Production Planner

SAAB UK LTD; Fareham; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Saab UK is seeking an experienced Production Planner to join our growing team. You will support development and implementation of production plans, coordinate materials and resources, and ensure timely delivery of products across cross‑functional areas including production, procurement, logistics and engineering.

You will work with cross‑functional teams to optimise efficiency, monitor inventory, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives while safeguarding our standards of quality and

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a production planner in a manufacturing environment, preferably in electrical assembly.
• Good analytical, problem-solving, and data reporting skills.
• Excellent communicator and ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment.
• Experience in using ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and MRP (Material Requirements Planning) systems.
• Detail-oriented with strong organisational skills to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.
• Good understanding on Microsoft Office applications (Word, PowerPoint and Excel).

Responsibilities

• Supporting daily tasks within the planning team.
• Collaborate with operational teams to develop and maintain production schedules and plans.
• Supporting the maintenance, and daily co-ordination of shop orders reserved and released from planning to production and stores.
• Support NCR requests and re‑work tickets for the shop floor.
• Control demand for materials and components based on production requirements.
• Coordinate with cross‑functional teams to ensure timely availability of materials and shop orders for production.
• Effectively communicate production plans, updates, and challenges to relevant parties.

Skills

Production planning

Analytical skills

Communication

ERP systems

MRP systems

Microsoft Office

Excel

Attention to detail

Tools

ERP

MRP

Job description

Introduction Saab UK is part of Scandinavia’s largest defence company, bringing together the best of Swedish and British innovation. Saab offers world‑leading solutions and services in defence, aviation, space, and civil security to keep people and society safe. Our UK presence has been growing at pace, meaning we can offer a wide range of opportunities for personal fulfilment and career growth. We currently employ over 600 people across eight sites in the UK, and our specialisations include software engineering, underwater robotics, radars, AI, and armed forces training. What you will be part of Saab is a leading defence and security company with an enduring purpose, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 28,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer and more sustainable world. Saab designs, manufactures and maintains advanced systems in aeronautics, weapons, command and control, sensors and underwater systems. Saab is headquartered in Sweden. It has major operations all over the world and is part of the domestic defence capability of several nations.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Production Planner to join our growing team. You will play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth and efficient production of our high‑tech products. As a Production Planner, you will be supporting development and implementation of production plans, coordinating materials and resources, ensuring the timely delivery of products. As a production planner, you will collaborate with various teams including production, procurement, logistics and engineering to optimise efficiency and achieve production goals.

Responsibilities

• Supporting daily tasks within the planning team.
• Collaborate with operational teams to develop and maintain production schedules and plans.
• Supporting the maintenance, and daily co‑ordination of shop orders reserved and released from planning to production and stores.
• Support NCR requests and re‑work tickets for the shop floor.
• Control demand for materials and components based on production requirements.
• Coordinate with cross‑functional teams to ensure timely availability of materials and shop orders for production.
• Effectively communicate production plans, updates, and challenges to relevant parties.

Inventory Support

• Monitor optimised inventory levels to meet production requirements to help minimise holding costs.
• Conduct regular inventory analysis to identify slow‑moving or obsolete stock.
• Coordinate with the stores team to ensure accurate stock counts and resolve any discrepancies.

Continuous Improvement

• Maintain a controlled release principle for shop orders, aligned to production capacity.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements, demand and cost savings in the procurement and planning functions.
• Support projects/initiatives towards implementing continuous improvement activities behind the production plan.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Proven experience and understanding as a production planner in a manufacturing environment, preferably in electrical assembly.
• Good analytical, problem‑solving, and data reporting skills.
• Excellent communicator and ability to work collaboratively in a cross‑functional team environment.
• Experience in using ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and MRP (Material Requirements Planning) systems.
• Detail‑oriented with strong organisational skills to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.
• Good understanding on Microsoft office applications (Word, PowerPoint and Excel).

Personal Attributes

• Proactive, hands‑on, and solutions‑focused person within a growing business.
• Strong communicator who thrives in changing production environment.
• Analytical thinker with attention to detail.
• Reliable, committed, and able to work autonomously.

By submitting an application to Saab UK you consent to undertaking workforce screening activities that may include but are not limited to: Baseline Personnel Security checks, National Security Vetting, reference checks, verification of working rights and in all circumstances preferred candidates will be placed through a security interview.

At Saab, you'll be empowered to make a real difference. Join colleagues worldwide who share one purpose – keeping people and society safe through innovative defence and security solutions. What makes that difference possible? You. We're a global leader in air, land and naval defence, civil security and commercial aeronautics, with approximately 28,000 employees across all continents. Our transformative approach combines deep expertise with continuous innovation – investing one‑fifth of our earnings in research and development to solve tomorrow's challenges today. But technology alone doesn't create safety. Your perspective, your skills, your contribution – that's what transforms possibility into reality. Here, diversity strengthens everything we do. You'll find unlimited opportunities to advance your career whilst maintaining balance in your life beyond work. We're committed to creating an inclusive environment where every person can fully focus on what matters.

Saab is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer – all qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will be considered without regard to race, colour, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran or disability status.