Operations Planning Manager

Defenceiq; London; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading company as an Operations Planning Manager, where you'll play a pivotal role in enhancing operational performance. This fast-paced, hybrid role requires strong data skills and relationship building to align planning with performance across teams.

Qualifications

• Strong reporting and data extraction capabilities.
• Experience in production planning or operations scheduling.

Responsibilities

• Translate technical requirements into achievable plans.
• Manage a consolidated schedule for manufacturing and testing.
• Draw insights from ERP systems to highlight performance.

Skills

Data Storytelling

Communication

Advanced Excel

Data Literacy

Relationship Building

Tools

IFS ERP

PowerBI

Job description

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Operational / Production Planning Manager

Location: Ealing or High Wycombe

Site requirements: Hybrid

Ready to lead from the centre of the action?

Are you a data-driven problem solver with a talent for turning complexity into clarity? Do you thrive at the heart of fast-paced operations, balancing people, plans, and performance? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you.

We're on the hunt for an Operational / Production Planning Manager to join a high-performing team and play a central role in delivering world-class operational performance across our clients' internal and external sites.

What You'll Do

• Be the glue between VP Operations, Production, Engineering, and Project Teams - translating technical requirements into clear, achievable plans.
• Build and manage a dynamic, consolidated schedule for all manufacturing and testing activity (think: master production scheduling at its best).
• Develop trusted relationships with external test partners, proactively managing capacity and delivery timelines.
• Use data smartly - draw insights from ERP systems (IFS) and spreadsheets to highlight OTIF (On time in Full) performance, risks, pinch points, and opportunities.
• Take decisive action - resolve capacity and scheduling issues across internal teams and external suppliers before they impact delivery.
• Continuously improve how we plan and perform, especially as we scale external testing.

What You'll Bring

• A natural relationship builder who communicates clearly across teams and levels.
• A true data storyteller - confident turning raw data into meaningful reports and insights.
• Advanced Excel skills and high data literacy - from analysis to modelling and dashboarding.
• Experience working with ERP systems (IFS is a plus), with strong reporting and data extraction capabilities.
• A knack for simplifying complexity and bringing structure to fast-changing operational environments.

Bonus Points For

• Experience in production planning, operations scheduling, or programme coordination in engineering/manufacturing.
• Familiarity with PowerBI and dashboard tools.
• Exposure to technical or engineering-based planning environments.
• Experience using IFS ERP.

Why Join Us?

You'll be joining a business where operations truly matter - where your ability to align planning with performance will shape how we deliver for customers around the world. It's a fast-moving, collaborative role with the freedom to improve, innovate, and make a real impact.

Please reach out for further details. We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet all the role points!

Seniority level

• Entry level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Management and Manufacturing

Industries

• Strategic Management Services