Operations Planning Manager

Defence iQ; West Yorkshire; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking an Operational / Production Planning Manager to enhance operational performance across various sites. The role involves managing schedules, building relationships, and using data to drive improvements. If you excel in dynamic environments and enjoy problem-solving, this position offers an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Build and manage a dynamic, consolidated schedule for manufacturing and testing activity.
• Resolve capacity and scheduling issues across teams and suppliers.

Skills

Communication

Data Analysis

Relationship Building

Tools

Excel

IFS ERP

PowerBI

Job description

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 real impact.

Please reach out for further detail, I would encourage you to apply for this role even if you find you don't have experience across all role points!