Lead Production Planner

James Fisher and Sons plc; Aberdeen City; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private Medical Insurance

Life Assurance

Cycle to work scheme

Company Pension

Job summary

James Fisher and Sons plc is seeking a Lead Production Planner in Westhill, Aberdeen. You will lead the UK Planning team, optimise schedules across sites, and ensure on‑time delivery while maintaining strong stakeholder collaboration and data‑driven improvement.

Role requires security checks and a proactive, problem‑solving mindset to balance demand, capacity and operational priorities in a fast‑paced environment.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in production planning within a complex manufacturing environment.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret data, identify trends and translate insights into actionable plans.
• ERP/MRP systems knowledge, including production planning, master data management and process optimisation.
• Advanced Excel or equivalent analytical tools, with forecasting, capacity planning and scenario modelling.
• Proven leadership experience, with the ability to develop high‑performing teams and drive continuous improvement.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management across all levels of the organisation.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, capacity planning and end‑to‑end supply chain processes.
• Ability to balance strategic planning objectives with day‑to‑day priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Proactive and solutions‑focused approach to identify risks and resolve complex challenges.

Responsibilities

• Lead the UK Production Planning team, driving planning excellence and aligning across sites.
• Act as the escalation point for planning challenges, resolving issues quickly to minimise disruption.
• Own planning KPIs and continuously improve delivery performance and planning maturity.
• Develop and maintain robust production schedules using MRP outputs to balance demand and capacity.
• Collaborate with Production, Procurement, Engineering and other stakeholders to ensure schedule adherence.
• Monitor production performance, identify bottlenecks and implement corrective actions to improve on‑time delivery.
• Analyse planning data to improve forecast accuracy and capacity planning capabilities.
• Create, release and manage complex works orders with traceability and planning integrity.
• Maintain and improve MRP master data for reliable planning systems.
• Produce capacity analyses and KPI reporting to inform operational and strategic decisions.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to standardise ways of working and drive performance.
• Build relationships with internal and external customers and provide timely updates.
• Coach and develop planners and operational colleagues to foster capability and a culture of improvement.

Job description

About the Role

Lead Production Planner Full-Time, Permanent Westhill, Aberdeen

Please note that this role requires security checks.

The Role:

As Lead Production Planner, you will play a pivotal role in optimising production performance, leading the planning team to balance customer demand, resource capacity and operational priorities while delivering exceptional service and on‑time results.

What you’ll be doing:

• Lead the UK Production Planning team, driving planning excellence, optimising scheduling performance and ensuring alignment across sites.
• Act as the key escalation point for planning‑related challenges, resolving issues quickly to minimise disruption and maintain operational continuity.
• Take ownership of planning KPIs, continuously improving delivery performance, planning effectiveness and operational maturity.
• Develop and maintain robust production schedules, using MRP outputs to balance demand, capacity and business priorities.
• Collaborate closely with Production, Procurement, Engineering and other key stakeholders to ensure schedule adherence, manage risks and support efficient delivery.
• Monitor production performance, identify bottlenecks and implement corrective actions to improve workflow, efficiency and on‑time delivery.
• Analyse planning and operational data to improve forecast accuracy, optimise resource utilisation and strengthen capacity planning capabilities.
• Create, release and manage complex works orders, ensuring high levels of accuracy, traceability and planning integrity.
• Maintain and continuously improve MRP master data, ensuring planning systems remain reliable, accurate and fit for purpose.
• Produce meaningful capacity analysis and KPI reporting, providing insights that support informed operational and strategic decision‑making.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives that enhance planning processes, standardise ways of working and drive operational performance.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external customers, providing timely updates and professional support.
• Coach, mentor and develop planners and operational colleagues, fostering capability, consistency and a culture of continuous improvement.

What we’re looking for:

• Extensive experience in production planning within a complex manufacturing environment, with a proven track record of delivering operational and customer‑focused results.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex data, identify trends and translate insights into actionable plans.
• Expert knowledge of ERP/MRP systems, including production planning, master data management and process optimisation.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel or equivalent analytical tools, with experience in forecasting, capacity planning and scenario modelling.
• Proven leadership experience, with the ability to develop high‑performing teams, drive accountability and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to influence and collaborate at all levels of the organisation.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, production constraints, capacity planning and end‑to‑end supply chain processes.
• Ability to balance strategic planning objectives with day‑to‑day operational priorities in a fast‑paced and changing environment.
• A proactive and solutions‑focused approach, with the ability to identify risks, resolve complex challenges and drive positive outcomes.
• Passion for continuous improvement, with experience implementing initiatives that enhance planning performance, efficiency and delivery reliability.
• Strong organisational skills, capable of managing multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.

Why join us?

• Early finish on Fridays
• Competitive salary and benefits package aligned with experience (Private Medical Insurance, Life Assurance, Cycle to work scheme, Company Pension, etc.)
• Clear pathways for career development and organisational visibility
• Inclusive and supportive culture that values individual contributions
• Meaningful work with impact across safety, innovation, and global operations

About Us:

James Fisher is a global engineering services company operating across Energy, Defence, and Maritime Transport. With a strong heritage in maritime operations, we now deliver innovative solutions in challenging environments. Our One James Fisher strategy is focused on building a unified, sustainable business within the Blue Economy, driving progress through technology, expertise, and collaboration.

Visit our website at: Home | James Fisher and Sons plc

For more information about our values and behaviours, follow the link: About us | James Fisher and Sons plc

James Fisher Defence (JFD), part of the James Fisher Group, is a global leader in underwater capability, delivering cutting‑edge diving, submarine rescue, and hyperbaric solutions to both commercial and defence markets. Operating worldwide, JFD is the foremost provider of submarine rescue services and a trusted name in submarine escape training. We’re also at the forefront of hyperbaric rescue innovation and a leading supplier of advanced diving equipment and saturation systems across the industry.

Explore more about JFD

At James Fisher and Sons, we are committed to taking positive action on diversity and strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and recognise that our success is driven by the talent and diversity of our workforce.

To support an accessible and inclusive recruitment experience in the UK, we partner with Vercida. You can learn more about our approach by visiting our company page: James Fisher and Sons diversity, inclusion, culture - VERCIDA