Lead External Supply Planner

Safran; Wales; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace manufacturer in the UK is looking for an External Supply Chain Planner Lead to oversee the execution of ERP-driven supply plans with external suppliers. The successful candidate will ensure material availability to meet production needs while managing risks and supplier performance. The role involves coordinating with suppliers and the supply chain team, requiring strong problem-solving and communication skills. A background in aviation or regulated industries is preferred.

Benefits

33 days holiday

Industry leading pension scheme

Private medical cover

Employee assistance programme

Opportunities for career advancement

Qualifications

• Experience working with ERP systems, particularly in material scheduling.
• Production or material scheduling experience in a regulated industry.
• Experience in aviation or aerospace manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Oversee execution of ERP-based supply plans with external suppliers.
• Ensure timely material availability to support production needs.
• Manage risks and capacity constraints effectively.

Skills

ERP System understanding

Production scheduling

Supplier capacity tracking

Supply Chain risk management

Microsoft Office proficiency

Lean manufacturing knowledge

Problem solving

Detail-oriented

Stakeholder management

Team collaboration

Education

APICS CPIM / CSCP or similar qualification

Tools

Lean DNA or business intelligence tools

Job description

In the UK, Safran Seats specialises solely in the First Class and Business Class seating markets for wide body aircraft, with industrial and engineering teams in Cwmbran and Newport, Wales and Brackley, England.

The purpose of this role is to oversee the execution of ERP-based supply plans with external suppliers, ensuring timely material availability to support production requirements while actively addressing risks, capacity limitations, and adherence to schedules.

The External Supply Chain Planner Lead is responsible for executing ERP-driven supply plans with external suppliers, ensuring material availability to meet production needs while proactively managing risks, capacity constraints, and schedule adherence. This role focuses on the tactical and operational dimensions of supplier management (not commercial negotiation) and plays a critical part in ensuring supply continuity, performance monitoring, and alignment with the production plan.

This role is a member of the External Supply Chain team, part of the wider Supply Chain function.

Key Responsibilities

• ERP Supply Plan Execution
• Supplier Coordination
• Capacity & Risk Management
• Supplier Performance Monitoring
• Planning Collaboration
• Data and System Maintenance
• Continuous Improvement
• Leadership and Line Management

Line management and task delegation responsibility for the External Supply Coordinators in the business area.

Participation

• Daily review meetings and QRQC sessions
• Stock Takes, Audits and Assessments
• Rate readiness exercises & capital investment exercises
• Management of supplier transport, documentation and requests

Benefits

• 33 days holiday (including bank holidays)
• Industry leading pension scheme with salary sacrifice employer contributions up to 10%
• Private medical cover (to include Digital GP and rapid access Physio with no excess) with ability to upgrade level of benefit and cover family members
• Access to salary sacrifice benefits scheme including cycle to work and Octopus EV Scheme
• 4 x Life Assurance
• Interactive benefits platform including wide range of discretionary benefits including technology, retail benefits, income protection
• Enhanced family friendly policies and benefits (enhanced maternity and paternity leave) and employee assistance programme
• Annual share save schemes
• Opportunities for career advancement and personal growth. Benefit from support through Safran University and our internal Training and Development Schools
• Get involved in our corporate social responsibility activities from sustainability initiatives, charity and fundraising, volunteering days, or supporting STEM activities at local schools and colleges nurturing the next generation of talent

Qualifications

• A good understanding and experience working with an ERP System, particularly material scheduling
• Production or material scheduling experience in a technically complex and highly regulated industry
• Familiarity with supplier capacity and delivery performance tracking
• Supply Chain risk management experience including reduction and assessment of risks
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment
• Competent Microsoft user (incl. Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Working knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement tools
• Experience in aviation or aerospace manufacturing
• Experience using a supplier two-way system such as Lean DNA or other business intelligence tools
• APICS CPIM / CSCP or similar supply chain qualification
• Problem solving skills
• Process and data driven
• Detail-oriented
• Strong and clear communicator
• Stakeholder management
• Strong collaborator and team ethos

Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 100,000 employees and sales of 27.3 billion euros in 2024, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets.

Safran is in the 2nd place in the aerospace and defense industry in TIME magazine's "World's best companies 2024" ranking.

Safran Seats is one of the world's leading manufacturers of aircraft seats, for both crew and passengers. 1 million Safran Seats-manufactured aircraft seats are currently in service with air fleets around the world.