Operations Planner

Tetra Tech, Inc.; Oxford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace & defence manufacturer is seeking an experienced Operations Planner to drive production efficiency and ensure timely delivery of high-quality products. As an Operations Planner, you'll shape manufacturing plans and align resources while collaborating closely with engineering and supply chain teams. Ideal candidates have 3–5 years of relevant experience and strong ERP/MRP knowledge, as well as a commitment to continuous improvement and quality standards. This role promises a dynamic work environment and a key position in a growing organization.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years’ experience in manufacturing planning or production control, ideally in aerospace/defence.
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement principles.
• Meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to quality.

Responsibilities

• Developing and maintaining detailed manufacturing plans and routings for aerospace components.
• Scheduling production orders based on customer demand and delivery deadlines.
• Collaborating with engineering to address deviations and non-conformance issues.

Skills

Manufacturing planning experience

Strong ERP/MRP experience

Confidence in interpreting engineering drawings

Understanding of lean manufacturing principles

Planning capability

Analytical problem-solving

Strong communication skills

Attention to detail

Education

Degree in Operations Management, Supply Chain, or similar

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

A leading aerospace & defence manufacturer is expanding and looking for an experienced Operations Planner to help drive production efficiency, optimise workflow and ensure customers receive high-quality, precision-engineered products on time. This is a key role within a growing organisation and perfect for someone who thrives in a fast‑paced, high‑mix, low‑volume environment and enjoys working closely with engineering, manufacturing and supply chain teams. As an Operations Planner, you will be responsible for shaping and maintaining the manufacturing plan, ensuring resources are aligned and production runs smoothly.

Responsibilities

• Developing and maintaining detailed manufacturing plans and routings for aerospace components and assemblies
• Scheduling and prioritising production orders based on customer demand and delivery deadlines
• Working with procurement and materials teams to secure timely availability of parts, tooling and consumables
• Monitoring WIP and proactively resolving bottlenecks or delays
• Collaborating with engineering to address deviations, rework and non‑conformance issues
• Supporting capacity planning, resource allocation and load levelling across production cells
• Maintaining accurate data in ERP/MRP systems
• Driving continuous improvement across planning and scheduling processes
• Ensuring compliance with ISO 9001 and wider aerospace quality standards

Required Qualifications

• 3–5 years’ experience in manufacturing planning or production control (ideally aerospace/defence)
• Strong ERP/MRP experience and familiarity with work order management
• Confident interpreting engineering drawings and technical specifications
• Solid understanding of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement principles
• Highly organised with excellent planning capability
• Analytical and proactive problem‑solver
• Strong communicator across engineering, production and supply chain teams
• Meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to quality

Desirable Qualifications

• Knowledge of ISO 9001, NADCAP, EASA/CAA requirements
• Understanding of aerospace materials, machining, assembly or design‑to‑production processes
• Degree in Operations Management, Supply Chain, Business Administration or similar
• Certifications such as APICS CPIM, Lean Six Sigma, PMP/Prince2
• Experience within CNC machining or aerospace assembly planning