‑to‑end product lifecycle management and portfolio planning.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills.
• Expertise in project management, financial modelling and risk mitigation.

Qualifications for the Head of Planning

• Relevant further education qualification (or equivalent level of proven work experience) in Business Engineering, Supply Chain or related field.
• Professional certifications in IBP, supply chain or project management (e.g. APICS IBF, PMP).

Security Clearance

The successful candidate must be able to achieve and maintain Security Check (SC) security clearance for this role.

Many of the positions within our company are subject to national security clearance and trade control restrictions. Your eligibility for certain roles may be affected by your place of birth nationality, current or former citizenship and any residency you hold or have held. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels - (link omitted).

What We Offer

• Generous holiday allowance
• ਡੀ matched contribution pension scheme with life assurance
• Access to [ // omitted] Digital GP annual health check and nutritional consultations through Aviva DigiCare
• Employee share scheme
• Employee shopping savings portal
• Payment of professional fees
• Reservists in the armed forces receive 10‑day special paid leave
• Holiday trading – allows staff to buy additional leave or sell up to one working week of annual leave (window February to March annually)
• Be Kind Day – give one paid day to volunteer with your chosen organisation or charity
• Excellent development opportunities and benefits package including an employee assistance programme supporting physical, mental and financial wellbeing

Babcock International

For over a century Babcock has helped to defend nations, protect communities and build a better world. To continue we must adapt, advance and be a sustainable business with a shared goal.

We are a disability‑confident committed employer. If you have a disabilityasakan or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages, please email with the subject header “Reasonable adjustments requirement”. We are committed to building an inclusive culture where everyone is free to thrive. We are happy to talk about flexible working – please ask about alternative patterns of work at interview.

Location: Ashton Vale Bristol – Hybrid Working Arrangements

Job Title: Head of Planning

Closing Date: 18/12/2025

#MISYS

Required Experience: Director

Employment Type: Full Time

Vacancy: 1