Production Planning Lead — Optimize Schedules & On-Time Delivery

James Fisher and Sons plc; Elrick; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Early finish on Fridays

Private Medical Insurance

Life Assurance

Cycle to work scheme

Company Pension

Job summary

James Fisher is seeking a Lead Production Planner to drive planning excellence across UK sites. You will balance demand, capacity and priorities while maintaining on-time delivery and exceptional service.

You will lead the planning team, own KPIs and collaborate with Production, Procurement and Engineering, ensuring robust schedules and continuous improvement in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in production planning within a complex manufacturing environment.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret data and translate insights into plans.
• Expert knowledge of ERP/MRP systems and master data management.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and forecasting, capacity planning and scenario modelling.
• Proven leadership to develop high-performing teams and drive continuous improvement.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills across levels.

Responsibilities

• Lead the UK Production Planning team, driving planning excellence and alignment across sites.
• Act as the escalation point for planning challenges to minimise disruption.
• Own planning KPIs and continuously improve delivery performance.
• Develop and maintain robust production schedules using MRP outputs.
• Collaborate with Production, Procurement, Engineering and other stakeholders to ensure schedule adherence.
• Monitor performance, identify bottlenecks and take corrective actions for on-time delivery.
• Analyse planning data to improve forecast accuracy and resource utilisation.
• Create, release and manage complex works orders with high accuracy.

Skills

Leadership experience

Analytical skills

Forecasting

Stakeholder management

Excel

Problem solving

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

James Fisher is seeking a Lead Production Planner to drive planning excellence across UK sites. You will balance demand, capacity and priorities while maintaining on-time delivery and exceptional service.

You will lead the planning team, own KPIs and collaborate with Production, Procurement and Engineering, ensuring robust schedules and continuous improvement in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.