Operations Planning Manager

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

Job summary

A leading company in the Defense and Space Manufacturing sector is seeking an Operational / Production Planning Manager. This role is pivotal in ensuring operational performance across various sites. The ideal candidate will excel in data analysis, relationship building, and possess advanced Excel skills. Join a dynamic team where your contributions will directly impact customer delivery and operational efficiency.

Qualifications

• Advanced Excel skills and high data literacy.
• Experience working with ERP systems, strong reporting capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Translate technical requirements into achievable plans.
• Manage a dynamic schedule for manufacturing and testing activities.
• Resolve capacity and scheduling issues proactively.

Skills

Data Analysis

Relationship building

Leadership

Tools

Excel

IFS ERP

PowerBI

Job description

Direct message the job poster from Matchtech

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 for this role even if you don't meet all the experience points listed.

Desired Skills and Experience:

Operations Planning, Production Planning, Operations scheduling, OTIF delivery, Management, Dashboarding, ERP Systems, IFS, Data Analysis, Relationship building, Leadership.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Industries: Defense and Space Manufacturing