Head of Planning & MPS - ERP & Data-Driven Leader

Fortress Recruit Limited; Poole; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Fortress Recruit Limited is seeking a Head of Planning in Poole to lead the MPS function and two planning teams. You will stay hands-on with ERP/MRP processes and drive improvements in planning accuracy and reliability across the organisation.

You will work closely with Production, Operations and Value Stream Managers to prioritise planning, monitor KPIs, and support a major ERP transition. Strong leadership and analytics are essential, with Power BI experience a plus.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in production planning, material planning or manufacturing operations.
• Experience leading and developing a planning team, across functions or areas.
• Strong knowledge of ERP/MRP and planning processes in manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the MPS function, managing two planning teams for Master Planning, Scheduling and Configuration.
• Unify teams to create a consistent approach with shared accountability across the function.
• Maintain hands-on involvement in ERP/MRP processes ensuring accurate planning data.
• Review MRP outputs, project loading, production dates, routings and data to resolve issues.
• Investigate system issues and allocation challenges, implementing improvements.
• Monitor production progress, material availability and capacity, addressing delivery risks.
• Collaborate with Production, Operations and Value Stream Managers to align priorities.
• Monitor and report KPIs to stakeholders.
• Support transition to a new ERP system and prepare the planning function for implementation.
• Improve reporting and operational visibility with wider teams; utilise Power BI.
• Coach and develop team members and support succession planning.
• Drive continuous improvement across planning processes and systems.

Skills

Production planning

Material planning

ERP/MRP systems

Master Production Planning

Production scheduling

Capacity planning

Routings

Works Orders

Materials management

Power BI

Analytical skills

SC clearance eligibility

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Power BI

Job description

Fortress Recruit Limited is seeking a Head of Planning in Poole to lead the MPS function and two planning teams. You will stay hands-on with ERP/MRP processes and drive improvements in planning accuracy and reliability across the organisation.

You will work closely with Production, Operations and Value Stream Managers to prioritise planning, monitor KPIs, and support a major ERP transition. Strong leadership and analytics are essential, with Power BI experience a plus.