Production Planner

European Foundation for Business Qualification (EFBQ); Chester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in Farnborough is seeking an experienced Production Planner to develop production schedules and manage inventory levels. You will play a crucial role in ensuring timely delivery of projects while collaborating with various teams. The ideal candidate has over 5 years of experience in production planning within a project-based manufacturing environment. This role offers competitive pay and a supportive culture focused on growth and wellbeing.

Benefits

Flexible working

Supportive culture

Growth opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven experience in production or material planning (ideally 5+ years).
• Strong knowledge of production processes and supply chain management.
• Familiarity with aerospace manufacturing and regulatory standards.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain production schedules to meet customer demand.
• Manage inventory levels and coordinate material movement.
• Generate and analyze production reports and KPIs.

Skills

Production planning

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Organizational skills

Supply chain management

Excel proficiency

Tools

ERP systems (D365)

Data analysis tools

Job description

Overview

Production Planner - AALTO HAPS, Farnborough

Location: Farnborough (4 days a week on site)

Hours: 37 hours per week

Pay: £24.66 per hour PAYE / £33.00 per hour Umbrella

Security Clearance: BPSS+ (arranged by AALTO Security)

IR35: Inside

About AALTO
The Opportunity

About AALTO
At AALTO, we\'re not just building aircraft - we\'re shaping the future of stratospheric flight. Our world-leading, solar-electric Zephyr HAPS aircraft operates above 60,000 feet, delivering record-breaking endurance and pioneering new possibilities in global connectivity and Earth observation. Join a passionate, diverse team of innovators and help us connect the world from the stratosphere.

The Opportunity

As a Production Planner, you\'ll play a vital role in our manufacturing operations, ensuring our ambitious projects are delivered on time and to the highest standards. This is your chance to work at the cutting edge of aerospace technology, collaborating with experts and making a real impact on the future of connectivity.

What You\'ll Do

• Production Scheduling & Planning: Develop and maintain production schedules to meet customer demand and optimise resource use.
• Use ERP systems (including D365) to manage production and material orders, work orders, and requisitions.
• Monitor capacity and adjust plans to ensure deadlines are met.

• Inventory Management
  Track inventory levels and coordinate the movement of materials to prevent shortages or overstocking.
• Manage material requirements planning (MRP) for timely procurement.

• Data Analysis & Reporting
  Generate and analyse production reports and KPIs (on-time delivery, efficiency, inventory turnover).
• Forecast future production needs using historical data and demand trends.

• Collaboration
  Work closely with engineering, procurement, and quality teams to ensure materials meet specifications.
• Act as a key link between the production floor and management, communicating status and resolving issues.

• Continuous Improvement
  Identify and recommend process improvements to streamline operations.
• Participate in lean manufacturing initiatives and best practice sharing.

What We're Looking For

• Proven experience in production or material planning (ideally 5+ years, project-based manufacturing preferred).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organisational and time management abilities.
• In-depth knowledge of production processes, MRP, and supply chain management.
• Familiarity with aerospace manufacturing and regulatory standards (e.g., AS9100, FAA).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analysis tools.
• Engineering sector experience is highly desirable.
• We value experience over formal qualifications.

Why Join Us

• Flexible working for a healthy work-life balance.
• Supportive, inclusive culture where your growth and wellbeing matter.
• Be part of something extraordinary - help us shape the future of global connectivity.

AALTO HAPS is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of background or identity.