Operational Controller

Thompson Aero; Craigavon; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

33 days annual leave

Health cash plan

Pension scheme (salary sacrifice)

Cycle to Work Scheme

Learning & development

Job summary

Thompson Aero Seating in the United Kingdom is seeking a Production Controller for a 12–18 month fixed-term contract. You will own production control across assembly or manufacturing, manage MRP inputs, schedules and KPIs, and collaborate with planners to ensure on-time delivery.

The role requires MRP experience, strong Excel skills, and the ability to work under pressure. Responsibilities include coordinating with planners, maintaining MRP data, and driving continuous improvement in planning

Qualifications

• MRP experience is essential for production planning and control.
• Good level of MS Excel knowledge is required for reporting and analysis.
• Strong problem-solving skills are needed to resolve planning issues.
• Highly organised with ability to manage multiple tasks under pressure.
• Ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Own production control for assembly or manufacturing from planning to execution.
• Maintain and update MRP inputs, schedules, and work orders.
• Track KPIs and ensure customer delivery is met.
• Collaborate with planners and cross-functional teams to align demand and production.
• Lead problem-solving activities in WAR and other forums.
• Support stock-take and continuous improvement initiatives in planning.

Skills

MRP experience

MS Excel

Problem solving

Organised

Thrives under pressure

Education

GCSE A*-C (Maths & English)

Tools

MRP system

Job description

• Earnings: Salary discussed on application

This role is a fixed term contract for 12-18 months. Hours of work in line with Operations (06:30-14:45)

The post holder will be responsible for full ownership of production control for either assembly or manufacturing. This role will oversee the full production lifecycle from high level strategic planning through to value stream planning and scheduling and MRP maintenance thereafter. Key contributor to the PRR process in ensuring demand is coming to production in a ready state. Oversee the feedback from production on progress to plan whilst ensuring customer delivery is met. Applying continuous improvement methods in regard to planning/production control activities.

Responsibilities

• Link with planners within the department to ensure works orders created in line with planners’ tactical plan to support the production system
• Works order management from the MRP system to ensure MRP inputs are clean to support the production system
• Ownership of works order closure to support operational delivery – supported by planners in this activity as and when required
• Maintain the MRP system through reschedules and cancellations, liaising with stores/ops and mitigating risk through transactions performed
• Maintain daily and weekly KPIs against departmental deliverables
• Daily input into stores tactical plan movement after liaison with planners on any operational tactical movement within the production system and ensuring reflecting on internal processes that communicate with supply
• Development and maintenance of PRR process to ensure milestone readiness for production – linked with planners to highlight risk and ensure visible through WAR system where applicable
• Build and develop strong long-lasting collaborative relationships with the cross functional teams
• Attend Operational WAR to support problem solving activity to support achievement of the plan
• Carry out any other tasks necessary for the smooth running of the operational planning and control department, supporting peers by stepping in when required to address ad hoc or higher demand in other areas
• Problem solve production control issues prior to impact, ensuring the resolution supports both TAS and the customer
• Escalate to functional Lead on production control issues prior to internal and external customer impact so problem solving can occur, after all options for resolution have been exhausted
• Support in the weekly/monthly/annual stock take process inclusive of works order wip counts through generation of reports, circulation to area owners, management of closure per area within the time frame and transactions performed to support MRP signals
• Generation of other documents to include SWOI and load sequences
• Ensure all work is carried out in accordance with company procedures
• Ensuring health and safety requirements are always met

Reward

• Annual bonus (linked to company performance)
• 33 days annual leave (Increase after 5 years' service)
• 37.5 hours per week
• Health cash plan
• Contributory Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme
• Holiday Purchase Scheme - Salary Sacrifice
• Electric Car Scheme - Salary Sacrifice
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Competitive enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay
• IVF & Assisted Conception Policy
• Women in Business - CorporateMember
• Service Awards
• Local charity /sponsorship activities
• Dedicated employee parking
• Discounted Gym membership
• Learning and development opportunities

Requirements

• MRP experience and good level of MS Excel knowledge
• Educated to GCSE Level, Grades A*-C, or equivalent (including Maths & English)
• Previous experience in Production Control/Planning, preferably within a Manufacturing environment
• Previous experience in improving efficiencies
• Highly organised
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Ability to work well under pressure

We reserve theright to enhance criteria on shortlisting.

Thompson Aero Seating is an Equal Opportunities employer.

The closing date for applications is the 4th October 2026 at 17:00.